Volume 21, Issue 1 February / March 2011 FREE

ConNotationsThe Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society A Chat with Featured Inside Regular Features Adamby ChrisNiswander Paige Special Features Not all who SF Tube Talk A Chat with wander All the latest news about Adam niswander are lost. Scienc Fiction TV shows by Chris Paige (Tolkien). by Lee Whiteside Adam Farewell Niswander, 24 Frames It’s the very nearly 50th a Phoenix- All the lastest genre movie news Anniversary of based writer, by Jeffrey Lu is the author Rocky the Flying Squirrel and of the Bullwinkle J. Moose - Part 11 supernatural Pro Notes By Shane Shellenbarger thrillers News about The Charm, An Amercan on the The Serpent genre authors and fans Slayers, Iberian Peninsula The Hound by Jeffrey Lu Hunters, Costume Closet The Sand © Michael Contos Articles Covering Topics of Plus Dwellers, interest in the constuming field The Repository, The Cost of the Tempe, AZ. FYI Cure, and most recently, The NonGenre By Genre News and tidbits of interest to fans War of the Whisperers. Some CP: So, we’re at MythosCon. Is it years ago, Adam had an Idea: what you dreamed? Non SF/F books by SF/F Authors he wished to revive the tradition AN: Yes, it is. (Laughs) Three CASFS Business Report years of getting to this point; on of a convention dedicated to the ConClusion heritage of H.P. Lovecraft. Health Thursday afternoon when it opened Club Listings issues and accompanying financial up was a really exciting day. News and Reviews Convention List & setbacks kept the Idea a ghost of SF/F conventions Generic Registration Form of a dream; nevertheless, at any CP: Did most of the invited Arizona convention you attended, authors arrive on Wednesday? MangaZone CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT there was Adam, in a wheelchair AN: The two main people, Ramsey now, still happily and eruditely Campbell and Robert Price, Reviews of Manga, Comics & Graphic For current movie reviews on socializing, the Idea alive in his came in on Tuesday, actually. We Novels opening day and additonal mind. Came a turning point, and he brought them in early because original online content in resolved that, come what may, he we didn’t know about weather In Our Book between print issues. including would labour to make MythosCon and airports and wanted a day of additional BOOK and VIDEO leeway and to give them a chance Reviews of New SF/F Books reviews posted on the 15th of a reality. Three years in the February, April, June, August, making, MythosCon gathered to to catch up from jetlag. Most October and December itself some of the best writers of everyone else came on Thursday. Trivia Questions Normally Thursdays at a con is Lovecraftian horror on January www.casfs.org/ConNotations/Index-CN.html

6th, 2011, at the Mission Palms in a really week day, but here at

( Cont’d on page 3 )

Current Resident or Resident Current

Phoenix, AZ Phoenix,

Permit 839 Permit Phoenix, AZ 85082 AZ Phoenix,

PAID PO Box 62613 Box PO

US Postage US Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society Fiction Speculative Arizona Central

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Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 1 In This Issue Pick up your copy of ConNotations at the following locations News & Reviews Who is Who in this Issue SF Tube Talk 3 BOOK STORES COMIC STORES Pro Notes 5 Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon Bards Books All About Comics 24 Frames 7 Assistant to the Editor: Gary Swaty 3508 N. 7th St,Ste. 145, Phoenix, AZ Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer 5060 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ ConClusion 7 Film Editor: Craig L Dyer 85014 (602)274-7530 (602) 277-0757 FYI 8 Film Critic: Bob LaPierre Bent Cover Bookstore Ash Avenue Comics & Books Costume Closet 10 Promotions Directors: Len Berger, Rich- 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 810 S. Ash, Tempe, AZ (480) 858-9447 Trivia Questions 10 ard Bolinski, Craig L Dyer 85029 (602) 942-5932 Atomic Comics Non Genre by Genre 11 Advertising: Catherine Book Book Gallery MangaZone 12 Proof Readers: Catherine Book, Bob 1120 S. Country Club, Ste. 105, Mesa, LaPierre & Gary Swaty 3643 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ AZ 85210 (480) 649-0807 In Our Book (Book Reviews) 13 Reporters: Craig L Dyer, Jeffrey Lu 85018 (602)468-0400 12621 N. Tatum, Phoenix, AZ 85032 CASFS Business Report 20 Staff Writers: Pam Allen, Nadine Arm- 50 W. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 (602) 923-0733 strong, Stephanie L Bannon, Catherine (480) 835-0757 2815 W. Peoria #112, Phoenix, AZ Special Features Book, Shane Bryner, Craig L. Dyer, M.L. Book Krazy 85029 (602)395-1066 A Chat with Adam Niswander Fringe, Michael Griffin, Bob LaPierre, 1601E Bell #4-5, Phoenix , AZ 85022 by Chris Paige 1 Jeffrey Lu, Christina Paige, Shane Shel- 3155 W. Chandler Blvd #5, Chandler lenbarger, Gary Swaty, Tom Tuerff, Lee (602)867-1018 AZ 85226 (480)940-6061 It’s the 50th Anniversary of Rocky and Whiteside, Randall Whitlock Bookmans Comic Zone Bullwinkle - Part 11 Contributors: 1056 S. Country Club, Mesa, AZ 85210 5909 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, by Shane Shellenbarger 11 Layout & Design: Stephanie L. 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Page 2 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 had a title change from New Earth people. But if we can make George in mid-January before this went SF Tube Talk to Miracle Day. The “Miracle” happy and we can make ourselves to press, so how it did ratings in question is that on that day, no happy, as incredible fans of the wise will be discussed next issue. TV News & Previews one in the entire world dies. And book, I think we feel confident that According to interviews with the By Lee Whiteside so for the next day, and the day we’ll make the vast majority of the producers, they intend to use the Advance word on upcoming episodes after that. As it continues, people readers happy.” Weiss added “it’s original UK series as a base for the seems to be hard to find in this begin to realize the implications easy to respect the fanbase, when overall season arc, but will delve new year, so we’ve got a bit of a of it leading to overpopulation you are the fanbase. I feel like into the characters and situations preview of things coming down the now that everyone is, effectively, the fact that people occasionally in more detail, expanding the pike along with a few tidbits about immortal. As C.I.A. agent Rex get angry about something is ideas and situations seen in the things you’ll be watching in the Matheson (Mekhi Phifer) begins great. You don’t get angry about original six episodes over the next couple of months. to investigate what has caused this something unless it matters to you, thirteen episode US season. But BBC America’s day and date to happen, he starts to discover unless you care about it. By and having watched the UK series broadcasts of the Doctor Who information about the mysterious large, 95% I would say, it’s a very does not mean what you will see Christmas special “A Christmas group Torchwood. Alexa Havins respectful and intelligent fanbase.” in the US series is familiar. They Carol” and the debut of season is C.I.A. agent Esther Drummond Smallville continues on diverge down different story four of Primeval on Jan 1st appears who is a novice compared to Rex, towards the series finale with new paths; since it is an adaptation, and to have paid off for the channel but soon gets drawn into the global episodes in February including not just a remake of the original with decent ratings. The last two conspiracy that Rex uncovers Beacon, which sees the return of series. UK series creator Toby episodes of Primeval’s fourth and they join together with Jack Martha Kent (Annette O’Toole), Whithouse has been involved series will air in early February Harkness (John Barrowman) and Lionel Luthor (John Glover) with the Syfy version to some with the fifth series (being filmed Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles) on a and Alexander Luthor (Lucas extent. Syfy will air Being Human back to back) possibly turning up race from one crisis to another, Grabeel). Martha is seen at a on Monday nights for now with before the end of the year. For the taking them from Washington to pro-vigilante rally while Lionel Merlin season 3 running on Friday new season of Doctor Who, it is Wales and Shanghai. Also featuring comes out from behind the nights following Friday Night expected to start up sometime in is Bill Pullman as Oswald Danes, shadows to take control back of Smackdown. The rest of the third March but could debut sometime a child killer sentenced to death LuthorCorp. Allison Mack will season deals with Morgana’s rise in April. BBC America is planning who is one of the many people who also continue in these episodes to power as Queen of Camelot and to show the episodes the same don’t die when they are supposed after having returned as Chloe the epic battle with Arthur and date as the UK and with the to making him a media focus for Sullivan in January’s Collateral. Merlin resisting it with Arthur in season opening two-parter being Miracle Day. Arlen Tur is Dr. Vera The remaining episodes in line to become King at the end of set in the US and having filmed Jaurez, a surgeon who is brought February have titles Masquerade, the season. in Monument Valley, expect to in to advise on the new status quo Fortune, and Scion, but no actual It is not clear when Eureka see a big promotional push as it and gets drawn into the action details about what’s to happen in will return for the second half of its gets closer. The season opener with Torchwood. Writers on the them although it is likely more fourth season, although it is likely sees The Doctor, Amy, Rory, series include Jane Espensen, will happen with Darkseid. When it could be sometime in March. and River Song the Doctor being John Shiban, and Doris Egan. the show returns in April for the Expect to see Wil Wheaton and summoned to the United States in Filming has started and the series final batch of episodes, it should Felicia Day in multiple episodes. the late 1960’s with the Utah desert is expected to debut in early July lead off with the Geoff Johns Syfy also announced that Stargate (although some of it was filmed on Starz and the BBC. penned Booster, which will Universe will not be renewed in Arizona), New York City, and Also coming to Starz is introduce Booster Gold and Jaime for a third season and has not yet the Oval Office being locations Camelot, an adult take on the Reyes (The Blue Beetle) into the indicated when the remaining as The Doctor and companions Camelot legend, debuting on the Smallville universe. According season two episodes will air. For deal with Men in Black (led by channel on April 1. Leading the to Johns, Booster will be very Caprica, Syfy ran a mini marathon Mark Sheppard as Canton Evertt cast is Joseph Fiennes as Merlin, much the early Booster Gold as of the last episodes to burn them Delaware III) and who knows Jamie Campbell Bower as Arthur, seen in the comics, out to make off. Syfy apparently thinks Being what else. After that is the episode Eva Green as Morgan, and Tamsin a buck as a super hero and pretty Human will be a hit, so they’ve penned by Neil Gaiman for which Eggerton as Guinevere. The series full of himself. Supernatural and ordered a pilot for a remake of there isn’t much known other than begins with the aftermath of the Vampire Diaries both will run Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), a plot point from the War Games is death of King Uther, where Merlin new episodes through February. an ITV series from the sixties revisited and Gaiman has blogged reveals the heir to the throne, First up for Supernatural is that was recently remade in the that “”My Doctor Who episode is Arthur, who takes on the mantle Unforgiven where Sam starts to UK. Jane Espenson and Drew Bigger [than his Babylon 5 episode of King in the face of opposition have flashbacks to when he worked Z. Greenberg will write the pilot Day of the Dead] in every way, from his half-sister Morgan. Starz with Samuel (Mitch Pileggi) when script and if it goes to series, it inside and outside: I’ve asked them promises that “Forget everything Dean was missing and when Sam will be a co-production between for the impossible, and they’ve you think you know…this is the receives a mysterious message, he Universal and ITV. Randall and knocked themselves out to give it story of Camelot that has never and Dean visit a small town where Hopkirk (Deceased) is based to me, and when they can’t they’ve been told before.” Of course, they find out more about Samuel. on the popular British detective managed to somehow give me the Syfy is currently airing the third Following that will be episodes series from the late 1960s in very improbable.” There will be series of the BBC’s Merlin (aka Mannequin 3: The Reckoning and which Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope) four more episodes on tap as a lead Camelotville) which takes a much The French Mistake. An upcoming was murdered while investigating up to the mid-season cliffhanger. younger approach to the Camelot Supernatural episode will see Sam a case. He returned as a ghost, These include What Are Little Boys mythos. and Dean end up in an alternate visible only to his former partner, Made of? written by Mark Gatiss, Debuting on April 17th on universe where they are the stars Randall (Mike Pratt), and assisted and The Rebel Flesh/Gangers by HBO will be A Game of Thrones, of the TV show Supernatural him in sleuthing from beyond Matthew Graham. The series based on the George R. R. Martin including a guest appearance by the grave. ITV remade the series will then resume in the Fall with series. At the Television Critics Genevieve Cortese, Jared (Sam) a decade ago which ran for two the remaining six episodes of the Association winter press tour, Padalecki’s real life wife. Expect seasons. season. HBO screened a preview of the to see other behind-the-scenes Also coming up on BBC series for the press which was crew in front of the camera in this A Conversation America will be Outcasts, a well received by both fans and the episode. As for Vampire Diaries (Cont’d from page 1) new series from the creators of general press. In a press roundtable spoilers, there’s not much beyond Opening Ceremonies we had 75 Life on Mars and MI-5 which with producers David Benioff the tease that Bonnie and Jeremy people sitting in front of us and I is about a group of pioneers that and Dan Weiss, when asked about will share a kiss! thought it was great. have traveled to the new planet the pressure in making the series On ABC, V returned to Carpathia to try to create a place with the rabid fanbase, David lukewarm ratings for its shortened CP: Did you have a chance to talk where the human race can continue commented that it is “not just with (10 episode) season. Whether the with Ramsey Campbell and ask to survive. It stars Eric Mabius, the fans, but with George who appearance of original series actor burning questions? Liam Cunningham (President entrusted these books to us and Jane Badler and Marc Singer AN: I’ve met Ramsey multiple Tate), and Hermione Norris. Also for ourselves who had such a great will boost the series is unknown times. He was at the 2004 World on tap likely following the spring time reading the books and not at press time. Expect to see Oded Horror Con and we did the pre-reg Doctor Who run will be the new wanting to screw it up. It’s a huge Fehr in a three episode arc as a panel the night before it started. season of the original UK version thing. But you are always going to resistance member. No Ordinary He was in New York at the World of Being Human. have trolls out there who are going Family continues as well with Fantasy Convention and he signed The new season of Torchwood to be angry about something. You steady, if unspectacular ratings. started filming in January, and has can’t try to please 100% of the Syfy’s Being Human debuted (Cont’d on page 4 ) Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 3 A Conversation Larry Niven, and Jerry Pournelle, it! Perfectly calmly she put on the author dies. Robert Jordan didn’t ( Cont’d from page 3 ) and David Gerrold, about a dozen tee shirt and said, “Okay, here!” get to finish The Wheel of Time writers all told. He was so shocked that he just sat series, which is brilliant, so Brian a box or two of books for me. He’s there with his mouth open. One of Sanderson is finishing it up at the a delightful and charming person CP: What were so many authors the guys near him leaned forward request of Jordan’s wife and the – his wife is charming too. doing at a Gaming convention? and said, “Larry – it begins with an estate. And Gordon Dickson had a AN: They were being paid by the L.” wonderful series, which I consider CP: What made this convention convention to go, but there were no to be probably the most literate possible? fans, so they were being ignored. CP: With your own books, is there science fiction ever written, called AN: Well, there used to But the convention had agreed to anything you wish you had done The Child Cycle. The premise be a convention called the pay their bar tab, and they were differently, anything you’d like to of the series is that mankind has NecronomiCon which was held having drinks brought up like there change? a group consciousness which is in Providence, Rhode Island. was no tomorrow. The minute my AN: The first book, The Charm, debating with itself which is the They did it every other year for butt hit that chair they treated me is a key book because it introduces best way for humanity to evolve. about a decade, and then it went like I was one of them. I had not all the characters in the series. Therefore it experiments. It tries away. 2001 was the year that it been published, I was a newbie. So But if I were smart I wouldn’t a direction and then tries another just disappeared. People missed it was very cool. have written it the way I did. 13 direction. The story is supposed it! But Lovecraftian stuff is kind main characters is a lot of main to start with a historical general of a small pond; there just weren’t CP: What was Van Vogt like? characters to handle in one story. who is considered the first modern enough fish to make it happen AN: He had an Alzheimer’s like If I had been more experienced I general. Gordon had written twelve again. problem. He had a tricky memory would have written about one or books or so, and still hadn’t written I went to the Providence HPL film and could get disoriented. But two instead of 13. But I did, and it that initial book. In 1993 at World festival and caught pneumonia he had all kinds of devices that I turned out moderately well. Some Fantasy in Minneapolis I was in there and it almost killed me, learned from, too. He had a cheat people don’t like the stand-alone the audience and I asked, “When so I realized I couldn’t go back sheet with all the titles of all his novel The Sand Dwellers because the heck are you going to write the there again and that was a big books, and there were about 90 of it’s a tribute to Brian Lumley, and book? The beginning isn’t there.” deal because that was the only them, each one with an inscription. there’s a faction of the mythos And he said, “I’ll finish it by the Lovecraftian event I could find. If you triggered his memory he people who don’t like him. So end of next year.” But he never got Otherwise, to see the people you could hold forth for a long time. the fact that I resurrected one to it, and he died a decade later. I’ll see here this weekend, I would It was a very odd affliction. I was of his characters and dealt with never forgive him for that! have to go to thirty conventions sitting in the audience next to his Myskatonic University and the over several years just to meet wife when he was on a panel with Cthulhu cycle deities, and that’s CP: How did you start writing? them, and some of them I wouldn’t Jim Hogan and Harry Harrison for all Brian Lumley stuff, meant that AN: I was living with a delightful have met at all. For example, Dan Pournelle’s There Will Be War. I some of the purists who don’t care lady at the time and I showed her Clore, who wrote a wonderful was feeling terribly awkward but for that suddenly didn’t like me the first chapter of The Charmed. book called Weird Words, which I leaned over and said, “Lydia, either. Everybody’s got their own She asked me, “What do you deals with Lovecraftian language, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m thing. It’s not a big deal. know about the Pima Indians?” hasn’t been to a convention since embarrassed to ask, but I have two and I said, “Not much,” and she NecronomiCon. Mark Boniece cases of your husband’s books. Do CP: Do you have more stories in demanded, “Then how dare you and I talked about it and I said, you think he would sign some of mind? write about them?!” I protested, “This is what I’ve always wanted them for me?” But in the middle of AN: Well, I have lung disease and “It’s just a story!” She said, “Yeah, to do,” and he said, “Well, let’s do the discussion Van had an incident, not enough oxygen gets to the attic. but if you don’t know anything it!” And I thought about it, and I he almost fainted, and he was I have some challenges keeping about the tribe you can’t write said, “Okay, let’s!” I had just done taken up to his room to let him lie track of all the fine points of plot about them!” And of course she a reverse mortgage on my house down for a while and recover a and detail that I used to be able to was right. So I was quite chastised because I had to buy handicapped bit. He had been gone about five do off the top of my head. There’s and I put it in a drawer for 3 years. equipment, and there was enough minutes, and everyone was going, another Shaman Cycle novel that’s She moved on with her life and one money left to do the funding to Oh, dear, oh, dear! when a runner written. I had planned originally day I pulled it out of the drawer make this work. So we did! came down and said to me, “Mrs. to do 13; four are out, and the and I said, “I still like this chapter. CP: Earlier on we were Van Vogt wants you to know that fifth one is called The Nemesis of Maybe I better do the research. reminiscing. Could you just they’ll meet you in the Green Night. The story is good, and I’m Maybe that’s the way you go.” describe some great moments in Room in one hour and sign all your excited about having Hippocampus So I began to research the various your life? books.” And I was just so amazed! publish it. I’ve actually started the tribes. I think I read 213 books. AN: In ‘86 at CopperCon 6 I had They were wonderful people. next book, which is going to be All of them about the various met James P. Hogan, and for some Lydia would say, “Oh, come to called The Primal Pipers, but I’m southwestern tribes and their reason we just hit it off. We were visit us in California. We live under not sure I’m going to be able to cultures, some of them written very friendly and we enjoyed the W of the Hollywood sign, just finish it, at least not without some by the People. One of the great hanging out together. At one point knock on the door. We’re there help. Mark Boniece, who is the 100 American books is A Pima he told me I was one of the more all the time and we’d love to have MythosCon chairman and lead the Remembers, by George Webb. So I talented people he had talked with you.” I never went, but they invited Cthulhu Prayer Breakfast, is my named one of the main characters at the con, and of course I was very everybody, and many people did assistant and wants to write. So in The Charmed Andy Webb. flattered. He knew I was trying go. it works out pretty well. He will Then I had a used book store in to be a writer, and in 87 when help me keep track of things and the Tower Plaza Mall. I had a lot we went to University 7 in LA, it CP: Would you repeat the story hopefully we’ll make progress on of customers who were Native turned out the convention was not about Larry Niven and the tee the book. American, so I was able to talk to what I thought it was – it was a shirt? CP: Perfect! So he’ll get credit on them and ask them questions. I’d gaming convention! I had been told AN (laughing): We have a local the cover? ask them about locales, because it was a science fiction convention, fan in Phoenix who has a tee shirt, AN: This one will be ‘with Mark I was poor, and unable to travel. so I went as a book dealer. I set pretty much a plain white shirt. She Boniece’; the next one he’ll have So I would read guide books up my table and waited, and there has sewed a red velvet bag with a a lot more input and it will be ‘and and interview people, to put my was nobody there. The dealer’s zipper to keep it in. For maybe 20 Mark Boniece.’ Then if I croak characters in a realistic setting. room was empty, except for the years now she has been bringing he can pick up the series and do other dealers. And Hogan stuck it to cons and asking the Guests of the rest of the books. He has my CP: What was your life before his head in and looked and said, Honor to sign it. At this particular permission. writing? “Adam! Wot are you doing here?” con I think it was WesterColt 45, AN: I come from an acting and I said, “I’m trying to sell Anne McCaffrey was there, and CP: If I were a writer and had a background; I was a professional books.” He said, “You’re not going Larry Niven. She wanted Larry to 13 book series in mind I would actor for 17 years. I was able to to sell any books here! This is a sign the shirt, and she walked up like to know that someone knew go to a pre-production road show Gaming convention! They’re all to him with it in the bag and said, enough and cared enough to finish of A Little Night Music and I got in the Gaming Room and we’re “Would you sign my tee shirt?” what I couldn’t finish. I wouldn’t to meet Margaret Hamilton. That not going to see them all weekend. and Larry said, “Sure,” and she be on my deathbed trying to claw was the first time I gushed over a Come on up to the Green Room started taking it out of the bag, but my way back to life saying, “No, I celebrity. With her it was like I was with the writers!” And it was like he said, “I only sign shirts when can’t go yet! I’m not done! a little baby. “Oh, Miss Hamilton! God inviting me to heaven! I got people are wearing them.” So she AN: Unfortunately, many series I just love everything you’ve done! to sit in the Green Room with A.E. whipped off her blouse, but she end prematurely because the Van Vogt, and Harry Harrison, and didn’t have anything on underneath (Cont’d f on page 5 ) Page 4 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 A Conversation almost 40 years. It will not be for Stone Skin Press, will feature Ed’s Penguin Putnam group) This fall (Cont’d from page 4) sale; he plans to donate it to the short story “The Midnight Knight.” “The Last Dragon” (YA graphic The Wicked Witch of the West is Bodleian Library in Oxford. The With Dragon Moon Press Editor novel with pictures by Rebecca just so cool!” I was like that, going Bodleian will shortly be publishing and Associate Publisher Gabrielle Guay, DarkHorse) and possibly on and on, and she reached out and a collection of Brian’s essays. Just Harbowy, Ed is also co-editing this fall but more probably next hugged me. She pulled me close before Christmas, he had a grand an anthology entitled “When The year, the sequel to her first graphic and said, “Shut up.” The other time exhibition in Oxford of much of Hero Comes Home,” due out in novel “Foiled.” Called “Curses, I gushed was over Robert Heinlein. his artwork (96 pieces). If not trade paperback from Dragon Foiled Again” out from First/ The same thing. “Oh, Mr. Heinlein! profitable, at least immensely Moon Press in the summer of 2011. Second part of the Holt/Macmillan Your work is so wonderful!” On enjoyable and brilliant publicity. It will include Ed’s short story group. She also has a book of and on. And he said, “Shut up.” Right now his literary agent “Dark Helm Returns.” Ed is also fantasy poetry from Midsummer’s (laughs) I have learned that that is bravely tussles with two sets of currently designing and writing Night Press, tentatively titled “The a standard response to gushing. publishers, both planning modern about a dozen other contracted Selchie’s Child” and three poems ways of displaying and selling game and fiction projects that still in the new Bordertown anthology. CP: Have you had any experience books. In the midst of this struggle belong to the “publishers more-or- Still on the eastcoast and from at this convention that stands out? bubbles the novel, “Finches of less-kept secret” species right now. New York, one of my personal AN: After three years of work Mars”, which Brian longs to see Also from Canada, is another favorites is Anne Bishop. 2010 and desperate hope that we did presented to what readers he has. of my personal favorites – Robert was an exciting year for Anne! enough things right for people to Including maybe some he hasn’t... Sawyer. His 20th novel, “WWW: “Shalador’s Lady” made the New have a wonderful time, I can’t tell Ed Greenwood, living in Wonder,” comes out April 6, and York Times bestsellers list in the you how many participants have Canada, is happily at work on he just signed a contract for three U.S., and was also published in come up to me and thanked me “Elminster Enraged,” the sequel to more stand-alone novels with Ace. Australia and Portugal. She also for having the convention. The “Bury Elminster Deep” (due out {Way to go!} had books published in the Czech plan was to do an international in hardcover in August 2011, and Starting from our eastcoast, Republic, France, Germany, and professional convention at which itself the sequel to the bestselling Allen Steele in Massachusetts Poland. And 2010 saw the release fans would be welcome, and to do “Elminster Must Die!” that he tell us that his next novel will be of several audio books, both in it with a sense of humor. Because told us about last time he checked “Hex,” the third novel set in the the U.S. and in Germany. 2011 the mythos is fiction! It’s not real. in). It’s the third of his current COYOTE universe after” Spindrift should be just as exciting. The U.S. For example, this morning we had six-book contract with Wizards and Galaxy Blues.” It will hardcover edition of “Twilight’s a Cthulhu Prayer Breakfast with of the Coast. The Wizards of coming out in June as a hardcover Dawn”--four connected novellas acolytes singing hymns to Cthulhu the Coast website continues to from Ace. This will be his 25th set in the BLACK JEWELS with very strange lyrics and a host Ed’s monthly “Eye On The published book (not counting world--is coming out in March. Cthulhu idol in the background. Realms” column (part of the the unpublished novel he wrote (It will also be released this year The description in the guide says, DUNGEON ezine), and will soon while in college mumblemumble in Australia and Portugal.) Other “Begin by placing your tongue feature his annual “Spin A Yarn” years ago), making it a personal BLACK JEWELS books will be in your cheek.” And it went very tale, composed from all the story landmark. Allen has been published in France (The Invisible well. People laughed in the right elements and ideas shouted out by celebrating by taking a break Ring), Germany (Shalador’s Lady), places. Ed’s seminar audience at the long- from novels and returning to short and Poland (The Invisible Ring and running GenCon every August in fiction; four stories appeared last The Shadow Queen), and there will CP: Do you want to try to repeat Indianapolis. Ed’s novelette “Guns year in Asimov’s and Analog, and be more audio books, both in the the experience in another few of Alkenstar,” set in the shared he’s currently working on several U.S. and in Germany. Right now years? world of Golarion, is currently more. “The Emperor of Mars”, Anne is finishing up a story set AN: I want to do it again next being serialized in six parts on published in the June 2010 issue of in EPHEMERA, which is due in year. But we probably will do it the Paizo.com website, part of Asimov’s, will be reprinted in The March. After that? She says she’s in a different month. This year we their PATHFINDER TALES web Year’s Best Science Fiction, edited playing with some story ideas and invited 75 authors, and most of fiction series. Ed is also involved by Gardner Dozois, and its recent will have to see which one floats to them agreed to come. At the last in “Foreshadows: The Ghosts of StarShipSofa podcast will reappear the surface first. minute, with the snow storms and Zero”, an anthology of linked in the upcoming AudioText And from Michael Swanwich health problems and the like, many dark SF tales, art, and music anthology The Best Science in Pennysylvania – he just turned of them had to drop out, but we (each story has its own art and Fiction of the Year #3, edited by in “Dancing With Bears,” the still had 45 of the finest mythos an accompanying new musical Allan Kaster. Also hailing from adventures of Postutopian con men writers in the world show up, and composition), that can be found Massachusetts is Jane Yolen who Darger & Surplus in Moscow, to if we do it next year, I think we can at www.foreshadows.net, and has two fantasy books out this year Night Shade Books. It will hit the double the membership and the will be published in early 2011 definitely and one other possibly. stands on May 1st. To promote number of pros. by Blindsided Books. Ed’s story This spring, “Snow in Summer: the book, Michael wrote a series is entitled “Best Served Flash- An Appalachian Snow White” (YA CP: On behalf of us all, thank-you Frozen.” Ed will also have a story, novel, Philomel Books, part of the (Cont’d on page 6 ) for MythosCon. “Daggers In AN: You’ve very welcome. Her Garters,” in “Beauty Has Her Way. . .,” an anthology of Pro Notes stories about Hi, Everyone! Thanks for women across reading ConNotations and my the ages using column. No new faces but some their assets to old favorites are back. My best get what they wishes for a happy and prosperous want edited New Year to all. by Jennifer I’ll start with the most distant Brozek and of my contributors and by that expected I mean geographically: Brian in early Aldiss from the UK complains of 2011 from how busy he is; wishing he had his Dark Quest feet up with a book in his lap but Books. The is, instead, getting towards the end forthcoming of a work-biography entitled “As anthology I was passing Through Oxford...” “The New He is also working on a difficult Hero” (edited story set in Beijing. And his by Robin D. Great Work (well, in size if not in Laws), the stature) has now reached Volume first release 69! This is mainly a hand-written (in early Journal, A5, hardcover, illustrated. 2011) from Brian has been working on it for

Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 5 Don completed another of their Doranna Durgin has Navarro and Weston Ochse, Pro Notes few collaborative paintings. It is completed her series of moves to also from Arizona. “Highborn,” (Cont’d from page 5 ) titled “Changing Tides.” Janny and within New Mexico (formerly the first novel in Yvonne’s DARK of short podcasts in which Darger originally intended the work for from Arizona), and is finally settled REDEMPTION Series, was & Surplus explain “How To Run The World Fantasy Convention in the Tijeras Canyon area east published by Pocket/Juno in A Con.” In the recordings, he program book cover when she was of Albuquerque, where rugged October 2010. The second book plays the part of Surplus and his the Artist Guest in Tempe. AZ. landscape and barebacking riding in the series, “Concrete Savior,” fellow fantasist Gregory Frost is The convention theme was women through arroyos feeds her muse. will be coming out in June 2011. simply magnificent as Darger. He in fantasy. However, a writing Her SENTINEL series (Nocturne She and husband Weston Ochse also has a number of stories due deadline took precedence and the Paranormals) is going strong, with will be at World Fantasy in Austin, out in the coming months: “An painting was unfinished at the time two new installments pending, Texas this May. Dark Regions Empty House with Many Doors” of the convention. It lurked in the and there’s a new DEMON Press is publishing “Multiplex and “For I Have Lain Me Down studio until Don asked Janny if she BLADE series (also Nocturne) in Fandango,” Weston’s first-ever on the Stone of Loneliness and I’ll minded if he added some things production. “Storm of Reckoning,” solo fiction collection. Containing Not Be Back Again” in Asimov’s to it. She agreed and added some sequel to the Tor Paranormal “The sixteen stories with an introduction Science Fiction; “The Man in more to the work and after lurking Reckoners,” is out in February. by Joe R. Lansdale, this collection Grey” in Eclipse 4; and “Pushkin some more, they finally finished it. Doranna is also re-releasing her marks twelve years of Weston’s the American” in Postscripts. Oh, The painting can be seen on their backlist fantasies, and is partnered working within the craft. Cover art and just for the heck of it, Michael collaborative website: http://www. with author Patricia Ryan in the was created by three-time British says he’s posting scans one of the paravia.com/Janny_Don/website/ Backlist eBooks project, a reader Fantasy Award-winning artist Scribbledehobbledehoydenii (his index.html Don has had some resource for author-presented Vincent Chong. Weston is featured notebooks) a page a time, five reproductions of his pirate art backlist books. On the homefront, at the Sierra Vista Public Library’s days a week, on his blog at www. touring around the country within she competes obsessively in canine 2nd Annual Writer’s Workshop. floggingbabel.blogspot.com. Odyssey Marine Exploration’s performance sports with her three The event will be held at the Sierra From Florida, we heard from exhibition titled “SHIPWRECK, dogs--her Cheysuli-bred Cardigan Vista Public Library on February Janny Wurts and Don Maitz. Pirates, and Treasure.” Following and two Beagles, one of whom is 5th, from 10 Am until noon. He Janny was thrilled to announce the previous successful engagements young and insane and finds ways will discuss the writing process, Audible’s release of her CYCLE in New Orleans, Tampa, Detroit, to keep her publicly humbled. elements of craft, and the life of a OF FIRE trilogy in unabridged Oklahoma City and Charlotte, She can be found in all the usual writer. Afterwards, he will have a audio, superbly narrated by David Odyssey’s “SHIPWRECK! Pirates places: Twitter, FaceBook, & her book signing. This is open to the Thorpe, who even used all the & Treasure” exhibit is currently on WordPlay blog. Also, she’s still public. Go to www.westonochse. correct pronunciations! All three display at the Maryland Science running contests and sending com for more information. volumes are now available, and Center in Baltimore. Additional out goodies (there are great new And, last but certainly not least, a full chapter excerpt of vol I, information is available at http:// bookmarks!), so head for doranna. is Michael Moorcock from “Stormwarden,” is offered as an www.mdsci.org/. Don has had net to check it out. California. The HAWKMOON mp3 download on her website, some paintings on exhibit. His Also in New Mexico, is books have now all appeared from free for anyone to sample. The work has been juried into the Walter Jon Williams whose Tor and the ELRIC books from Del manuscript draft for” Initiate’s Annual International Marine Art novel “Deep State” will be out Rey. A huge selection of Into the Trial” is also complete, with only Exhibition at Mystic Seaport in February, a cyberthriller and a Media Web appeared from Savoy the last two chapter sets to go in and a work into the international sequel to “This Is Not a Game.” at the end of last year and is now final polish. Janny will turn it in Miniature Art Society of Florida’s He recently finished the third book OP. He has another collection of early this year, with the expectation annual exhibition. Don produced in the series, “Mister Baby Head.” non-fiction appearing from PM to announce a 2011 publication the cover art to Pirate Devlin by Astronaut and science fiction fan, Press in the US. “London Peculiar” date. For LIGHT AND SHADOW Mark Keating from Grand Central Mike Fincke invited Walter to will be out this year. PM is also enthusiasts, also, there is an ‘in- Publishers witness the launch of the Space publishing his PYAT novels about depth’ discussion of the complete (the image is included in Shuttle mission STS-134, currently events leading to the holocaust. series ongoing at GoodReads Spectrum 17) and he produced the scheduled to launch in April. And, These will have funky covers and group, Beyond Reality. The pace cover to Mike Resnick’s short story Walter will be teaching TAOS are “Byzantium Endures,” “The is three chapter sets per week, with collection from Golden Gryphon TOOLBOX, a master writing class Laughter of Carthage,” “Jerusalem “Peril’s Gate” just beginning, and Press titled “Blasphemy.” in science fiction and fantasy, from Commands,” and “The Vengeance all threads for prior books still Slipping over to Texas…after July 10-23. Joining him will be of Rome.” The first two will be open for new posters. Feel free finishing the Vatta’s War group, Nancy Kress and special lecturer free from the changes and cuts of to jump in, new readers and old. Elizabeth Moon went back to Jack Skillingstead. their US editions with Random Janny is offering large printed fantasy for awhile; with a new I was delighted to hear from House. PM will bring out “Modem versions of the map of Athera series, PALADIN’S LEGACY, set Melanie Rawn up in northern Times 2.0,” a long Jerry Cornelius from her WARS OF LIGHT AND in the same world with many of Arizona, who told me that “The story written and revised for the SHADOW series. Giclee´ prints the same characters as “The Deed Diviner” is scheduled for August Obama world and also containing are available of the cover art to of Paksenarrion.” Paks continues 2011. This is a prequel (not a a long interview with Terry Bisson. that series as well. Contact her to refuse to be a POV character, sequel) to “The Golden Key,” Michael’s Dr Who novel, a space via the website. Janny and Don so Elizabeth’s living in the heads which she wrote with Jennifer opera written in the style of P.G. have artwork featured in an award of Kieri, Arcolin, Dorrin, and Roberson and Kate Elliott. “Golden Wodehouse, “The Coming of the winning documentary film titled Stammel, as their lives change Key is a generational tale about Terraphiles,” is a best-seller in Mythic Journeys. The film has dramatically because of Paks. The artists who use magic; “Diviner” the UK and was published here been described as “A Cinematic first volume, “Oath of Fealty,” is about how they acquired that (USA) in December. An audio Fusion of Documentary, Myth & came out last spring. The second magic. DAW Books will reissue and downloadable version is Animation.” The film presents volume, “Kings of the North,” “Golden Key” in paperback at the also available. Audio versions of stop motion puppets by Brian will be out March 22, 2011, and same time as “Diviner” comes out “Blood,” “Fabulous Habors” and and Wendy Froud with voices she turned in the third volume in hardback. “Touchstone,” the first “The War Amongst the Angels” provided by Mark Hamill, Tim on January 3. Several years ago, volume of a new fantasy series for (the Biloxi trilogy) are also now Curry, and Lance Henriksen. The she created a dedicated website Tor Books called “Glass Thorns,” available. He is currently working film contains animation sequences and blog for the whole group: is scheduled for February 2012. on “The Whispering Swarm” for merged with art, interviews http://www.paksworld.com and It’s set in a quasi-Renaissance Tor and a JC short for a Turkish with spiritual proponents such its embedded blog http://www. world where theater is performed anthology called “Killing the as Depak Chopra and Michael paksworld.com/blog. The site with magic that makes a play a Pig.” Another short already Bernard Beckwith, and live action contains a lot of background total experience: sight, sound, started is “Curare,” a Zenith the photography all centered around info--history, cultures, characters, touch, smell, taste, and emotion. Albino story for a Sexton Blake the importance of myths and maps--as well as updates on new The four players are the tregetour anthology. Other shorts also in the storytelling. The documentary books and appearances--and the (playwright), the masquer (actor), works. His original Elric novel film is available from Netflix, blog has developed a community the glisker (who distributes the will appear first in French and is Amazon, or from the producers’ of readers. Newcomers welcome! magic), and the fettler (who his first collaboration with Fabrice website: www.MythMovie.net Family stuff--and writing really controls it so the audience doesn’t Colin. Fleuve Noir will publish it where you can view the trailer. long books--has curtailed her travel freak out. Melanie’s working on in France in May. The beautifully This film has won awards at film since 2008, but she will definitely the second book in the series now. illustrated The Sunday Books, with festivals in Rome, Santa Fe, Los be at Dragon*Con this year over And yes, there be dragons. Mervyn Peake, has also recently Angeles (Dances with Films), and the Labor Day weekend and hopes And my second husband- appeared in France and will have at DragonCon. And Janny and to make a couple of other cons. wife team this issue is Yvonne ( Cont’d on page 7) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 Mars Needs Moms (3-D)- Walking Alive to “Amazing Pro Notes Animation. Buena Vista ConClusion Arizona Comic Con” ( Cont’d from page 6 ) Red Riding Hood- Drama/ January 8th & 9th at Mesa an English edition this year. Thriller. Warner Bros. MYTHOSCON Arizona Convention Center That’s it for this month. I hope January 6-9, Tempe AZ by Jeffrey Lu you enjoyed yourselves. And, 3/18 by M.L. Fringe as always - if anyone wants to Beastly- Fantasy Comedy. CBS Darth Vader greeted me as I contribute or knows someone who Films I cannot explain the urge which walked in. I knew I was at the right knows someone…please write Paul- Sci-fi Comedy. Universal possessed me to sit through four place. to ConNotations or email me at days of panel discussions on the I came to see a few comic [email protected] Enjoy your 3/25 Lovecraft Mythos, yet I still live to book writers like Robert Kirkman spring, see you in April. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: report on my limited experience. (Walking Dead), Rob Liefeld Rodrick Rules- Comedy. Fox You will think me mad, but I (Deadpool), Jeph Loeb (Marvel/ Previous ProNotes columns and swear that I, who have no interest DC Comics), and John Layman book reviews are posted on our Rumors: in horror stories, attended a semi- (Chew). There were others but website at: http://www.casfs.org/ John Faureau won’t direct Iron professional event with robed these were my fab four. ConNotations/ Man 3 but will direct “Magic Minions walking the halls and I saw the merchant room and Kingdom.” singing songs about creatures from thought it cool. There were not Cleopatra- Angelina Jolie the Beyond. A small Art Show and only comics, archives, and stuff to (Tomb Raider) as the star and Paul Dealer’s Room featured materials be sold but also a photo ops in the Greengrass as the director. about these eldritch things. The comic world. Sadly, I did not buy 24 Frames Hansel & Gretel: Witchhunters- temptation to purchase books could anything in this convention. I had by Jeffrey Lu Gemma Arterton as Gretel. not be denied, and among others work to do.

Comments: Harrison Ford expressed an the succinct Cthulhu 101 lodged I watched the first three doing Chatter and chats on upcoming interest to do another Indiana Jones itself in my possession. What stuff from informing the crowd of movies for this year. List not movie. little self-control remained kept new stuff to doing media things complete. Not much on production Stephen Summers will not me from any author readings, film like posing for pictures. John news except one. Waiting for direct G.I. Joe 2. showings, or related gaming. Yet Layman, on the other hand, was baseball season. Play ball! Monsters Inc. 2- The movie that fading shred, that last trace sitting at his booth signing his will be how Mike and Sculley first of conscious volition, could not comics. We struck a conversation. In Production: became enemies at college but keep me safe from the appearance What surprised me is that he’s later end up as buddies. This is of the Elder Ones in the panels. local. Rumor confirmed. There will be supposed be before they knew each There were always forty people in John is originally from Seattle. a Godzilla film. Gareth Edwards other. the audience for each panel – why He is married and lives with (Monsters) will be directing. George Clooney to star in “The that number, why? And the poetry his wife and kid in the Phoenix Some of this year’s movies Monster of Florence.” performances, my god! The Last area. He is trying to get used planned to be released: Atlas California Romantic Poet did the to Arizona’s summer dry heat. Shrugged: Part One, The Parting Shots: start of Spenser’s Faerie Queene! Hopefully, his creation, Chew, will Adventures of Tintin: The Secret Stan Lee (creator of “The A Minion in the Filk Room read be picked up as a T.V. series. I wish of the Unicorn, Alvin and the Hulk,” “Spider-man,” “X-Men,” from a book of Robert E. Howard’s him well. Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, Catch and other Marvel superheroes) poems. I did not see films and Wandered around and helped a .44, Final Destination 5, Goon, finally gets a Hollywood star. (Way games, but more than words still panel...sort of. Actually helped Len The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, to go, Stan!) did I witness, in that place outside “The Movie Man” for a Barry Bard the Hangover: Part Two, Hop, Entire “Shrek” franchise now of Time. One night, a beautiful Movie Memorial. The Human Centipede 2: Full offered in 3-D. (Surprise, surprise.) Danae modeled a Cthulhu body I later found out that this is its Sequence, and The Hunter. More, Ron Perlman (Hellboy) will be painting. And in the Hospitality first convention. There will be later. in the new Conan movie. (Not as Suite – I swear this is true – a another one, next year. Hope to be Hellboy but maybe a cameo?) pillow took on a starry background, there, next year. February/March 2011 Releases There will be no crossover opened down the middle, a red On The Screen: of “The Dark Knight Rises” and eyeball protruded, and then a green upcoming “Superman” according beclawed hand emerged! 2/4/2011 to Christopher Nolan. The Roommate- Thriller. Sony/ ScreenGems Have a good Happy Valentine’s Sanctum (3-D)- Thriller. Day, Spring Break, Spring Universal Cleaning and/or Spring Training! Around June- Fantasy Drama Next time as I try to catch a pop Indican fly...

2/11 The Eagle- Period Action. Focus Features Gnomes and Juliet (3-D)- Animation. Miramax

2/18 I Am Number Four - Sci-fi Adventure. Buena Vista Unknown- Drama/Thriller. Warner Bros.

2/25 Shelter- Horror Thriller. Weinstein Company

3/4 The Adjustment Bureau- Sci-fi Thriller. Universal Apollo 18- Sci-fi Thriller. Weinstein Co. Rango- Animation. Paramount

3/11 Battle: Los Angeles- Sci-fi Action. Sony/Columbia

Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 7 “Blood Splattered and Politically to catapults. This year expect to SAMURAI COMICS FYI Incorrect” by 4 authors see several pdf releases plus the (check website for correct store Bent Cover Books GURPS Mass Combat book. In location) 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix Edge SF & F Publishing/ addition, the up-gunned Cheapass 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm, Tesseract Books Game; Give Me the Brain, the Yugioh Tournament. Sundays, in the Coffee Bar “Chilling Tales” by Michael Kelly Munchkinnomicon expansion for noon (Cmlbk) & Sat, noon (west Sponsored by Central Arizona all Munchkin decks, the highly valley) Speculative Fiction Society PS Publishing anticipated Evil Ted game. Steve Anime Club. Sundays, noon (west (CASFS) “Home Fires” by Gene Wolfe Jackson Games products are valley) email questions to [email protected] “A Princess of the Linear Jungle” available in all the best gaming Pokemon. Sundays, 2pm (west by Paul diFilippo stores in the valley, at our online valley), Wed 5pm (Cmlbk) Come do some face-to-face “One Who Disappeared” by David store Warehouse23.com, and D&D Encounters. Wed, 6pm interaction with your fellow Herter in pdf format at e23.sjgames. (Cmblk) readers and SF/Fantasy fans! com. We’re also recruiting a few Magic, The Gathering. Friday, Haven’t read the book? Don’t PYR Publishing more operatives in select areas of 6p (both stores), Tues, 6pm (west worry, there’s no quiz or anything. “Black Halo” by Sam Sykes Arizona. If you live in FNORDF valley), Sat 1pm (Cmlbk), Mon You can use the rest of us as your “Burton and Swineburne in the FNORD or other places outside of 6pm (Cmlbk) personal book reviewers to see if Curious Case of the Clockwork the Phoenix Metro area, contact me it’s something you’d like. We start Man” by Mark Hodder via FNO FNORDFNORD-FNORD SCIENCE EVENTS out with the book discussion, but “Wolfsangel” by M.D. Lachlan or e-mail at MIB.6361@gmail. the conversation can go anywhere. “Thirteen Years Later” by Jasper com. Actually you’re not cleared ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER The get-together is held in the Kent for any of that. Just stare at the coffee shop of Bent Cover Books image on the next page and all the Body Worlds and the Brain exhibit near 28th Drive and Cactus Road Subterranean Press classified memories will fade... opens Jan 21st in Phoenix. We welcome potential “All Clear” by Connie Willis MIB Arizona Cell Leader6361 new friends. “Deathbird Stories, the expanded Junior Forecasters program, February 15 - Snow Crash by edition” by Harlan Ellison DRAWN TO COMICS signup onlineSaturday Science Neal Stephenson “Zodiac, and Eco-Thriller” by Neal program. “The Eyes Have It” Feb March 15 - His Majesty’s Stephenson Star Wars Miniatures , Sundays, 5. “Have a Heart, You have a Lot Dragon by Naomi Novik “Angelic” by Kelly Armstrong. 1pm-4pm of Nerve” Apr 9. “Fascinating April 19 - Off Armageddon Reef Novelette avail as ebook Sit-and-Sketch with local artists. Polymers, May 7. by David Weber And too many more to mention…. 3rd Saturday, 4pm-8pm ASU Super Computer Partnership May 17 - American Gods by Neil HeroClix. Sat 2pm with TGen. Gaiman GAMING & COMIC EVENTS Check FaceBook for other events Galaxy 2011 Gala Event. Feb 5, June 21 - Neuromancer by 2011 William Gibson YOU’RE NOT CLEARED FOR GAME DEPOT BioBuzz Family Series, family . THIS… friendly short talks in bioscience. rd BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS 2011 promises to be an exciting HeroClix. Wed, 545pm-8pm 3 Saturdays year for the Arizona Men in D&D Encounters. Wed, 6pm-8pm Science Café informal discussions Oro Valley Library, Tucson Black as well as the FNORDFN Magic, The Gathering. Thurs, with ASU Professors, see webpage Science Fiction Book Club, Sisterhood. We kicked off the year 6pm. for topics and dates. 4th Tuesdays at MythosCon by presenting a host Open Game Day. Fridays all day Galaxy 2011: Infinite Possibilities of Lovecraftian themed games Commanders’ Ball 40K Feb 12 fundraiser. Feb 11, 6pm SciFi Book Group such as Munchkin Cthulhu, The Flames of War, Fridays, all day Ongoing Exhibits: Barnes & Noble, Eastside, Tucson. Stars Are Right, Chez Cthulhu, Magic Game Day March 5 noon All About Me Gallery, interactive Mar 8, 730pm. Apr 12, 730pm and of course Cthulhu Dice. Warmachine and Hordes March 12, exhibit on human body We’ll be following that up with noon Dorrance Planetarium AUTHOR SIGNINGS appearances at FNORDFNORD Evans Family Skycycle FNO and Borders Book Stores GAMER’S INN My Digital Worlds Anne Rice at Changing Hands, Feb in Phoenix and Glendale. Other Forces of Nature 11, Call for a reservation 480-730- upcoming conventions include Check website for upcoming Rock Wall for climbers aged 8 and 0205 the rising demand for mini-cons events above Ben Bova at Poisoned Pen, Feb 13, such as MicroCon, HuntCon and Adults Night Out, 1st Fridays, 2pm LaughingMoonCon. The latter, IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES check website for topics & time. Lisa McMann at Poisoned Pen, I suspect, will leap out of the Feb 26, 3pm mini category very soon. Other Federation Commander. 2nd ASU Douglas Preston at Poisoned Pen, larger events to watch for in the Saturdays, noon Feb 28, 7pm coming months include the grand RPGA. 1st Sundays Science lectures and news Janni Lee Simner, Barnes & Noble explosion of gaming at Phoenix Monday Night Magic Standard http://asunews.asu.edu/news/ Eastside, Tucson. Apr 9, 2pm ComicCon, and our third foray to Format. Mon, 7pm. science the amazing gaming extravaganza Boardgames & Demo Nite. SPECIAL BOOK RELEASES in Tucson known as RinCon. We’ll Mondays & Thursdays, 6pm. CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER, This listing is to introduce you to smaller be showcasing many of the hits Magic Drafts. Tues, 7pm PEORIA publishing houses that offer exclusive or of 2010 and previous years such War Machine. Wednesdays, 4pm limited edition books that you wouldn’t be as FNORDFNOR Part 3, Zombie Hammerhead 40K Club Meeting. New Exhibit: “My Solar System,” able to find at your local chain bookstore. Dice, Revolution, and of course, Wed & Thurs, noon interactive exhibit by PlayMotion. Munchkin in all its wondrous Hammerhead Club 40k “From Rockets to Racecars” a Cemetery Dance Publications variety. For the role-players (my tournament. 1st Wed, noon NASA/Nascar exhibit “Picking the Bones” by Brian favorite people), GURPS just Magic The Gathering League. “An Astronaut’s Life: Articles Hodge released the highly anticipated Wed, 6pm Flown in Space” features 23 items “Stories from the Plague Years” by Low Tech covering everything pre- Friday Night Magic. Fridays, 7pm Michael Marano gunpowder from stone-knapping (Cont’d on page 9 ) Page 8 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 Moonlight Madness FYI ( Cont’d from page 8) tours on loan from the Nat’l Air & Space Field trips to Titan Museum in Wash, D.C. II’s missile site ruins Stargazing. Starlab Planetarium. Check website for dates and times OTHER GENRE- Space Place events for Future RELATED Astronauts. Check website for EVENTS event dates & times. Understanding the Nature of TUCSON Light, Fridays, 2pm. FESTIVAL OF Columbia Shuttle Memorial BOOKS Display March 12-13 on ASU Meteorite Exhibit UofA Campus: Iridium Satellite Model Atlantis Space Shuttle Model Genre & Journey Thru the Space Program Comicbook Lowell Observatory Display writers: Jared Aragona, Jennifer MOON SOCIETY MEETING Ashley, Emma Bull, Charles deLint, 3:00 PM on the third Saturday at Eric Esquivel, Denny’s on the Southeast corner of Diana Gabaldon, US60 and Rural Road in Mesa. For Kim Harrison, Gini more info contact Craig Porter at Koch, Jeff Mariotte, [email protected] Cheyenne McCray, Dennis McKiernan, PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, Lisa McMann, Terry TUCSON Moore, Yvonne Navarro, Weston Beads in Space (Beads of Courage Ochse, Aprilynne nat’l charity). Nov 1 – Apr 30, Pike, James Rollins, 2011. Special kids activities on Will Shetterly, Janni Nov 20-21, 10am-2pm Lee Simner, Armand Physics Phun with Rockets. Feb Villavert, John 12, 1pm-230pm Vornholt, David Model Building Make-N-Take. Feb Weber, Catherine 5, 1pm-230pm Wells, Susan Yarina, Young Flyers Fun. Feb 26, 1pm- Timothy Zahn 230pm Space Gallery exhibit. See an BARNES & NOBLE, Apollo space capsule, moon rock, TEMPE MARKET Phoenix Mars Mission. PLACE

SETI INSTITUTE IFC Screenwriting Group, Calendar of events on the website. Wednesdays, 7pm Science Radio Program - Mondays, avail as podcast -- http://radio.seti. BOOKMANS, PHOENIX org and http://podcast.seti.org Across+ Anime Club meeting, TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM Sundays,6pm Belly Dancing, Titan Missile Museum Tours. Sundays, 1pm- Reservations only. One hour 230pm guided tours. Top-to-bottom tours http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/ http://www.poisonedpen.com (5 hours) LOFT THEATRE, TUCSON storelocator http://store.pspublishing.co.uk/ The only publicly accessible Titan Screenings of movies, many SF http://beyond.asu.edu http://www.pyrsf.com/catalog.html II missile site in the nation. Tour genre. Check website for times and http://www.bookmans.com http://www.samuraicomics.com the underground missile site. See listings. http://www.borders.com/online/store http://www.seti.org the 3-ton blast doors, 8’ thick silo http://www.cemeterydance.com http://www.spazdogcomics.com/ walls and an actual Titan II missile MADCAP THEATRE http://www.changinghands.com http://www.subterraneanpress.com/ in the launch duct. Visit the Check web site for listing. http://www.conlanpress.com http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/ launch control center, experience a http://www.dragonmoonpress.com http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ simulated launch, and more. Top Check web sites or contact stores http://www.drawntocomics.com http://www.wildsidepress.com/ to Bottom Tours: check website for more info http://www.gamersinnaz.com/ for dates in 2011 Game Depot, 480-966-4727 http://www.imperialoutpost.com Titan Overnight Experience http://www.azchallenger.org http://www.library.pima.gov – spend the night in the crew http://www.azscience.org http://www.loftcinema.com/showtimes quarters. Check website for http://madcaptheaters.com/ details. http://www.pimaair.org Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 9 of these by making his own top Lay your side panel pattern on your decorations to replace the tassel. I fabric and cut around the edges. This bit of yarn is attached to the particularly like his robot antenna. Fold it over right sides together and crown of the cap so that the tassel It looks like it came straight off of sew the side seam shut. Cut a 5.75- hangs down one side. There are many Frankenstein Junior. inch diameter solid circle of the ways to accomplish this. You could same fabric. Pin and sew the circle mount a grommet in the middle of Historically, fezzes have been made to the open top of the hat. Turn the the crown or simply sew the yarn to by forming felt around a block. This hat rightside out. method is not really practical for the home stitcher. I prefer to make fezzes from flat fabric. The “middish posh hennin” built at past Southwest Costumers Guild workshops has proportions similar Fezzes are Cool! to a fez, so I used its top panel as a by Randall Whitlock starting point. This is a circle 5.75 inches in diameter. Multiply by Pi to It’s official. Fezzes are cool. The find its circumference of 18 inches. Doctor said so in the 2010 season finale of “Dr. Who.” Of course Find your hat size by measuring the the likes of Sydney Greenstreet, circumference of your head above Cut and sew a second cap from the cap’s exterior. I usually poke the Aladdin and Morocco Mole the eyebrows with a tape measure. your lining material and insert it yarn through the cap crown with a already knew. Add a bit for seam allowance into the shell, wrong sides together. pointy pair of pliers and tie a knot and wearing ease. My 23.5-inch Sew the shell to the lining around inside the hat. measurement was fudged up to 25 the bottom edge. Finish this edge inches. by turning under and sewing, or by applying grosgrain ribbon, bias tape By a bit of trial and error I came to or another trim. the conclusion that a cap height of 6 to 6.5 inches looks right for most The best fabrics for fezzes have adults. interesting textures, no stretch, and are thick or stiff enough to support To create a cone segment out of flat themselves. Felts, upholstery velvets material, you would scribe a small and heavy corduroys are suitable. segment of a solid ring whose upper Thinner fabrics may be used if you arc length is 18 inches, lower arc provide some support from within. length is 25 inches and the difference Fez-O-Rama uses quilted materials between the radii is 6.5 inches. This for linings. If you wish to use thin math is a bit too complicated for materials for the shell and lining, me, so I worked out a compromise cut a side panel piece from leather, construction, previously used in my heavy felt, buckram or pasteboard A fez is a simple flat-crowned cap boot cuff pattern (See Connotations and insert it between the shell and Tiny car for driving in parades is in the shape of a truncated cone, 3.1, Spring 1993). lining for stiffening. optional. often decorated with a tassel. They are a part of men’s costume in Draw an isosceles trapezoid that A traditional fez is topped with Add a circular or elliptical brim many parts of the middle-east and is 6.5 inches high, 5 inches at its a tassel. Suitable tassels can and this pattern can become an Indonesia. The name comes from base (1/5 of your forehead), and be purchased at any upholstery Elizabethan tall hat, but that is a the city of Fez in Morocco. 3.6 inches across its top (1/5 of the department, or you can make your completely different article. crown circumference). This is really own. Worn surrounded by a turban in easy on most graphics software and times past (as seen in Mike Contos’ not at all hard to do with a ruler I make tassels by wrapping some Trivia Questions photo of me at left), fezzes are and pencil. Cut out this shape and yarn around my hand at the base of more often worn by themselves in trace it onto larger paper five times, the fingers, about 15 times. I then 1. What was the name of the upperclass- modern styles of dress. The most matching long edge to long edge of tie off the tassel with additional man that tormented Jim Kirk at Starfleet popular colors worldwide are red, each segment. This pattern nicely yarn about one inch from the end Academy? black and white. approximates the curves described of the bundle. Once the bundle is above. tied off, I trim the opposite end and 2. How many moons have been discov- Fezzes as modeled by Mike insert a bit more yarn through the ered in orbit around Pluto? (below) are becoming popular loop formed between the knot and 3. Who used the pen name of Paul French as novelty headgear in fannish the end. to write the Lucky Starr series? Isaac Asimov 4. Who are considered the “Big Three” of science fiction writers? 5. What year did Andre Norton first pub- lish? 6. Wesley Crusher’s last appearance as an ensemble cast member of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was in what episode? First Duty, Final Mission, Journey’s End, The Game, or First Contact 7. In March 2011, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft will be the first spacecraft to orbit what planet? 8. How many actors have played Super- man? circles. Fez-O-Rama (http://www. 9. How many actors have portrayed Bat- fez-o-rama.com/) offers a variety man in full-length live-action films? of velvet caps embroidered with 10. How many actors portrayed Robin in a properly geeky motifs like robots, skulls, atomic orbitals and the full-length live-action film? TARDIS. Mike has modified some (Answers on back page) Page 10 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 Chicken was the best of the lot. in that foreign country. Saved a “Eh, Doc Is That Unfortunately, it was not to be. An American in lot of time. Another was chatting a Carrot In Your Ward was being called ahead-of- Iberian Peninsula with other travelers from where Pocket, Or Are his-time and a bit too clever. Bill Part One: Preparing you are planning to go. There Scott overheard one executive were a couple of great eating You Just A Super remark, “You’re too funny--we by Jeffrey Lu establishments that I would not Chicken?” can’t have that.” It would be four Some time, things change... have gone to if it were not for their It’s the 50th years before Ward sold a new when one least expects it. One has comments. series, Fractured Flickers followed to deal with the cards he or she is Seventh, bring a book, journal Anniversary of Rocky by Hoppity Hooper. given. and/or come with friends for the and Bullwinkle, Pt. 11 Not all of the news was bad. In In my case, I didn’t know what trip. There will be long waits for By Shane Shellenbarger March of 1960 it was announced to do about this one. One luggage? the transportation transfers- i.e. that Rocky would expand to twice In the past years of traveling bus, boat, airplane. Luckily, I had Around February of 1959, in weekly showings following in the overseas, I generally have two. all three to pass the time. addition to storyboards and pilots fall and the January ratings showed Instead, I was forced to travel light With these seven, I was ready. for “The Piper’s Show,” “Cosgrove that Rocky and his Friends had or pay a fine for an extra bag. Not Well, almost. Sometimes life the Magician,” and “Hoppity received a 13.9 share, the number going to happen on this flight. happens when one travels. Just do Hooper,” Jay Ward was developing one position, well ahead of the I was forced to make other hard your best to get where you want to “The Super Chicken Show.” Based number two and three shows, Rin decisions like my finances. Not be. on an idea from Chris Hayward Tin Tin and My Friend Flicka, for happy but I had to prepare for this I choose to go for the Iberian and Lloyd Turner, Ward wanted to all daytime shows. The show’s trip. From cold hard experience, Peninsula because I have heard so cast ‘name’ voices so that General sponsor, General Mills, was seven tips that I used paid off much about Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mills wouldn’t perceive the show very happy with those numbers, handsomely. and Morocco. Now, I will see them as too similar in vocal styling to although the ad agency, D-F-S, First, money was tight. I had a myself. Here begins my trip...to Rocky’s cast. was concerned about the upcoming budget. I looked on the Internet for Germany?!? Carl Reiner, Dennis Day, storyline. airline tickets. Saved a few bucks Don Knotts, and Louis Nye The second “Rocky” story line, here. I took the option of having a Next- An American in Iberian were all considered with the last the “Box Tops Robbery” poked roommate. Saved a bunch there. I Peninsula Part Two: Stopover- two comics landing the roles fun at General Mills by proposing decided not to go on excursions, Munich, Germany. of Super Chick and his faithful that the world’s economy was this time. Saved enough and was companion, Fred, respectively. dependent upon the trade in cereal ready to go. I will be mostly The role of the narrator went to box tops and giveaway premiums. walking around the ports. radio veteran, Marvin Miller, after Bullwinkle and Rocky become Second, I had selected generally Non Genre By Genre Herschel Bernardi, Westbrook entangled with Boris and Natasha, only dark clothes that could be Van Voorhis, and Don Wilson economists, the banking system, used for multiple outfits. This Sheri S. Tepper has written had all been considered for the and the police. Boris Badenov saved me space and believe me or Pseudononymously in other genres role. Miller had worked with Paul is counterfeiting cereal box tops not, a laundry bill. under three names: B.J Oliphant Frees on the television show, The so that he can monopolize the Third, I decided to bring a (A Colorado rancher who solves Millionaire, and he had narrated redeemable goods market. emergency carry-on. This included crimes), A.J. Orde (An antique Gerald McBoing-Boing for Bill While General Mills agreed a bag, extra clothes, information dealer and his police officer girl Scott. Scott and Mel Blanc also to the storyline so long as they folder, a book, and anything that I friend) and E.E. Horlak (Horror.) worked on the show, redubbing the weren’t embarrassed by it, the ad thought I might need to use. I was Her B.J. Oliphant Mysteries voices of some of the supporting agency, D-F-S felt that Ward and expecting to be delayed due to the about Shirley Jackson are Dead in characters when the original voice Scott might be tempted to carry French strike at the time. the Scrub (1990), The Unexpected actors things a Fourth, I brought not only a Corpse. (1990), Deservedly Dead hadn’t bit too far. digital camera but also brought the (1992), Death and the Delinquent worked The agency disposable cameras as insurance. (1993), Death Served Up Cold out. insisted that Sometimes, the digital camera (1994), A Ceremonial Death (1996), Mel the plot be breaks down for unknown reasons Here’s to the Newly Deads 1997). Blanc cut to twelve when there is a group photo and/ Her A.J. Orde Mysteries didn’t fit in episodes. or breathtaking picture for that about the antics of Jason Lynx are A well with The story had moment. Little Neighborhood Murder (1989), Ward’s been plotted Fifth, I bought some money Death and the Dogwalker (1990), crew of so that Mr. at exchange rate from my local Dead on Sunday (1991), Death for crazy cut- Big would bank. I found out that its good to Old Time’s Sake (1992), Looking ups and have been have some foreign money with for the Aardvark (1993) and A Long this would captured you when not in the U.S. One can Time Dead (1995). be the and Boris purchase some snacks without Her venture into horror as E. only time would be worries. Also, one can avoid a high E. Horlak is Still Life. he would embarrassed service fee for the money exchange Additionally under her work for Ward. Paul Frees was by temporarily shifting the world’s at the airport. own name she wrote two straight often heard to say that, “Mel is economy to box bottoms, but with Sixth, doing homework on up horror novels without a hint of the undisputed king of the cartoon the reduction in episodes Mr. Big’s places that I plan to visit. I checked a feminist element. They are Blood voice world; nobody comes close incarceration would have to wait out travel books and online. This Heritage (1986), The Bones (1987). to Mel Blanc.” This opinion was for the following story. helped me to know what holiday, -- Gary Swaty not shared by June Foray and At about that time, the Mexican events, history, and/or customs Daws Butler, who found Blanc a animation studio, Val-Mar, had to bit aloof. “I never much cared for concentrate on “Rocky” episodes, the experience of working with so it was deemed necessary that Mel,” said Bill Scott. the “Fractured Fairy Tales” would The sound track and storyboard have to be completed in the United were soon completed, in which States. In April 1960, the Mexican the formidable fowl faced the censor rejected the script in which fiendish brothers Henry and Edsel Mr. Peabody met Pancho Villa. Fraud. Alas, it was never shot. Ward was blocked by a month of Other proposed segments included stalemates after which he pulled “Farcical Fables” (later resurfacing the segment out of Mexico and as “Aesop and Son), “The produced it in the U.S.--the only Piccadilly Squares,” and “Colonel “Peabody” episode not produced in Swagger of the O.O.E” (Office of Mexico. Odds and Ends.) Come back next time for Three other animated series had “Rocky gets Cuter with Better just been sold for nighttime: Mr. Looking Goggles or Is That a Magoo, Test from Rio, and The Thunder of Jets in an Open Sky?” Flagstones (quickly retitled The For more info go to: http://tinyurl. Flintstones.) Ward felt that Super com/Shane-Info-Blog Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 11 artists/writers are not known but Lucky Star: Volume 1 Dark. Violence galore. should be. This is a collection by Kagami Yoshimizu Recommended to horror fans in a MangaZone of something wonderful. Bandai Entertainment, $10.99, Western flavor. ~~Jeffrey Lu Scott Pilgrim’s Recommended to graphic novel 149 pp Precious Little Life fans who want something different Dr. Horrible and by Bryan Lee O’Malley and/or independent comics readers. Lucky Star is a four-panel other Horrible stories Oni Press, $11.99. ~~Jeffrey Lu comic strip that was featured by Zack Whedon in a game magazine, Comptiq. Dark Horse Comics, $9.99, 78 pp This is the introduction of a guy Sandman Mystery Theatre It consists of four major girl named Scott Pilgrim. He’s 23 and by Matt Wagner and Guy Davis characters: Konata Izumi is an This is a graphic novel of the dating a high school girl. Scott is a Vertigo, $12.99, 111 pp athletic teenager who loves anime web musical Dr. Horrible’s Sing- Canadian and will find, literally, a and games, Tsukasa Hiiragi is the Along Blog. Inside contain stories woman of his dream. He plays in This book is about the younger of the twins with a caring like how Dr. Horrible became what a band. Near the end of the book, beginnings of a hero, Sandman, personality, Kagami Hiiragi is he is, how his henchman Moist there is beginning material for the in the 1930s. He is trying to solve the older twin who is smart and became what he is, and how the recent movie, “Scott Pilgrim Vs. a mystery of multiple missing responsible, and lastly, Miyuki Evil League of Evil came to be and The World.” women. He gets help from an Takara is a natural airhead but led by a horse, Bad Horse. Enter if This is the first book of the unexpected ally. But there are has wonderful grades, looks, and you dare...laughing. series. a few twists in this dark world- manners that makes her an ideal Goofy. Yet, these background Liked it. Funny. Explained reality bites. student. These are their stories origins make sense on each of a lot about the characters in the This is volume one of the series. about class, life, and Japan culture. these characters. Recommended to movie. Recommended to manga Suggested for mature readers. This is volume one of the series. fans of Joss Whedon (and brothers readers and/or movie fans of “Scott Good story. Realistic. Very dark. This book suggested reading ages Zack and Jed) and/or watchers of Pilgrim Vs. The World.” ~~Jeffrey This is a pulp fiction in a “super” of 13 age and up Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Lu hero comics. This is supposed to be Liked it. It’s great for people ~~Jeffrey Lu the first “super” hero in the history who need a quick read and/or do it Final Crisis of DC. This is not for children. his or her pace. Recommended to Ex Machina- Term Limits by Grant Morrison, J.G. Jones, Recommended to dark graphic “cute” manga fans and/or readers. by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Doug Mahnke novel readers. ~~Jeffrey Lu Harris and JD Mettier DC Comics, $19.99. ~~Jeffrey Lu Wildstorm, $14.99 Lucky Star: Volume 2 To put a long story short, this The Wallflower: by Kagami Yoshimizu New York Mayor Mitchell novel is about where over fifty Yamatonadeshiko Shichihenge Bandai Entertainment, $10.99, Hundred was once a superhero that worlds of DC universe collides. - Volume 9 151 pp made (an alternative) history by This is supposed to be the final by Tomoko Hayakawa saving one of the airplanes on the crisis when Darkseid takes over a Del Rey, $10.95, 171 pp More adventures of four high fateful 9/11. In this tale, he is in his world. But there is something more school girls as they deal with life final term as mayor. Yet, things are than meets the eye... Here are four guys trying to and school. about to happen. Some cool things Liked it. The story is dark but fulfill a contract with the landlady This is volume two of the series. like being a U.S. ambassador to the rewarding to those who know the for living in a mansion rent free. The book is suggested reading ages U.N. Some not cool things like a minor characters and/or issues of The problem is the promise to for 13 and up. death of a family member. the DC universe. Recommended change the landlady’s niece, Enjoyable. Recommended to This is the tenth and last of highly to mature comic book Sunako, literally into a lady. The “cute” manga fans and/or readers. the series. Suggested for Mature readers and/or dark-superhero fans. major problem is her niece is a die- ~~Jeffrey Lu Readers. ~~Jeffrey Lu hard Goth... In this story, the aunt Great story. Lot of violence. decided enough is enough and have Berserk: Volume 34 Realistic on change in life. Lot of Usagi Yojimbo Volume 24 - one of the guys go with the Goth by Kentaro Miura surprises. Did not see half of them Return of The Black Soul niece in a “romantic” getaway. Dark Horse Manga/Digital coming. Amused at the ending. by Stan Sakai This is volume 9 of the series. Manga Publishing, $14.99 Recommended to dark superhero Dark Horse Books, 182pp, $16.99 Rating for Teens 16 and over. fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu Funny. Reading volumes 1 The final battle of Kushan and An old evil villain has to 8 helped in understanding the Midland comes to a battle. Yet, Chew Volume : Taster’s Choice resurfaced. His name is Jei- known situations of this Goth girl and the the Band of Hawk reveals their by John Layman & Rob Guillory to others as “the Black Soul.” four guys. There are some Japanese true colors. Will the Midland army Image, $9.99 He has recently possessed a new culture notes. Sunako always attack their elite forces or join with victim to do things against her has a different plan with one the Band of Hawk to repel the Here is a beginning story about will. Yet, someone has doubled these “creature of the light”- four invaders? Tony Chu, a man who has an the bounty for its head. Due to this guys- because they are handsome. This is number 34. Need to read unusual psychic ability- whatever change, a lot of bounty hunters Recommended to dark romantic the other 33 to know what is going he eats, he can see the history are seeking this “prize”- dead. manga readers. ~~Jeffrey Lu on. There is a parental advisory for of that certain object (known as But so far, no one is able to kill it. explicit content. cibopathic). His “special” talent Will Usagi, a samurai rabbit and The Wallflower: Definitely dark. Graphically gets him into the Special Crimes his friends- Gen, Priest Sanshobo, Yamatonadeshiko Shichihenge stunning. How fantasy creatures Division of the FDA, a powerful and Stray Dog- be able to beat this - Volume 11 like unicorns and dragons are world law organization due to the demon? Who is this mysterious by Tomoko Hayakawa released in Berserk’s world. “bird flu.” In this series, eating stranger, Isamu, that follows Del Rey, $10.95, 171 pp Recommended to dark horror chicken or any bird is illegal. Usagi? fantasy manga fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu From this tale, Tony, one of three This is number 24 of the series. In this story, Goth girl Sunako “Cibopathic” in the world will Dark but entertaining. Read is going again with one of her Priest - Volume 16: meet a boss from hell, his nemesis, the other 23 books to be updated four male “creature of light” Zealot’s March a pain-in-the-neck partner, his on this story. Worthwhile, overall. roommates. She is persuaded by Min-Woo Hyung future girlfriend, a family member Recommended for lovers of to go out and see a professional Tokyopop, $9.99 gone bad, and more problems than samurai-horror flicks and/or Usagi wrestling “death match,” enjoy he really needs. (Sounds like real Yojimbo fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu a horror movie, and have a great This series is a Western horror. life...) tasty dinner. But Sunako suddenly The tale is about a priest, Ivan This is volume one of the series. Flight: Volume 6 realizes this is something she Isaacs, who will battle an evil Lots of adult humor and a large Edited by Kazu Kibuishi always dreads - a first date. heretic and his crew in the frontier dose of violence. Villard Books, $25.00, 280 pp This is volume 11 of the series. of the American West. In this story, Wickedly funny. Recommended Rating for Teens 16 and over. there are many forces that will to dark humor fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu Here is a book of multiple Hilarious. Reminds me of one fight for the coming apocalypse. comic stories that are quite good. date I had. Recommended to dark This is volume 16 of this Some are rather violent. Some are romantic manga readers. ~~Jeffrey series. Need to read the other 15 to rather touching. Yet, each comic Lu understand what is going on. Rated story is itself a complete story. OT- Older Teen- 16 and over. This is volume six of the series. Currently, there is a film being (Cont’d on page 13 ) Creative. Inspiring. The made on this manga. Page 12 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 Cirque Du Freak: Cirque Du Freak: Caroline is the reincarnation of the MangaZone The Vampire’s Assistant Vampire Prince woman he loved over a century ( Cont’d from page 12) by Darren Shan, by Darren Shan, ago that flung herself off a cliff in Mu Shi Shi Volume 1 Art by Takahiro Arai Art by Takahiro Arai despair because she was in love by Yuki Urushibara Yen Press, $10.99, 191 pp Yen Press, $10.99, 188 pp with someone else. The ghost is Del Rey, $12.95, 222 pp trying to get Caroline to join him In this adaptation of the novel Darren makes a hard decision. in the spirit world. Talldeer does Mu Shi Shi is a person who is series, Darren is now a beginning He has to face a friend who is a a shawl-dance to send the evil an expert on the strange life forms performer for the Cirque Du Freak. traitor to him and his community. one back. The medicine woman called mushi. This is the story He will have two new friends. Yet, he still has to be sentenced to gets some help from the powerful of Ginko who is wandering the Sadly, he will lose one due to death for not finishing his last two Mockingbird and Coyote during Japanese countryside in order to an unexpected circumstance... a trials. Is there some way for him to her dance. Again, this story was save these strange creatures from werewolf on the loose. bypass the tradition? rich in details and gives the reader harming humans. In this text, there This is volume 2 in this series. This is the sixth volume of a fascinating look into Native are five low-horror but interesting Rated for at least teens. the series. There is a teen level American culture. stories. One is about a collector of Violent. Dark. Recommended warning. The final story “Ghost in the mushi artifacts. to horror manga readers. ~~Jeffrey Surprises. Well done in this Machine” set in contemporary This is volume one of the series. Lu story. Recommended to horror times about game programmers Rating is for ages 16 and over. This manga fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu and an evil gaming character that is a winner of the Kodansia Manga Cirque Du Freak: becomes real inside the workings of the Year Award. Tunnels of Blood Check our web site of an involved fantasy MMORPG Feel like these are Japanese by Darren Shan, www.casfs.org/ConNotations/Index-CN.html was tedious in the extreme. And to Twilight Zone. Strange but Art by Takahiro Arai on Feb 15 for additional Manga reviews be perfectly honest, the plot was wonderful to read. Recommended Yen Press, $10.99, 191 pp not compelling and seemed more to horror fantasy manga fans. of an after-thought to support all ~~Jeffrey Lu Darren Shan is taking a break the computer language. Most of the from Cirque Du Freak. He is time I had no idea what she was Mu Shi Shi Volume 2 spending time with his friend, In Our Book talking about. Since I neither game by Yuki Urushibara Evra, and his master, Mr. Crepsley, nor have much interest in that I Del Rey, $12.95, 227 pp to a city. Yet, there is serial killer skimmed over most of the story. on the loose that drains its victims Trio of Sorcery This is strictly for those of you out In this tome, the further of blood. Darren suspects Mr. by Mercedes Lackey there who know on-line gaming adventures of Ginko, a mushi Crepsley as the murderer and needs TOR Books, 352pp, $24.99 and programming and really get off expert, is detailed in its bizarre but to stop this madness before it gets on computer slang and coding, etc. interesting low-horror stories. In worse... This is a collection of three ~~ Sue Martin this one, there is someone chasing This is the third volume of short novels from three different over rainbows. One of those the series. There is a teen level worlds created by Ms. Lackey. I Love & Rockets rainbows is a mushi... warning. have to admit I enjoyed the first Edited by Martin H. Greenberg This is volume two of the series. Violence. Dark but a good one the most, “Arcanum 101.” It and Kerrie Hughes Rating is for ages 16 and over. story. A secret is revealed. is set in 1970s Cambridge, MA Introduction by Lois McMaster Wonderful but bizarre stories. Recommended to horror manga and though written fresh for this Bujold Recommended to horror fantasy fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu collection, the author considers it DAW Books, 307pp, $7.99 manga fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu the first story dealing with Wicca Cirque Du Freak: Guardian Diana Tregarde. The “In space no one can hear you Mu Shi Shi Volume 3 Vampire Mountain details she brings to Diana just sigh in unrequited love…” is the by Yuki Urushibara by Darren Shan, starting her first year at Harvard teaser under the title, with a Love: Del Rey, $12.95, 236 pp Art by Takahiro Arai are wonderful. Tregarde gets her American Style set of fireworks Yen Press, $10.99, 187 pp first job helping the detective bursting above a heart as the letter Ginko, a mushi expert, is Joe O’Brien ostensibly uncover O of the word Love. wandering around Japan in order Darren and Mr. Crepsley are a psychic fraud who is feeding These13 stories are not all about to help humans deal with the hiking to Vampire Mountain to clues to a distraught mother about thwarted or one-sided passion; mushi, an ancient life form that is deliver an important message to the her missing daughter in a very several of them have satisfactorily not a mammal or a vegetable. In council. Little will Darren know high profile kidnapping case. Of happy endings, but longings are this book, there is a story on how that there is more to what this course, there is more to the story posited that have some strange Ginko became a mu shi shi. mountain than what it seems. He than Diana working to debunk the origins: alien touch-induced This is volume three of the will have to decide whether or not psychic. We get to see Tregarde’s toxicity, planetary atmosphere, or series. Rating is for ages 16 and to be something he might regret. magic working and the college psychic residual. over. This is the fourth volume of friends who help reveal the truth Bujold’s Intro includes a A shadow but not as dark. The the series. There is a teen level about the kidnapping. This is a thoughtful consideration of mutual stories are good. Recommended warning. great story. win romances versus zero-sum to horror fantasy manga fans. Some secrets revealed. The second “Drums” is ones, then speculates how the ~~Jeffrey Lu Interesting plot twist. Liked it. based on the characters Lackey urge towards a chromosomal Recommended to horror manga created for the novel “Sacred rendezvous might be affected by Cirque Du Freak fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu Ground.” This is about the private radically different contexts, the by Darren Shan, investigator/medicine woman “what if…?”s of SF. Art by Takahiro Arai Cirque Du Freak: Trials of Death Jennifer Talldeer and her partner In “Second Shift” by Brenda Yen Press, $10.99 by Darren Shan, David Spotted Horse. They live in Cooper, love is requited, but Art by Takahiro Arai a small town in Oklahoma. She and consummation is probably not A strange little circus comes to Yen Press, $10.99, 195 pp her partner are asked to discover an option, and it is friendship town. Two young boys were able what’s wrong with a talented that sustains a soul strained by to see the night performance. Little Darren has to go through five Chickasaw jeweler Caroline Gray loneliness or anger. Nina Kiriki did they know, they will get more trials of death in order to prove who has isolated herself from her Hoffman’s contribution “Gateway than they bargained for. Forever, he is worthy of the “gift” that Mr. friends and the general patterns of Night” is a startling gem about enemies... Crepsley has bestowed him. But her life. Her long-time boyfriend a human nurse bewildered (not This is volume one of the series. after the third test, he will witness is concerned and really wants to mention bothered and bewitched) Rate: Teens and above. This manga enemies gathering at the gate and know if it’s simply she’s seeing by boundary crossings during is based on the novels by Darren a betrayal involving a death of a someone else…or what. During the festival that is celebrated by Shan. friend. Will Darren survive? their investigation Talldeer and all four species at a Deep Space Surprises and ironies, galore. This is the fifth volume of Spotted Horse find Gray out Nine-like nexus. Jay Lake’s tongue Did not see this coming. Good the series. There is a teen level dancing in near exhaustion on is firmly in his cheek throughout read. Recommended to horror warning. her isolated property with mi- “The Women Who Ate Stone manga fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu Surprises but enjoyable read. ah-lushka the ghost of an Osage Squid,” which is furthermore laced Like it. Recommended to horror man who died without honor. The with allusions to literature and manga fans. ~~Jeffrey Lu investigators come to discover political philosophy. “Wanted” that the mi-ah-lushka believes by Anita Ensal is closer to the ( Cont’d on page 14 ) Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 13 In Our Book to stop his increasing army of is terrific and heart-wrenching. And ( Cont’d from page 13) Of Masques and Martyrs Vampires. Many major cities now bless you, Judith Tarr, for a story romance end of the sliding scale; by Christopher Golden boast of a large coven of Vampires about a mature woman becoming a it just happens to also involve Ace Fantasy, 292pp, $7.99 that makes all nighttime activities Herald, in spite of herself. spaceships and asteroids. “Music a life risk. Society has changed I know I am preaching to the in Time” by Dean Wesley Smith is This book was originally significantly and the humans don’t converted here. If you love visiting about a musician who was ‘ahead published in 1998 as the third book seem to have any way to stop the Valdemar—here’s your ticket. ~~ of his time’ even in his heyday; in a series that started in 1994 with encroachment. The leadership Sue Martin well, in the future, his style of “Of Saints and Shadows”, followed of the Shadows, including Peter by “Angel Souls and Devil Hearts” Octavian and Will Cody of Buffalo Finding the Way music packs the biggest concert th halls, and carefully orchestrated in 1995. The 4 book, “The Bill fame, are willing to sacrifice And Other Tales of Valdemar time travel can bring the player Gathering Dark,” was published all to stop him and give the humans edited by Mercedes Lackey to an appreciative audience. Lots in 2003. “Of Masques…” has and the Shadows a chance to DAW Book, 343pp, $7.99 of other fun stories here, in good been rereleased in anticipation peacefully coexist. Most of this time for Valentine’s Day. of a new story in the series being book concerns itself with preparing Fifteen new stories are ~~ Chris published in April 2011 - “Waking for the battle and the battle itself. presented here, many of them Paige Nightmares.” Along the way, the critical question revisiting established storylines. This is horror and dark fantasy of who and what the Shadows and So if you met a favorite character Noise involving vampires, of course. Do Vampires are is finally answered. in the anthologies Crossroads, by Darin Bradley not go into any of these books with The conclusion was a little trite – a Moving Targets or Changing the Ballantine Books, 222pp, $15.00 any hope that good people survive bit of Pinocchio. World, as I did, odds are you’ll The author has done a great or bad creatures die. The story arc about the priest find them again here. Maia, the public service by writing this Peter Octavian is the son of was most interesting. I also really non-Herald who can mindspeak cautionary novel, to alert America the last emperor of Byzantium. enjoyed the twist on vampires with animals, returns in Elizabeth to its greatest domestic threat He is a Shadow… related to the and the role the Church played Waters’ “A Charm of Finches.” which has been hiding in plain Vampires but unlike them. The in determining their nature. I Fiona Patton gives another glimpse sight all these years. In this post- Shadows don’t hunt unwilling was less than enamored with the into the lives of the Dann clan, 9-11 age you’d think we’d have humans. They’ve been among third story as it was too limited hereditary guards in the Haven noticed. us for two thousand years and in scope. Golden is very talented City Watch, coping with an What do you think our most only Peter suspects that the and is a good story-teller. The outbreak of bad poetic graffiti by dangerous domestic enemy is? Roman Catholic Church has been plot of the third book is simpler love-smitten youth in “A Bard by Al-Kata and the Taliban hiding in purposely controlling the vampires. than the first two; the characters Any Other Name.” Kate Paulk and every mosque? Drug gangs and He discovers that the constraints are dependent on the first two Sarah A. Hoyt tackle tough themes their Mexican warlords? Christian on vampires such as sunlight, books and there isn’t a lot of of social alienation and acceptance, doomsday cults in the military consecrated ground and symbols of character development. I felt a responsibility, and personal choice grabbing our nukes? Doubtless, Christianity are just beliefs and can little disappointed and thought the in the lives of Ree and his life- Homeland Security is watching be overcome. And for his beliefs, story only existed to put Hannibal partner Jem in “Heart’s Choice” he is ostracized from his own to rest and give a gratuitous ending and “Heart’s Own.” “Healing in all of these, yet our children th are getting seduced by the most shadow family – his coven. for Peter. I haven’t read the 4 White” follows up some of the respectable threat of all: role- In the first book, there is a one yet but the synopsis suggests loose ends of “Waiting to Belong,” playing gamers! Catholic priest who has dedicated it may be just more vampire and proving that Kristin Schwengel They buy their swords at his entire existence to the demon mayhem. I’ll have to read has a serious story arc in hand. Renaissance Fairs and sharpen extermination of the Defiant Ones, it because the synopsis of the new Clearly, Mercedes Lackey is doing them later. They’ll have to practice as the Church names the vampires book holds more promise. ~~ for other writers what Marion desensitizing themselves to and shadows, both. The book ends Catherine Book Zimmer Bradley did for so many killing innocent people, so watch with his banishment to Hell by way authors in her Sword and Sorceress out. When the food riots start of the ultimate sacrifice by Peter Finding the Way and anthologies, providing a venue and the government announces Octavian. And the whole world Other Tales of Valdemar for serial publications. Lackey’s bankruptcy, then they’ll strike. The now knows of the Vampires and edited by Mercedes Lackey S&S contributions coalesced into world is nothing but a Dungeons Shadows, thanks to modern media. DAW Books, 352pp, $7.99 her splendid, picaresque novel and Dragons game to them, and But, the Shadows who stood and Oathbound; I sincerely hope as the only way to survive is to kill fought with Peter are left with As usual this was a delightful much from her contributors to the everyone else. Since city dwellers many questions of who and what collection of stories set in Valdemar realm. will starve anyway, they’ll speed they are. And the Vampires must Valdemar. And though Heralds Mercedes and her husband, up the process by knocking out now give up their predatory habits and their magical horse-like Larry Dixon, co-author the title the electric power grid. Some and exist as the Shadows do since Companions are prominent, there story about a Hertasi (a magically will stay in the cities to rule over the media are now watching. are quite a few tales concerning evolved form of intelligent lizard) the survivors. Other groups will The second book opens five others, especially Healers. who guides an impatient Herald. flee the cities to places of refuge, years later with the return of the These fifteen tales are by the “In Burning Zones We Build killing anyone on the way who priest and his continuing effort to same group of writers from the last Against the Sun,” by Rosemary crosses their path. exterminate all Defiant Ones plus collection edited by Ms. Lackey Edghill and Denise McCune, They have a secret cell network a new agenda – the subjugation “Changing the World.” The only is a historical tale of the border called “Salvage.” They use of all mankind. Shadows and author who does not return is Ben defense against demon magic sent graffiti and the old analog TV Vampires must stand together to Ohlander (the only one who set his by agents of the Karse Sunlord. frequencies to communicate news defeat the priest with his unholy story in the contemporary world). Very well written, this is one of and disseminate their guidebook. magic and evil plans. A small band Kate Paulk and Sarah A. Hoyt’s the best. Elizabeth A. Vaughan’s “The Book” reads like a gamer’s of Shadows travel to Hell to find stories concern the hobgoblin “Unintended Consequences” manual, with new jargon to make Peter Octavian with the idea that Ree and his partner Jem and both takes place in the wake of the it easy to kill people. It suggests only he might understand how of these stories are intense and assassination attempt on Queen new names and costumes, to adopt the priest gained so much unholy emotional. Not that the others Selenay. And “Otherwise new identities without human magic while in Hell and be able to aren’t; it’s just that because Jem Engaged,” by Stephanie Shaver, compassion. And whenever an destroy him. The second book ends and Ree are such outcasts in their includes glimpses of eight-year-old obviously bad act is done, the with the return of Peter, the defeat own world, you really don’t want Elsbeth as Spoiled Brat. standard phrase is, “What you did of the priest, and a break between anything to fall apart for them in Some of these wonderful stories was right.” Shadows and Vampires. The the sanctuary they have found. respond to popular questions that Thanks to the author for Vampires are led by Hannibal who So Paulk’s “Heart’s Choice” and fans have posed over the years. Are exposing this ultimate menace. It wants a return to the good old days Hoyt’s “Heart’s Own” are, for me, there ever Chosen ones who do will take years to sort it out. What’s of hunting humans. The fun thing the most powerful stories in the not want to be Heralds? Yes. “The that you say? I’ve misinterpreted about Hannibal is his adherence to collection. The premise of “The Education of Evita” tells about one the author’s intent? Perhaps I the old belief system – hunt only Time We Have” by Tanya Huff was such, and Mickey Zucker Reichert should have read his interview in at night and die from the symbols absolutely outstanding. The story has fun with it. Are old people the back of the book, conducted of Christianity and sunlight despite deals with the Herald Jors and his ever Chosen? ‘Really old’, not by the publisher. So ... that’s NOT evidence to the contrary. Companion Gervais who become just twenty-something adults like his purpose? Oh my ... ~~ M.L. “Of Masques…” begins with involved with another Herald who Alberich or Kerowyn. Yes again; Fringe the Shadows attempting to track is tracking down a ring of nasty witness “Change of Life,” by the down the lair of Hannibal in order bandits. The plot twist in this tale ( Cont’d on page 15 ) Page 14 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 In Our Book In Waters, much time has Jane turns her attention to the and disappeared into a new life. ( Cont’d from page 14 ) passed but our protagonist from summit. The night of the summit And no one can figure out why. Plague, Abasio, still lives and brings even more problems - one Vicki Greene is a byword among inestimable Judith Tarr. Do Heralds travels through the world with his of the were-cat envoys is killed, horror fans and she is popular ever fall in love with the bad guy? talking horse, Blue. Everywhere apparently by a deranged vampire ( throughout the Confederacy. Alex That is, a real bad person, not just he goes, he sees civilization being Katie from Skinwalker) and, to top receives an unexpected message a noble enemy, like Kerowyn did. changed dramatically by the rising it all off, a bunch of were-wolves from Ms. Greene, whom neither (Kerowyn is the exception to ALL waters in the world. The waters are drop in, literally, to break up the Alex nor Chase has met. Why the rules.) To answer that one, coming from the very rock of the party. To make matter worse most would a horror author they don’t Tanya Huff wrote the heart-tearing earth and they are unrelenting. One if the carnage is caught on film by know send this message to a pair “The Time We Have.” And to of the rules of the contemporary the press. of high-profile antiquities dealers answer the clamor for more stories civilization is the ban on all ‘ease- Now Jane must find out who that searches out the amazing, about Tarma and Kethry, or AT machines.’ That is, anything killed the were-cat Sabina, how no matter how improbable its LEAST Kethry’s descendants, we mechanical or electronic that was a the were-wolves invaded the existence might be get “The Groom’s Price.” Valdemar labor or time-saving device for our secure vampire HQ and all the Greene’s strange message ends readers have every reason to be ancestors. It was the totality of all while she is fighting her worry with the terribly cryptic words: thrilled with this collection, so put the ‘ease-machines’ that brought about Rick, her boyfriend, who has “God help me, they’re all dead.” heart into the publishers at DAW, down the older society. And, of gone missing on an undercover Well, dang---there’s something buy this book, and with luck we’ll course, the terrible weapons of assignment to get close to the you can’t ignore! Who’s all dead? get another anthology in 2011. destruction, as well. were-cats. Who killed them? – Chris Paige One of the weapons still exists We learn more about Jane’s Of course Alex and Chase are and now has a mind of its own. It mysterious past as well as the bewildered at why Alex has gotten Dragons Deal breeds a certain type of human to vampires and other supernaturals this message, since in previous by Robert Asprin and Jody Lynn continue its existence. And these history. The action is fast-paced novels they track down rare arcane Nye humans are ruthless and brutal. A and the tension draws you along on objects and not usually people. Ace, 388pp, $15.00 Princess lies dying from the efforts a break neck drive to a conclusion Nevertheless, they are determined of one of these evil women, using that, while satisfying, also leaves to find out what has happened to This is the third Griffen outlawed technology. A young girl the reader wanting the next Vicki Greene. And what, for all McCandles book. has to hide the Princess’ secret installment right now so that we intents and purposes, her final Griffen is still finding his way and survive the waters rising, the can learn even more about Jane, words mean. in New Orleans, he has become hunter looking for her, and the Rick, Leo and Molly. Alex and Chase backtrack the de-facto chief of an ongoing great Sea King to return to the land Highly recommended. ~~ Vicki Greene’s last months as she gambling concern, his sister is of her people with the secret of Stephanie L Bannon traveled about doing conventions, pregnant by her rapist, and, oh mankind’s survival. Abasio is her research and interviews. Her yeah - they are pure blooded guide, protector and possibly her The Runestaff journey ends at Salud Afar, a dragons. love. Michael Moorcock planet so far out---the galactic To this mixture, add his two You do need the first book TOR, 204pp, $14.99 rim is just a smear of light on the girlfriends, the mother of the male to thoroughly enjoy this one. horizon. And there is only one who got his sister pregnant, a But you won’t regret it; the two This is the completion of the star really visible - the lovely blue group of eastern dragons trying to books, while separate stories, History of the Runestaff, the first Callistra. McDevitt proceeds to disrupt his operations, an officious are a very satisfying epic. The four books in the Hawkmoon saga. set up a compelling engrossing member of homeland security, writing is, of course, top-notch. This volume begins with mystery, with HUGE wide-ranging and being named as king of a Despite Ms. Tepper’s advancing Hawkmoon leaving for Dnark. ramifications. For me the premise Mardi-Gras parade with mystical years, the woman can still turn out He instead chooses to head for was so beyond OMG. I am sure overtones. superb writing. The plot is tight, the shores of Europe and a chance there may be other novels written I love the characters; they are the characters are fully realized, to return to Castle Brass. The about this particular idea. But written from the heart and fleshed even the supporting ones; plus fates have other plans and soon because Alex and Chase are not out nicely. I would like to see a really inventive conclusion all they are diverted to Dnark and Galactic Heroes with a scrappy more of Fox Lisa’s history. I am contribute to a really good story. Jehamia Cohnahlias, keeper of space ship at their disposal devoutly hoping that this will not ~~ Catherine Book. the Runestaff. After they battle (okay they have Chase’s ship the be the last we see of this series. Shenegar Trott and his troops Belle Marie but she really is no The cliff hanger ending and the Mercy Blade they return to Kamarg triumphant. Millennium Falcon) this novel for richness of the setting make it a by Faith Hunter However, the scientists of me was even more compelling. world that needs to be visited again Roc, 320pp, $7.99 Granbretan find a way to bring Even though they are against all and again. Castle Brass back to their reality. odds in a big way, the story is so Very Highly Recommended ~~ The third entry in the Jane As Hawkmoon and his allies worth the reading. Bob LaPierre Yellowrock series takes us head toward Londra and the final What Alex and Chase further into the world of the battle, Meliadus is leading a revolt have in abundance is intrinsic The Waters Rising supernatural. This outing finds in Granbretan and recalling all of moral bottom, intelligence and by Sheri S. Tepper Jane in the middle of a twisted plot the troops outside of the city. A responsibility. They do the right EOS, 498pp, $26.99 of vampire politics, old feuds and typical “Eternal Champion” story thing not because it will give First there was A Plague of the announcement of a new breed there is death, destruction, and them glory, or they might die Angels published in 1983 and then of supernatural being - were-cats sadness, as well as heroics, love in the process in a blaze, but there was – finally – The Waters from Africa. Also turning up are and good winning over evil. because, even though they are just Rising. That’s a goodly long time were-wolves, extinct in Europe and Highly Recommended ~~ Bob antiquities dealers with a personal to wait for a sequel. Not that it long hidden in the Americas. LaPierre space yacht they will take on the was really necessary; Plague was Jane is a skinwalker, possibly biggest challenge ever because it a very good story that stood on the last of her kind, and older The Devil’s Eye has to be done. And they do it with its own. I suspect that Abasio had than even she knows. She works by Jack McDevitt dogged focus and without whining been lurking in Ms. Tepper’s head as a rogue vampire killer and is Ace, 374pp, $7.99 or joking. They have discovered for some time and she just wanted currently under contract to Leo, the what the issue is and because they to finish his story. Master Vampire of New Orleans. You need to buy this book. unravel the mystery they must fix This world is a very different Called back to New Orleans, Jane This stupendous novel is such it - there is no choice to walk away place; the population has sunk to a has been charged with keeping the a wonderful satisfying creation. It or pass it on to someone else. very few after man left for the stars summit between Leo and Kemnebi, just lasts and lasts. Depending on And damn it, they do it!! And and left behind….the rest. One of head of the were-cat delegation your memory it can remain with McDevitt does not make it easy the questions of Plague was why from Africa, secure. Leo also has you for years. or throw in some kind of dieu some were left behind and why a personal task for Jane, to warn And I am here to say that I think ex machina either. The plot is them. An intriguing answer but off an unwanted visitor. When she “The Devil’s Eye” is great science fascinating and I couldn’t put the I’ll leave it to you to read the first goes to meet the unwanted visitor fiction and an outstanding novel. book down. book to discover it. One other thing what she finds is a pack of were- And I’ll never forget it. God… Ignore the paperback about Plague is that, unlike a lot wolves intent on killing her as the It’s a mystery with a purpose, you were going to buy because it’s of Tepper’s stories, the main bad first step in their revenge upon Leo. if you will. McDevitt’s antiquities the next in a series. guy is a woman; although all of Barely escaping with her life, dealers Alex Benedict and Chase This should be your next mankind is really to blame. Pretty after receiving aid from the very Kolpath are on the trail of a horror purchase and remain a keeper. typical Tepper fare. being she was sent to warn off, writer who had a memory wipe (Cont’d on page 16 ) Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 15 In Our Book consultant. Just how supernatural Mellorin and a sorcerer named battle in World War I who also ( Cont’d from page 15 ) Gard proves to be makes for fun Caleb. The way the tale wound went missing. In the meantime, reading. through the present and the past Dame Juliana has spent over a Heck, buy ALL of McDevitt’s Harry’s “Day Off” consists was handled well and the finale decade working on a large group novels. You won’t regret it ~~ Sue of one fiasco after another as he was captivating. The epilogue has sculpture “Midsummer Night’,” Martin tries to 1) game with his werewolf me interested in future volumes. a work in progress with no end in buddies and 2) prepare for a The story is well-written and sight and few people have seen the Side Jobs: Stories from the date. “Back Up” lets Thomas, the makes good use of the history pieces. Public opinion is Dame J is Dresden Files White Court vampire, narrate a built in the first book. I found suffering from artistic block but of by Jim Butcher rescue mission that involves both the characters to be believable, course it’s much more fascinating A Roc Book, 413pp, $25.95 brothers, even if Harry doesn’t sympathetic, and consistent. I think and complicated than that. This was intended by the know how much help he is getting. the story flowed very well and I During Dame J’s annual author to be the whole, complete, This story has a sardonic edge to it, was reading as fast as I could turn summer art classes, Gill Sharma definitive collection of short stories in keeping with Thomas’ persona. the pages. This is a well-thought- shows up---but she is really Gillian involving Harry Dresden, but he Then there is another shift in tone out world. Shaw an Olympic running hopeful had so much fun writing them with “The Warrior,” which takes a Very Highly Recommended ~~ who has had her career literally that more stories will follow to serious look at questions of faith Bob LaPierre smashed in a car accident. Gill fill the interstices of the novels. and spiritual alliances as Harry comes to Cairndonan to rent the This is just as well, since editors tries to protect Michael Carpenter Night Myst estate’s charming Robin Cottage and readers alike keep requesting and his family. This story also has by Yasmine Galenorn to recuperate/hide (not to take art more. Meanwhile, come see what the best Introduction, so be sure to Berkley, 352pp, $7.99 classes). Gill’s only goal in life has Chicago’s resident Wizard for hire read that. been to be an exceptional runner has been up to over the years. And “Last Call” starts off in Night Myst is the beginning of and since the accident is in chronic I can speak definitively when I McAnally’s Pub, which is a new paranormal series from the pain and completely adrift. say that this book makes a great supposed to be neutral territory author of the Sisters of the Moon There is Peta, an Aetherial introduction to The Dresden Files for Chicago’s supernaturals, but series. who is teaching a mask-making series, as I know three people who someone has caused havoc with Long ago the vampires tried to class at Cairndonan. She is from began with Side Jobs and then the patrons by way of a batch of turn the Dark Fae so they could Cloudcroft; the village that was the scampered off to buy Storm Front tainted beer. And that was just a harness their magic. The plan center of Warrington’s previous et al. trial round; the real target is the backfired and resulted in an enemy novel “Elfland.” She is a catalyst Each of the 11 stories is set off entire Union Center stadium, more powerful than they could for a lot of the action in the story by a charming preamble, telling crammed with baseball fans. Even have imagined. Cicely Waters has - lively sprite whose nosiness gets how it came to be written and with help from Molly and Officer been called home by her aunt. her involved in the lives around where it fits sequentially. Some Karrin Murphy, it’s a race against Marta, the town witch has been her, especially Dame J and the were written for anthologies, a time and erupting madness. And killed and she has left her practice reclusive Gill. Because she is few were internet publications. what a someone the instigator to Cicely. Things are going wrong an Aetherial, she becomes the “Aftermath” was written proves to be! at home, people are disappearing, point person for explaining the specifically for this book. So even In “Love Hurts” Harry and there are strange deaths and the eccentricities of the Otherworld to if you have every other entry in Murphy investigate a mysterious local police are not interested in her human friends. one form or another the price of the series of suicide pacts between investigating. Myst, the Vampiric There is also Colin, a budding book is more than justified by the lovers. Following the trail of Fae Queen of the Indigo Court, is sculptor who is enamored of Dame new story, the introductions, and magical residue takes them to a making her move and the long- J and Ned and Flora all of whom the convenience of having them carnival and a confrontation with predicted supernatural war is about work at Cairndonan at various all gathered together in one – heh a Red Court vampire. This story is to erupt. jobs to keep the place running. - binding. much darker than the rest; it might Cicely must try to rescue her Ned is slavishly devoted to Dame The collection starts with “A haunt you. aunt as well as her Fae lover, J and obsessively does what he Restoration of Faith,” in which Last of all is “Aftermath,” and Grieve, from the Indigo Court. can to keep the Dubh Sidhe (the Harry rescues a runaway girl it’s Murphy’s narrative. Without This is a promising start to a Aetherials) from interfering at the from a bridge Troll and first meets giving away too much, in case you new series. The characters are estate. He is married to Flora, the Officer Murphy. haven’t read Changes yet, Murphy interesting, the action and plots mother of the missing two-year- “Vignette” is the conversation has to handle some supernatural holds the reader’s attention. I old. Harry has with Bob the Skull over troubles without Harry, but she look forward to the next book in And then there is Rufus Dionys the wording of his yellow pages gets help from Gard and the the series, Night Veil, due in June Ephenaestus. A rogue Aetherial advertisement. Bob has lots of werewolves. On one hand, the of this year. Recommended. ~~ who has spent thousands of years suggestions for how Harry could story has a poignant edge to it; Stephanie L Bannon indulging himself in perversity, attract more clients by using on the other, it has some of the monstrous acts and even genocide alliteration, drama, or even and funniest writing of the entire book, Midsummer Night and is thoroughly entertained by worst of all, the truth! as Murphy translates the secret by Freda Warrington humans and their world. He is In “Something Borrowed,” language of testosterone for the Tor, 412pp, $27.99 compared to Loki in the novel by Georgia the werewolf is kidnapped reader’s benefit. one character and the comparison on the day of her wedding by a Reading Side Jobs set me This is an Aetherial tale, is apt. A master of chaos and faerie who intends to marry the to thinking, between bouts of Warrington’s take on the magical malicious mischievousness-- groom, Billy. Harry and Murphy laughter, that it’s a lot easier to be Otherworld intersecting and -he acts as if all his antics are have to crash the wedding before virtuous when you can have this interacting with the human charming. He is devastatingly the vows are uttered and a kiss much fun legally. Thanks, Jim. ~~ world in the 21st Century United handsome and is very fond of binds Billy to the faerie for as long Chris Paige Kingdom. This novel takes place manipulation through sex. as he lives. in northwest Scotland at the Outrageous and compelling, “It’s My Birthday, Too” is The Warlord’s Legacy estate of a very famous, reclusive he is the lively colorful heart of one of 3 stories featuring Harry’s by Ari Marmell Henry-Moore-level sculptor this story - even if he is a deviant stunningly gorgeous apprentice Spectra, 388pp, $26.00 named Dame Juliana Flagg. Her monster. A lot of the Aetherials Molly. They try to deliver a estate Cairndonan encompasses (and most of the humans) want to birthday present to Harry’s half- This is the second book in the a few portals to the other realm see him thrown into the Abyss for brother Thomas, but encounter a Corvis Rebaine saga. of “faerie” and is the hotbed of his heinous crimes. bunch of teen vampire LARPers It is six years since the events activity in this plot. Seem a bit confusing? at a mall being menaced by a very of the Conqueror’s Shadow and There is a plethora of interesting Sometimes. There are lots of real vampire out for blood and Corvis is now known as Cerris, stories tangled here. Dame Juliana characters to keep track of and vengeance on Valentine’s Day. a master merchant. Someone, Flagg “Dame J” has a past full who is related to whom gets very Dresden has to follow a twisting however, is impersonating of tragedy; childless herself, her interesting at the end. But as with trail to rescue an abducted bride Corvis and bringing terror to the philandering husband had a child “Elfland,” it is the multiple layers in “Heorot,” one that begins at a kingdom. During this, there is also with a housemaid at Cairndonan of the author’s characters, flawed Night of the Living Brews beer an invasion from a neighboring over 20 years ago who then went and fascinating that keep the festival and leads to Undertown, kingdom. As Corvis sets out to find missing at age two. Everyone novel so involving. Warrington’s where magical nasties dwell and out who is behind it, his brother-in- believes he was taken by the Aetherials are vividly imperfect devour visitors. Fortunately, Harry law Jassion sets out to find and kill faeries. Then there was a well- and are more complex than a lot is accompanied by his dog, Mouse, Corvis. beloved brother Adam who of fantasy creations. “Midsummer and Gard, a supernatural security Jassion has the help of his niece returned injured from a French ( Cont’d on page 17 ) Page 16 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 In Our Book story lines get carried further, such caused genetic drift, as the outside Nuy warns her community that ( Cont’d from page 16 ) as Channy’s efforts to arrange a populations have adapted to their if this light is Ship, it will be able Night” is worth the cover price (as boyfriend for “ice queen” Triana, un-Earthly environment. The to communicate with the colonists is “Elfland.”) And there is a third and there are several surprise villagers are the descendants of via the original equipment, but novel to come. ~~ Sue Martin revelations, but those are for the first colonists who wanted to that equipment is in the original readers to discover. ~~ Chris Paige be self-reliant and interact directly settlement. All information about The Cassini Code with their new home world. the colonists will be filtered by Dom Testa Riverworld: These differences, ideological, through the perceptions and A Tor Teen Book, 283pp, $8.99 The Magic Labyrinth social, economic, and genetic, are prejudices of the dome-dwellers. by Philip Jose Farmer the basis of conflicts that have What if they tell Ship that the The Cassini Code is the third Tor, 448pp, $17.99, triggered violence in the past, and riverside dwellers aren’t really volume of The Galahad series, may do so again. human? And what if Ship is with the newest, latest, and greatest Riverworld is a mysterious Periodically, villagers trek to programmed to purge Home of installment, The Dark Zone, planet on which all of humanity the dome to trade produce for deviant stock? On the other hand, already prepped for a March, 2011 has been resurrected. The fourth maintenance technology: recharges what if Ship has come to help, as it publication. novel in the classic saga finds for their lightsticks, batteries, promised, and what if it sees their In the first book, The Comet’s Sam Clemens cruising the river metals. These traders know that efforts at living on Home as the Curse, the entire population of in his great iron riverboat, Not the dome dwellers look down on true fulfillment of their mission? Earth is devastated by Bhaktul’s for Hire, on a quest to reach the them, and some of them wonder Bian volunteers to make the Disease, a comet-borne plague, and beginning of the river. Having why their counterparts trade with journey to find out if the light is 251 teens, too young to be infected, spent 33 years on the river since them at all; the original settlement indeed caused by the return of are selected to represent the human the end of the previous novel, The has all the benefits of advanced Ship, and what messages are being race and sent off towards an out- Fabulous Riverboat, Clemens and technology, after all. conveyed. Accompanying her goes system planet, in a spaceship his crew are finally near the end of Bian is a shy and quiet girl, Arnagh, only a few years older, run by an Artificial Intelligence their journey. Only one obstacle not adventuresome like her great- but an experienced trader. Along computer system with an irreverent remains: the evil John Lackland grandmother, Nuy, the oldest the way, Bian and Arnagh are personality, named Roc. In The who is upriver in the first riverboat of all the villagers, the one who joined by other young adventurers, Web of Titan, the Galahad crew that Sam constructed, the Rex remembers a war she will not talk each in search of answers, or of try to contact an outpost of Grandissimus, which John and his about, but who tells all the village opportunities. One of these is Enli, scientists studying Saturn and its crew hijacked. Both Sam and John children how their ancestors a musician born, whose parents moons to find out if those adults are determined to sink the other, came to Home, brought by Ship, think he is wasting his time making were infected by the plague or though such a battle may not go as the intelligent starship sent from melodies instead of farming and not (reviewed respectively in planned since both crews include Earth to seed other planets with starting a family with a nice local ConNotations volume 19, issue 4, agents, or possibly even members, humanity. What Nuy hadn’t told girl. Lusa, the girl Enli is refusing 2009, and 20.4, 2010). of the Ethicals, the advanced them was that Ship had promised to marry, follows him; her pain and In both previous books, the beings who created Riverworld to return one day to see how jealousy drive her to become an dangers were primarily external: who are rumored to live in the Earth’s seed had flourished on this inadvertent member of the group. sabotage by suicidal oppositionists tower at the head of the river. new world. Why stir hopes that The real surprises are taking in the first case, an alien mind- In the mix is also the Church may only be disappointed? Why place under the shelter of the probe in the second. Now the of the Second Chance, those who foster dependency on an entity that dome. troubles are internal. The Galahad live along the banks of the river may never materialize? For starters, the radio isn’t crew has an elected council of and whose leader, La Viro, may But then, a new light appears in (Cont’d on page 18 ) five: Gap Lee, Engineering; attempt to sink one or both of the the night sky…. Channy Oakland, Activities/ riverboats in order to prevent the Nutrition Director; Bon Hartsfield, battle. Agriculture Department; Lita While these were reissued to Marques, Health Director; and coincide with the SyFy mini-series  Triana Martell, Council Leader. the books are much, much better  All five were selected for their than the TV adaptation. Highly recommended. ~~ Stephanie L  combination of technical and  interpersonal skills; Bon may be Bannon dour, but all of them are highly ethical and absolutely dedicated Seed Seeker to the mission. Their dedication by Pamela Sargent is about to be tested. As they Tor Books, 287pp, $25.99 approach the hazardous pass through the debris-strewn Kuiper Seed Seeker is a sequel to Belt, a charismatic leader named Earthseed (1983) and Farseed Merit Simms (great name, Dom! (2007), but it can be easily read Upcoming Signings and Events Love the irony!) organizes a Back on its own merits, for these are at The Poisoned Pen to Earth movement. His timing new characters having their couldn’t be better. The ship is own adventures. This is first experiencing technical glitches in rate juvenilia, well-written with Feb 13 – Ben Bova signs Leviathans of Jupiter 2 pm Environment Control, and their strongly depicted protagonists, a driving plot, and tense action. surveillance system simply cannot Feb 23 – Nancy Atherton signs anticipate all the erratic movements There are also themes for careful of the asteroids and boulders of readers to explore concerning Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree 7 pm the Kuiper Belt, any one of which societal pressures, the uses of could collide fatally with Galahad. technology, and how fears, even After two very near misses, more groundless ones, can precipitate Feb 26 – Lisa McMann signs Cryer’s Cross – 3 pm and more of the crew join Merit in our actions. demanding an about face. To make The planet called Home was March 12-13 – See us at the Tucson Festival of Books the situation much worse, Lita colonized several generations has to deal with her first serious earlier, and there are two distinct medical emergency, and it does populations, those who live not go well. This seeming failure outside the domes in villages The Poisoned Pen fuels Merit’s rhetorical fires. Bon’s dotted along the riverbanks, punching Merit in the face doesn’t and those who remain huddled 4014 N Goldwater Blvd. Suite 101 help matters either. in the original settlement. The Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Gap’s girlfriend, Hannah, is the dome dwellers have been raised quiet heroine of this story, for her to regard themselves as the truly www.poisonedpen.com 1-888-560-9919 logical arguments against Merit’s human descendants of Earth case, her mathematical analysis and the out-dwellers as people of the Kuiper Belt anomaly, and who forsook their heritage and her intuitive leap to decipher the alienated themselves. And indeed, anomaly’s significance. Other radiation and other factors have Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 17 In Our Book vital convoys. Halfway across While the serious Outlander fan travel the roads through the worlds (Cont’d from page 17 ) the world, British, American, and will want this to complete their of Faerie. Now Elen has the chance working very well. Any messages Allied forces are now also fighting collection the casual fan or those to fulfill her dream at last, but the Ship may be sending aren’t coming the Japanese Empire. Twice before, new to the series can probably skip price is much too high. through after the initial contact. the teens have helped battle the this. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon To become a worldrider, Elen Other things are going wrong too, forces of darkness, but once again must journey to the House of the but it would be telling too much to face strange and wicked creatures The Big Stink Star on Earth, the Arizona ranch divulge details. Safrah, Awan, Jina, sent from deep within Nazi by David Lubar where the worldrunners live and and Mikhail are the counterparts Germany. Tor, 176pp, $5.99 breed. There, she must try to forge to the four travelers en route; all Secret of the Dragon’s Claw a peace with her people’s worst eight contend with fears and hopes further develops the friendship This fourth outing in the Nathan enemy—a traitor from the world of and dangers triggered by Ship’s and alliance between this teenage Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie Caledon—and end the war that has appearance. These characters trio and the eccentric Sir Thaddeus series find our intrepid hero and been tearing their worlds apart for struggle to reach a place where Osbert. The dragon has become his fifth grade classmates forced centuries. If Elen doesn’t succeed, communication is possible and accustomed to battling a myriad to share classroom space with the the Master of the House of the redemption may be an option. of dangerous foes over the ages, first graders because of a mold Star will close both Ymbria and In the very last few pages, Ship, but protecting Gavin, Emily, and problem. Things get worse when Caledon off from the worldroads the entity which triggered all these Bunty has become a full-time the eighth graders are forced to join forever. Can the wisdom of a confrontations, begins to emerge endeavor. Thaddeus must deal with them as well, including the bully worldrunner named Blanca help as a character in and of itself. An his nagging sweet tooth, which Ridley, big brother of fifth grade Elen in her quest to save her AI that has learned to evaluate its this time gets him into several bully Rodney. As if that wasn’t bad world? original program and expanded compromising situations. However, enough, Nathan seems to have an Caitlin Brennan is an Arizona beyond it, Ship also has the silicon the dragon’s addiction to sugar odor problem, he stinks and the author and this is her first novel equivalent of a limbic system, has unforeseen benefits too. The odor is getting worse. for young readers. The story is evincing feelings, longings of its children band together with their This is another wonderful sometimes complex but always own. Sargent seems serious about dragon friend, of course, but they addition to the series sure to please riveting and will appeal to fans of taking this series further, and I also discover magical powers fans both young with the funny fantasy and, of course, to all those predict that Ship will be promoted are commonplace throughout the plans the kids come up with to deal young (and not so young) girls from deus ex machina to major United Kingdom. Will a hasty with the bully and stop Nathan who dream of horses. Both my character in the next installment. alliance with a senile old wizard from stinking. Recommended ~~ niece (16 years old) and I enjoyed Sargent has been compared be enough to prevent something so Stephanie L Bannon it. Recommended ~~ Stephanie L to Heinlein on a number of horrible, so unimaginable, that it Bannon occasions for the quality of her threatens to plunge the entire world House of the Star young adult fiction. I venture to into permanent darkness?” by Caitlin Brennan Star Wars Red Harvest say that in several ways she is a This is the third book in the Starscape, 288pp, $17.99 by Joe Schreiber better writer, for Heinlein loved to series. As with the previous books, Del Rey, 244pp, $27.00 dazzle readers with how clever and Secret of the Dragon’s Breath From the cover: “Elen is a provocative he was, while Sargent and Secret of the Dragon’s Eye, princess of the kingdom of Ymbria. Two Jedis are mixed up in a seems to invite readers to self- this was a book destined for read Her greatest wish is to become a planet where a Sith Academy trains discovery. I love being dazzled, aloud time with my nephews. As rider of worldrunners: the magical but sometimes it is pleasant to be with the first two books the boys, horses that are the only safe way to (Cont’d on page 19 ) honored. ~~ Chris Paige and I, were drawn deeply into the story and were   Unusual Suspects reluctant to stop after each edited by Dana Stabenow day’s chapters. As an added Ace, 320pp, $7.99 attraction these stories have  peaked the boy’s interest in Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ Unusual Suspects brings us history and they have both a dozen stories of paranormal spent time learning more Special Guest of Honor: Darrell K. Sweet investigation. about WWII on their own. My favorite is Charlaine Harris’ If you are an adult fan of Artist Guest of Honor: John Picacio Sookie Stackhouse tale, Lucky, that Author Guests of Honor: Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette tells how one insurance agent’s history, dragons or fantasy you will enjoy these books Music Guest: Seanan McGuire good luck makes him a target. and they are certainly going Other notable entries include to be a hit with young Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix 2010 – Best Sci-Fi Convention Bogieman by Carole Nelson readers as well. Parents will Douglas in which a “resurrected” find this series a wonderful Confirmed Participants include Emma Bull, Sarah Clemens, Gilead, Larry Humphrey Bogart is murdered, as well as Sharon Shinn’s The House series for the young Hammer, Ellen Klages, Gini Koch, Will Shetterly, Janni Lee Simner, of Seven Spirits which deals with a readers in their families. Michael A. Stackpole, Sam Sykes, Ian Tregillis, John Vornholt & more. divorcee with a houseful of ghostly Highly recommended. ~~ roommates and John Straley’s Stephanie L Bannon  Weight of the World which finds The Exile As part of LepreCon 37, we will be having a ‘con within a con’ focusing on Santa Claus investigating the Shadow Unit, the best TV series never made. Shadow Unit creators Emma murder of an elf. by Diana Gabaldon, A delightful collection with Hoang Nguyen Bull, Will Shetterly, our author GoHs and others will be taking part. (Illustrator) For more information on Shadow Unit, visit shadowunit.org . something to please everyone. ~~ Random, 22pp, $25.00 Stephanie L Bannon LepreCon 37 will have an art show, charity auction, expanded gaming, hospitality Secret of the Diana Gabaldon’s suite, filk & music, and more. We’ll be at the Tempe Mission Palms in downtown Outlander saga has been an Tempe with many nearby restaurants and easy access via Light Rail. Dragon’s Claw award-winning series read by Derek Hart by millions of loyal fans. Membership Rates Tempe Mission Palms Hotel iUniverse, 231pp, $16.95 Now, readers get a fresh 60 E. Fifth St., Tempe, Arizona look at the events of the Full: $40 thru 4/15/11, $45 at the door From the back cover: “Secret original Outlander as this Kids 7-12 $15*, Kids 6 and under Free* Room Rates: $109.00 per night of the Dragon’s Claw continues illustrated book tells Jamie *with Adult Membership S/D/T/Q + tax (including hospitality fee) the adventures of Gavin Kane, Fraser’s side of the story. Gaming Only Membership -$25 Use Code 2TK9IE at missionpalms.com Emily Scott, and Bunty Digby, While Hoang Nguyen’s Student/Military Membership - $30 Call 800-547-8705 or 480-894-1400 fourteen-year-old teens who artwork is beautiful the struggle with their daily lives in story itself suffers from the England during the winter of 1941 LepreCon 37 Contact Information and into the spring of 1942. War graphic novel treatment has forced everyone to settle into which is hardly surprising Write: LepreCon 37, PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285 an uncomfortable daily pattern, when one tries to turn an Phone: (480) 945-6890 while England is still under siege, 800plus page book into a Email: [email protected] as U-boats relentlessly attack 224 page graphic novel. Page 18 ConNotations Volume 21 Issue 1 In Our Book Alba at the behest of the Maghuin Dhonn interesting characters. (Cont’d from page 18 ) herself. It is clear that her destiny will Club Listings For more information, please contact their new Sith students. When take her far away from everyone she Captaim Max - Ambassador, AZCorsairs ACROSS PLUS - So you live in North [email protected] 602-799-6184 things could not get worse, Darth knows. She travels to Terra D’Ange to Phoenix and are interested in anime? Well Scagrous brings in an ancient find her father. She also finds a teacher there is a club out there available for you experiment gone wrong- zombies... AZ MIB The Men in Black is the official who hones her skills, something she’ll people. Across Plus is a social club that global organization of field operatives for This is the same author who need to survive. But those same skills discuses anime, video games, manga, other Steve Jackson Games. The Arizona Cell wrote Star Wars Death Troopers. attract the attention of an ambitious animation, and the Japanese culture. We meet attends local and regional conventions to Different. Surprises. Dark but healer, who takes advantage of Moirin at Bookman’s on 19th Ave and Northern on demonstrate and promote products of Steve interesting. Recommended to Star Sundays at 7:00pm until 9:00pm. In general, Jackson Games. We also schedule demos in while breaking her heart. In defeating we explore anime, manga, and other styles of Wars horror readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu his ambition of raising fallen angels or local gaming stores as well as community animation, creative educative demonstrations, service events. If you have a gaming store, demons, she is sheltered and loved by participate in interactive discussions, attend The Lost Journal o the Queen, a mercurial and passionate convention, or community service that you local Arizona conventions, and make cosplay. would like to have official Steve Jackson f Indiana Jones young beauty who eventually steals We are willing to gain any new members out by Henry Jones Games representation at, please contact the Moirin’s heart. But her goddesses don’t there who are interested. Our members are MIB Arizona Cell Leader at MIB.6361@gmail. Lucas Books, 160pp, $25.00 allow Moirin much rest before they are very friendly, respectful, and fun. We welcome com . We are also recruiting new MIBs in pushing her to leave Terra D’Ange for the any and all. For more information, contact some areas of Arizona. If you’re interested, This supposed to be a record of distant country of Ch’in where she has to Todd Miles at [email protected] contact us. You can also find additional the four movies and TV series in rescue a princess from her possession by a information about us on our Facebook group, the Indiana Jones saga. ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and Arizona Men in Black. dragon. She leaves in the company of her renaissance recreationist club. Sword-fighting, Amusing. Interesting in the teacher and his apprentice, Bao. Later, arts, banquets, masquerades, dances. meets 3rd small and incomplete tome of Dr. as Bao lies dead, the teacher combines BASFA Local Tucson science fiction Saturday 10am at El Oso Park. Web: http:// group that puts on TusCon. Contact us at Henry Jones, Jr.’s adventures. his knowledge and Moirin’s magic to www.kingdomofumbria.com/events.html All Recommended to fans of Indiana PO Box 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 or resurrect him. Unfortunately, Bao and are welcome. Free. [email protected] our website at http:// Jones. . ~~ Jeffrey Lu Moirin find his rebirth had a terrible cost. home.earthlink.net/~basfa/ The beloved teacher is dead and now the AERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLERS. Meets The Everything Guide two share Moirin’s diadh-anam, the soul- Wednesday, 7:30-10 PM. Encanto Park, 14th CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE To Edgar Allan Poe spark of Maghuin Dhonn. This yokes Avenue, south of Encanto. Elliot Goldstein, FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The by Shelley C. Bloomfield, Ph.D. 602-266-4391, e-mail [email protected], non-profit corporation that puts on CopperCon them together, unwillingly. Bao leaves to 5535 N. Eleventh Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014; Adams Media, $14.95, 277pp come to terms with this new destiny and conventions, SmurfCons, HexaCons, or Timmie Ann Schramm, 602-585-7623, 2326 occasional regional cons, and publishes to discover if he feels true love for Moirin E. Electra Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85024. This is an Edgar Allan Poe or if it’s just the magic of the diadh-anam Con-Notations. Best described as SF/F biography. Not only one gets a generalists with a strong bent towards literary that drives his desire. The ARIZONA BROWNCOATS are a SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at 8pm on the sense of his genius but also the In “Naamah’s Curse,” Moirin waits social group and state non-profit devoted last Friday of each month in January thru dark, brooding part of being a patiently for Bao to return and when he to continuing the spirit of Joss Whedon’s September and the second Friday in October, professional writer and being his does not, she cannot ignore the insistent inspired series Firefly through charity November and December at Denny’s, 2360 W own man. Not only is he the father events, a presence at local conventions, and Northern Ave in Phoenix, AZ. For information: pull of their linked diadh-anam and sets social events. We are all over Arizona with of a detective story but also had a out over the steppes of Tatar country write PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 monthly shindigs in Phoenix and Tucson. or email [email protected] Web www.casfs.org very interesting life. to find him. Bao has gone to find his In September, both cities will be hosting Liked it. Big fan of Poe. Was own father, a Tatar prince who raped his screenings of Serenity to benefit Equality *****C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of surprised at a few things I thought mother. When Moirin finally finds him, Now. For more details, visit our website at I knew about him. Nevermore! Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based it is too late – the Great Khan has gifted http://azbrowncoats.org and follow our twitter Reenactment group specializing in the Recommended to fans and/or Bao with his daughter as wife. Bao finally @azbrowncoats western European renaissance. We research beginners to Poe. ~~ Jeffrey Lu declares his love for Moirin and the Great lifestyles and trades concurrent with the Celtic Khan sells Moirin to some travelers to ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. We Stupid American History collaboration of computer gaming enthusiasts, emphasize Scots, Irish or Welsh crafts and do protect his daughter and his honor. Moirin the Arizona LANbashers League throws by Leland Gregory ends up in the hands of a fanatic priest Celtic re-enactment. We open participation quarterly LANparty events. Between parties, to anyone with an interest in period crafting Andrews McMeel Publishing, of Yeshua. This priest is on a holy – or support is given to local groups who wish $9.99, 266pp unholy – crusade to bring the Yeshuite and entertainment. Demonstrations occur at to advertise their own gatherings. We have the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, and faith to the licentious D’Angelines. no set genre of games and play anything In these pages are stuff that the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Web page Because of her dual heritage, he sees from strategy games to first-person shooters http://www.crofters.org Gatherings are held at American History has generally Moirin as a perfect candidate for to driving/flying simulations. No annual the Irish Cultural Center on the 2nd Saturday overlooked. These are the nuggets conversion. If he can convert her to his membership is required and admission to an of every month. The center is located at 1106 that are strange but true. For faith, he’ll be able to use her as rallying event ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, example, what was the first motto point in a holy jihad. He binds her with for current events. Web: www.lanparty.com/all/ phone number 602-258-0109, across from the that appear on the U.S. coins? Burton Barr Library. The Board meeting will magic chains that cut her off from her ARIZONA PARANORMAL “Mind Your Business.” More connection with Bao and from her gods. be at 12:00 Noon with the General meeting INVESTIGATIONS We are a highly trained, starting at 12:30 pm. interesting tidbits. He uses her cruelly and finally, with some non-profit paranormal investigation group, Fascinating. Recommended help, she escapes. She immediately plans registered with the state of Arizona, providing to trivial fans and/or obscure THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) to find Bao, who is obviously in trouble service to Arizona and the Southwest since An organization formed for the expression information readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu as Moirin can tell once their linked diadh- 1994. Having served the public for 12 years, and exploration of various cultural themes anam is connected again. The rest of the we are one of the oldest, most respected including, but not limited to, the Dark Ages Naamah’s Curse story is her journey to the other end of paranormal investigation groups in Arizona. and the Renaissance through forms of art by Jacqueline Carey We are primarily science based and don’t go including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, the continent to find Bao. Like Phedre in on an investigation looking for ghosts, we go $26.99, Grand Central Publishing, Carey’s earlier books, Moirin is the agent writing, photography, spoken word, and looking for answers. There is never a charge acts of characterization. 2) a member of this 567pp of the gods and in her path are wrongs for an investigation. Contact us at by e-mail at to be righted. She is an unintentional organization. 3) Information available at www. [email protected] or darkones.org Ms. Carey has begun a new series with heroine. visit our website at: http://www.arizonaparanor “Naamah’s Kiss” and this is its sequel. As with Carey’s other books, I am malinvestigations.com/ THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND This story introduces Moirin, whose in love. She is the mistress of romantic STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and mother is an Alban and worships the fantasy. The books are superbly plotted, AZCorsairs “Founded in 1971 as a branch Steel specializes in the general recreation of bear-goddess Maghuin Dhonn and whose the characterizations are deep and rich, the of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, or the culture of the Middle Ages including all of father is a D’Angeline priest of Naamah. storytelling is incomparable. I will own SCA, our primary focus is 16th – 18th century the Art Forms, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, Moirin grows up in the wilderness with a European culture and the pirate lifestyle of the Ceremonies and Wars) and Combat Arts that I started “Naamah’s Kiss” with some time. The Corsairs will extend pirate portrayals recluse mother and enjoys the small gift trepidation. The heroine and the story covering the years of 800AD up to 1650AD as far back as Phoenician, Roman Era or to and any location within Europe or its explored of magic bequeathed to her from the bear- were so much gentler than her previous future Space, Science Fiction genre, and more goddess which allows her invisibility and territories. For more information Web: http:// books that I felt a bit… disappointed. The publicly recognizable Hollywood styled pirate. www.ecs-galandor.org/ a small gift of growing plants from one sex and the passion in her earlier books Corsair membership is largely volunteer- of her father’s gods. She doesn’t realize were…intense. But, fortunately, the oriented, gathered together for fun and while A GATHERING OF PLAYERS- Find Your she’s also favored by her father’s goddess, disappointment didn’t last. In her own helping others out. Adventure - Our club is running into our sixth Naamah, until she’s much older. Naamah way, Moirin is as passionate and brave as Members of the Arizona Corsairs are, much year. Join us for games and adventure set in the like their historical counterparts, masters is the goddess of desire. And it seems Phedre albeit with gentler intentions and Dungeons and Dragons realm. We offer Living to be an alliance between the Maghuin of their own destiny. Creation of characters, Forgotten Realms and Pathfinder Society. We skills. I’m looking forward to the third book complete with backstory with correlation Dhonn and Naamah that drive Moirin’s where Moirin will, undoubtedly, return to Terra welcome both new and experienced players. to history, period costume, and emulation Visit http://www.warhorn.net/gathering, to destiny. D’Ange to finish what she started with the of pirate traditions and arts, rests on each In “Naamah’s Kiss,” Moirin leaves ambitious, and probably possessed, healer. ~~ performer, creating varied storylines and deep, ( Cont’d on page 20) Catherine Book Volume 21 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 19 (Cont’d from page 19) RAW GAMES (Role-players & Wargamers, SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING Club Listings Inc.) Role-players & Wargamers, Inc. is the SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders of CASFS Business Report see what we have coming up. If you have any Valley’s oldest role-playing and wargaming model and high-power rockets and those who questions email us at agatheringofplayers@g club. Currently meeting at 8159 W. Weldon love to see them fly. Launches are held on the Elections -- Re-elected to pro- mail.com in Phoenix every Sunday from 12noon-5pm second Saturday morning of each month in cedural offices were President (except during conventions and other special Rainbow Valley. SSS hosts the annual G. Harry THE JEDI KNIGHTS (Founded 1977) events). Open to new members - call (623) Stine Memorial Rocket Launch every October. - Mark Boniece, Vice President Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of each month. 849-9515. Visit www.sssrocketry.org for membership Gary Swaty. Re-elected to the For more information call Carol Alves, information, directions to the launches and Board were Gary Swaty, Susan Publicity, (760)244-9593 or write Jedi Knights, THE SHIELD The Shield is a RPGA club meetings, and to read the monthly newsletter, c/o Carol Alves 8038 “I” Street, Hesperia CA, located in the greater Phoenix area. If you “Newton’s Minutes.” Uttke and Mark Boniece. The 92345-7066. are interested in Living Greyhawk catch Board now includes Chairman: one of our meetings the 1st Sunday of every TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ Bob LaPierre, Vice Chair: Tina LEPRECON, INC. One of the two month at Imperial Outpost Games (www. Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in International Phoenix area corporations that put on yearly imperialoutpost.com) in Glendale. If you are media SF/Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS meets “Nyki” Robertson, Secretary: conventions. Best described as SF/F generalists interested in Living Arcanis or Living Spycraft every two weeks at different locations around Mark Boniece, Corporate Trea- with a main thrust into SF/F art. Guests are catch us on the 3rd Sunday of every month the valley. Activities include watching videos, surer:Stephanie L Bannon, Board welcome. The meetings are quarterly on the also at Imperial Outpost Games. The Shield of discussions, parties, games, and occasional second Saturday of February, May, August & Almor hosts RPGA events at the local Phoenix outings with more to come now that Doctor Member: Kevin McAlanon, Board November unless otherwise notified. August conventions. For more information visit us Who is returning from hiatus. Many members Member: Gary Swaty, Board Mem- is the annual meeting where board positions at games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AZ_RPG/ maintain an active presence at conventions. ber: Susan Uttke. Elected as Chair are deter-mined. For more information, or you can sign up for games at www.nyrond. You can contact us at 2243 W Wagon Wheel write PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; org Or you can just stop by the 1st Sunday of Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice Mail at (602) and Banker of CopperCon 32 were call Mike Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email the month. Meeting starts at 10am. Hope to see 864-0901, E-mail [email protected] or Bob LaPierre and Stephanie Ban- [email protected] Webpage: www. you there. visit us at http://members.cox.net/tardisaz/ non. leprecon.org tardis.html THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE CopperCon 31 Chairman Nyki MVD GHOSTCHASERS—The MVD ANACHRONISM The Kingdom of Atenveldt T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and fantasy Robertson. Work continues. The Ghostchasers are a paranormal team is part of the Society for Creative Anachronism club. Weekly meetings are held on the Arizona Staff has walked through our Ho- established in 1995. This band of ghost (SCA), a not-for-profit educational State University campus, with dates and places hunters conducts regular investigations of organization that studies western European to be announced after the semester starts. For tel, The Hilton Garden in in Avon- haunted, historical locations throughout history by recreating the “best” pastimes and more information, Email them@themonline. dale, and are planning use of space. Arizona. They also research and investigate crafts of the Middle Ages. The Atenveldt org Web www.themonline.org The Committee is fully formed. “house call” hauntings for the public. The branch of the SCA encompasses all of Arizona MVD Ghostchasers lead Spirit Photo and small parts of Utah and California. UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX A The guests are lined up. See Cop- Workshops/Tours to various haunted locations Within the fair kingdom can be found six Phoenix area Star Trek and general SciFi fan perCon.org for details. across Arizona. These workshops give ghost Baronies: Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin club. We are a social club that meets every two ConNotations Work on plan- hunters, paranormal team members and folks Moons, SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered Sul. weeks at various locations around the Phoenix wanting to learn the art of ghost hunting a For more information on any of these or for area. The UFP has been meeting for over 30 ning for the transition to being a chance to work and learn techniques together. general information on contact the Kingdom years of continuous activity. Dues are $15/per web based publication continues. The MVD Ghostchasers team are guest Seneschal. Email: [email protected] year prorated when you join; no restrictions. During our transitional year 2011 speakers at many venues and have appeared Web www.atenveldt.com Membership includes membership roster and on TV news reports and the subject of several monthly newsletter. Come to any two meetings we will gradually beef up web con- newspaper stories. For more information SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD at no obligation. For information, write the tent between print issues to get our contact: The Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose UFP at PO Box 37224, Phoenix, AZ 85069, or readers used to accessing us via the MVD Ghostchasers—Debe Branning, organization of persons interested in all call Jim Strait at (602) 242-9203. Web page: Director—480-969-4049 Web page: www. facets of historical, cultural, science fiction, http://www.U-F-P.org or Email to Info@U-F- web. --Gary Swaty mvdghostchasers.com or [email protected] fantasy, and humor costume. Members are P.org often seen on stage and behind the scenes ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE FICTION at local and regional Science Fiction USS LEONIDAS The Leonidas is a member CLUB meets last Wednesday of every month Convention masquerades. They meet on of Region IV of STARFLEET International. Convention (except Dec.) in Fullerton. The meetings are the last Sunday of each month at various The chapter is an opportunity for those that built around guest speakers. We’ve had authors members’ homes in the greater Phoenix area. share a love of Star Trek to have fun and help Listings such as Octavia Butler and Greg Benford. For details. Southwest Costumers Guild, PO the community at the same time. The Leonidas Non-members are welcome. For details of Box 39504, Phoenix, AZ 85609 or Randall stresses uniforms or other costumes to have the LepreCon 37 (May 6-8, 2011) Tempe current events and location see our website Whitlock at [email protected] or www. ability to participate actively in various events Mission Palms, 60 E. 5th St, Tempe, AZ www.ocsfc.org or email [email protected] southwestcostumersguild.org as they present themselves but they are not Ph: 480-894-1400 , Room Rates $109 S/ required. D/T/Q + tax. www.missionpalms.com PAReX is a non profit organization dedicated SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access Membership with Starfleet International to building and promoting Autonomous Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically is required. www.sfi.org Upon joining Artist GoH John Picacio, Author GoHs: robotics. The club has been in existance since cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s STARFLEET a member is a Cadet. Upon Elizabeth Bear & Sarah Monette, plus > 1998. Meetings are currently conducted twice possible within ten years, with a little luck and passing the Officer’s Training School Exam at Shadow Unit mini-con with Emma Bull, a month at two different Phoenix, Arizona a lot of hard work. Join us and help us make it the Online Academy, the member becomes a Will Shetterly & more. Memberships locations, http://www.parex.org/meetings.shtml happen! SAS membership is $30 for one year, Commissioned Officer aboard the Leonidas. rates:$25 until August 31, 2010, $30 Club dues are on an annual basis: Regular which gets you emailed Space Access Updates The chapter does not have dues as of yet. Sept 1 thru Oct 31, 2010 Web site members $20 Student members $15 Of course the instant they pass final edit, plus discounts The dues to be a member of STARFLEET visitors are always welcome because we know on our annual conference on the technology, International are $15 a year. at www.leprecon.org/lep37 or email you will eventually become a member anyway politics, and business of radically cheaper No newsletter, but members do receive an [email protected] for more information Web page: http://www.parex.org/ E-mail space transportation, featuring leading players activities E-mail update. No web site yet. Contact: [email protected] in the field. Email us at: Space.Access@Space- Contact : Arthur Fesler-Butts, Jr CopperCon 31 (September 2-5, 2011) Access.org Web page: www.space-access.org/ [email protected] Hilton Garden Inn, 11460 West Hilton Way, Avondale AZ Guests: Carrie Vaughn WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION Author Guest of Honor; Janni Lee simner, ASSOCIATION (WesternSFA) A non- Local Author Guest and Special Guest Generic Convention Registration Form profit corporation that sponsors AniZona, the Adam Niswander. Membership $35 thru ConRunners seminars, Across Plus Anime April 30, 2011. For more info email Club and sponsored the 2004 Westercon. [email protected] or visit the web site Dedicated primarily to educational activities at www.copeprcon.org Name:______relating to literature, music, and visual and performing arts, especially in the Badge Name:______genres of Anime, science fiction, fantasy,

costuming, gaming and science. Applicants Trivia Answers

Address:______for membership in WesternSFA must be O’Donnell Chris and Ward Burt Two: 10. sponsored by a current active WesternSFA Five 9.

City/State/ZIP:______member. Dues are $10 yearly plus a $5 non-

refundable application fee. General Meetings Eleven 8.

Phone:______Email:______are held on the first Friday of February, May, Mercury 7.

August and November, check our website Mission Final 6.

Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for for meeting location Guests are welcome. For 1934 5.

more info contact Craig Dyer at WesternSFA, Asimov

______convention. PO Box 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082 Email: Isaac Clarke, C. Arthur Heinlein, Robert 4.

(See individual convention listing for mailing address) [email protected] Webpage: www. Asimov Isaac 3.

westernsfa.org Hydra and Nix Charon, Three: 2.

More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other Finegan 1. Answers:

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