Volume 20, Issue 4 August / September 2010 FREE

CoThe Bi-Monthly Sciencen Fiction,Nota Fantasy & Convention Newszinetions of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society An Interview with Featured Inside Regular Features Melindaby Chris Snodgras Paige s Special Features Melinda Snodgrass was one of and it is a story about St. George and SF Tube Talk An Interview with the GoHs at LepreCon. In Trek circles, the Dragon - what really happened, All the latest news about Melinda Snodgrass what St. George really was and what she is well known as one of the best Scienc Fiction TV shows by Chris Paige writers for : The Next Generation the dragon really was. This story is set during the American Depression, and it by Lee Whiteside episodes; more recently, she has worked Hokey Smoke! with Wild Card series originator George features a character named Cross. He’s It’s the very nearly 50th R. R. Martin, developing new characters an odd man, a strange man, and he works 24 Frames Anniversary of and contributing to the next generation of for a mysterious Howard Hughes-like All the lastest genre movie news billionaire who is in fact an ancient being, Rocky the Flying Squirrel and storylines in such books as Inside Straight by Jeffrey Lu and Busted Flush. Independently, she billions of years old, an alien who is Bullwinkle J. Moose has written The Edge of Reason, now out Prometheus, and Lucifer [Light-Bearer], By Shane Shellenbarger in paperback, and the newly published and Coyote, and Trickster. In this story his Gamers Corner The Edge of Ruin. Melinda lives in New name is the Italian word for knowledge; New and Reviews from In Memory Mexico and keeps horses. There must in the books he is called Kenntnis, which the gaming world James Hogan be something about New Mexico that means knowledge in German. I’m terrible is good for creativity; Roger Zelazny at coming up with titles, and my friends ConClusion An Amercan in New Zealand lived in Santa Fe, as does Sherri Tepper. facetiously told me to call it “Jesus by Jeffrey Lu Maybe it’s the scent of pinon in the air. Christ, P.I.” I opted for “No Mystery, No News and Reviews At LepreCon, Melinda read aloud to a Miracle.” of SF/F conventions captivated audience and gave a copy of Plus CP: Isn’t Kenntnis trapped at the end of The Edge of Reason to a delighted fan. Pre-Con News She then answered questions before going Reason? FYI off to enjoy the rest of the convention. MS: He’s trapped in spin glass. Tidbits about upcoming News and tidbits of interest to fans Comfortable in her own body and mind, My boyfriend, Ian Tregillis, is an conventions rich in experiences, wise, something about astrophysicist at Los Alamos where CASFS Business Report Melinda Snodgrass made me want to they’ve made the stuff in the lab. Spin In Our Book glass can actually stop light. Now Kenntis call her “Mom.” As it was, meeting her Reviews of New SF/F Books Club Listings was one of the high points of attending is wearing a human body but he is really LepreCon. a light creature, and he gets trapped by his Convention List & enemies. I called it called slow glass in the Musty Tomes Generic Registration Form MS: I was invited to submit a story to first book, but it is renamed and described Reviews of Classic Genre books a supernatural noir anthology that Ellen in the second. Andrew was supposed to be Datlow is putting together. I’ve written here also, but he had to give a presentation Trivia Questions CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT now two short stories set in the Edge in New Jersey. His new book *** is out; it’s a secret history of World War II. www.casfs.org/ConNotations/Index- universe; the first appeared in Fantasy and CN.html

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Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 1 In This Issue Pick up your copy of ConNotations at the following locations News & Reviews Who is Who in this Issue BOOK STORES COMIC STORES SF Tube Talk 3 Bards Books All About Comics Gamers Corner 5 Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon ConClusion 7 Assistant to the Editor: Gary Swaty 3508 N. 7th St,Ste. 145, Phoenix, AZ 5060 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer 85014 (602)274-7530 (602) 277-0757 FYI 8 Film Editors: Len Berger, Craig L Dyer Bent Cover Bookstore Ash Avenue Comics & Books Musty Tomes 13 Film Critic: Bob LaPierre 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 810 S. Ash, Tempe, AZ (480) 858-9447 24 Frames 13 Promotions Directors: Len Berger, Rich- 85029 (602) 942-5932 Atomic Comics Pre-Con News 14 ard Bolinski, Craig L Dyer Book Gallery 1120 S. Country Club, Ste. 105, Mesa, In Our Book (Book Reviews) 15 Advertising: Catherine Book CASFS Business Report 20 Proof Readers: Catherine Book, Bob 3643 E. 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Page 2 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 trains him to be The Cape, and Summer Michael Chiklis as father Jim Powell, opinionated dad who relishes expressing SF Tube Talk Glau as investigative blogger Orwell, who Julie Benz as mom Stephanie Powell, his unsolicited and often wildly politically TV News & Previews wages war on crime and corruption via Jimmy Bennett as son JJ Powell, and incorrect observations to anyone within By Lee Whiteside her blog. Kay Panabaker as daughter Daphne. earshot.” The Event is described as “an Also starring are Stephen Collins as Dr. The CW will be bringing back The broadcast networks have emotional, high-octane conspiracy thriller Dayton King, Stephanie’s boss at Global Smallville for its 10th (and supposedly announced their plans for the new season that follows Sean Walker (Jason Ritter), Tech. final) season, Supernatural (moving to and here’s what you can look forward to an Everyman who investigates the CBS has dropped Ghost Whisperer, Fridays to pair up with Smallville once starting in September. mysterious disappearance of his fiancé, but have kept Medium around to kick off again), and The Vampire Diaries. Joining NBC has dropped Heroes, but did Leila (Sarah Roemer), and unwittingly Friday nights. They do not have any new the mix on Thursday nights will be Nikita, renew Chuck, which will be back in the begins to expose the biggest cover-up in genre shows, but do have a couple with based on the original movie (which was fall. In their new series, they appear to U.S. history. NBC is not saying too much stars genre fans are familiar with. The turned into a TV series once already) and be avoiding any new science fiction or more about what is going on so there remake of Hawaii Five-0 is described taking a more young-viewer approach to fantasy shows, but are optioning more could be some genre element buried in as “a contemporary take on the classic the story. Maggie Q is Nikita, who after for spies and action/adventure. They do the plot. They will also have Undercovers series about a new elite federalized task having been rescued from death row and have a comics-inspired offering, The from J. J. Abrams described as a “sexy, force whose mission is to wipe out the turned into a spy and assassin went rogue Cape, which is still heavily rooted in the fun, action-packed spy drama that proves crime that washes up on the Islands’ sun- and vows to take vengeance on the covert real world. David Lyons stars as Vince once and for all that marriage is still the drenched beaches.” Former vampire on group, the Division, that trained her. We Faraday, an honest cop on a corrupt force world’s most dangerous partnership.” It Moonlight Alex O’Loughlin stars as also see things from the point of view who finds himself framed for a series of stars Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha- Steve McGarrett, former Lost castaway of several new recruits for the Division. murders and presumed dead. He goes into Raw as Steven and Samantha Bloom as and Crusade officer Daniel Dae Kim is Also starring are Lyndsy Fonseca as hiding, leaving his wife (Dana - Jennifer retired CIA agents who are brought back Chin Ho Kelly, with former cylon Grace Alex, Shane West as Michael, Aaron Ferrin) and son (Trip - Ryan Wynott) into the spy business when one of the Park as Chin’s cousin Kono. Scott Stanford as Birkhoff, Ashton Holmes as behind, and takes on the moniker of The fellow spies goes missing. Expect to see Caan, who has no genre credits, stars Thom, Tiffany Hines as Jaden, Melinda Cape, his son’s favorite comic superhero a lot of Alias-type spy activities but no as Danny “Danno” Williams. Executive Clarke as Amanda and Xander Berkeley and starts taking the law into his own Rambalidi type machinations. producers include Alex Kurtzman and as Percy. Expect lots of action as well hands with a goal of clearing his name ABC has dropped Eastwick and Roberto Orci of recent Star Trek and as a fair amount of teen/20 something so he can reunite with his family. Also Flash Forward, but have given V a mid- Transformers fame. The original Captain angst. For the final season of Smallville, starring is James Frain as billionaire season pickup. Debuting this fall will be Kirk, William Shatner, returns to TV expect to see some reappearances of some Peter Fleming, who moonlights as a No Ordinary Family about an ordinary in $#*! My Dad Says, based on the characters not seen for a while (including twisted killer, The Tempest, Keith David family who after their plane crashes into popular Twitter feed by Justin Halpern. Pa Kent) but also expect to see some leave as Max Malini, the leader of a gang of the Amazon River, they all discover they Shatner is Ed Goodson, “a forthright and ( Cont’d on page 4 ) bank robbers who mentors Vince and have new extraordinary abilities. It stars

Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 3 SFTube Talk (Cont’d from page 3 ) the summer of 2011. out brutal experiments upon them. They was sitting at a Mexican restaurant we all Syfy kicked off July with the return believe that vampires are the Devil love with Walter Jon Williams and Steve such as Chloe early in the season. Hints of Eureka and Warehouse 13 along with incarnate and must be destroyed; that Gould and some other friends. We were given in the season finale seem to indicate the debut of Haven. Eureka changed werewolves contain an evil gene that watching the millennium celebrations that we may see Darkseid and other New the status quo in Founder’s Day with can be removed by violent scientific around the world. I was thinking to Gods related characters as well. a trip back in time to the 1940’s that experiments; and that ghosts must be myself and I said aloud, “Hey, where’s FOX will be bringing back Fringe changed some things when they returned forced over to the other side whether they my air car? Where’s my moon base? and Human Target in the fall and are to the present, including bringing Dr. like it or not. Other new characters this What happened? We were supposed to tentatively planning on a mid-season Trevor Grant (James Callis) with them. season are a vampire couple, Ivan and get to the stars by the 21st century!” and debut of Terra Nova, a new series Upcoming episodes will find inspiration in Daisy, who get involved with Mitchell, “Why do people believe in b__t and reject produced by Steven Spielberg, Peter the movies 28 Days Later (Zombies) and George, and Annie. When a vampire starts science?” and I thought, well, maybe Chernin, Brannon Braga and David Jurassic Park (dinosaurs) and the Eureka killing, Mitchell must get involved more there’s a reason, and I sort of came up Fury is described as an “action-adventure version of a soap box derby where the with the vampire community and ends with the idea. What if there were nearby series follows an ordinary family on an goal is to make a rocket that can make a up in charge of the coven and also starts dimensions, multi-verses, that had these extraordinary journey back in time to round trip to the moon. Later in the season to organize a blood addiction group with creatures that were attracted by sentience. prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive there will be crossovers with Warehouse mixed results. Mitchell also begins to have Eventually, in the books, they are going to expedition to save the human race.” In 13 where Fargo will visit Warehouse 13 a more serious relationship with Lucy, discover that the reason we’re not getting the future as Earth is dying, scientists and Claudia Donovan from Warehouse but things don’t end up well between any signals from other civilizations on manage to create a fracture in the space- 13 will visit Eureka. Also look for a them. Annie discovers there are forces other planets is that because every time time continuum and send a group of special Christmas episode from Eureka trying to sever her ties with Earth that will some race or species begins to develop humans back to the prehistoric era in the that delves into the Science of Santa that cause her to cross over and she works to cognizance and consciousness, these hope that they can change the past and will feature a return appearance by Matt keep that from happening. George tries other-dimensional creatures intervene. So create a better future. The series will focus Frewer as Jim Taggart. Warehouse 13 to experiment with keeping his werewolf there is no one else out there, because they on the Shannon family, who are part of will continue with lots of known guest tendencies in check by taking tranquilizers keep dying off in wars and upheavals. the colony, but will also find the settlers stars. There will be new artifacts each on the day of the full moon. He also starts Kenntnis is fighting this desperate dealing with prehistoric creatures and week, including one that is actually a up a relationship with Sam, who he was rear-guard action to save us from these other forces that may threaten the colony gryphon and one where the artificat in set up with on an intended bad blind date creatures; we’re the last bastion. In part, and the world’s future. The series is still question affects Pete to the point of him which goes well. As things progress, it was a reaction to Fundamentalism in in the early stages and the only announced losing his sanity. Guest stars include Jaggart and Kemp’s plans come to fruition every religion.... I was a lawyer trained in cast member is Jason O’Mara as Jim Lindsay Wagner, Tia Carrere, Rene and things look really bad for all involved. Constitutional Law, and that was part of Shannon. Auberjonois, David Anders, Faran the mix too. The broadcast networks are still only Tahir, and Philip Winchester. There’s A Conversation a small part of the genre landscape with not much advance information on Haven, ( Cont’d from page 1 ) CP: Do you feel you are closer to your the usual cable suspects continuing their which debuted with OK ratings in early daimon as a writer than if you had genre offerings with new offerings in the CP: What do they use spin glass for in the July. lab? followed law? Was it the right choice? works for AMC and TNT. AMC has given finished its current MS: Absolutely. I’ve always been torn the go ahead for a six-episode series of MS: It’s a way to figure out what season with a wild and exciting finale happened at the moment of the Big Bang. between being a hard-headed pragmatist The Walking Dead, based on the Image with The Big Bang, but still left many and a creator. I was a singer - I studied comic series by Robert Kirkland, who It slows light down and can actually unanswered questions such as who freeze it. Most of the research is out of opera in Europe - and I danced, and did is also serving as an executive producer is River Song really, and what does theatre. My dad had the same sort of on the series along with Frank Darabont California, and there are a number of “Silence has fallen” mean? There will articles on the subject. They are trying to dichotomy; he had a Dixieland jazz band, (who is also writing and directing) and definitely be a Christmas special with The but then he ended up a business man. And Gale Anne Hurd. The series follows create a means of communicating at super Doctor encountering The Yeti and more high speeds for super-computers that can so I had this dual pull. My dad wanted a group of survivors after the Zombie adventures early next year including one me to be a lawyer. I think he would have Apocalypse and their adventures as they store enormous amounts of information. written by Neil Gaiman. But what they are finding out is that light been proud of me becoming a writer, try to find a safe and secure place to live. has found a new US home in Starz, that because he was torn too. I practiced law; The group is led by cop Rick Grimes degrades and it loses information content will be co-producing a fourth series with the longer it is frozen. I got my degree and practiced for three (Andrew Lincoln) and other survivors the BBC. Executive producer Russell years, and I realized that I loved law and include Jeffrey DeMunn as Dale, Jon T. Davies will still be in charge and CP: Are you working on the next Wild I hated lawyers. My best friend was a Bernthal as Shane Walsh, Laurie Holden and Eve Myles will science-fiction writer at the time, Victor as Andrea, Sarah Wayne Callies as Lori Cards anthology? definitely be back. With the destruction MS: We are. The book is actually done. Milan, and he introduced me to all these Grimes, and Steven Yeun as Glenn. Look of the Torchwood Hub in the Children great people like Fred Saberhagen, George for the series to debut on AMC in October It’s called Port Freak and it’s about the of Earth series, Jack and Gwen will police officers in Joker Town. Martin and Roger Zelazny - Roger and during their annual Fearfest. team up with a more global group of I became very good friends. He used to TNT has given the go ahead to Fallen operatives for the new season. Expect to CP: Are you bringing back Bubbles? come over for role-playing games at my Skies, a Steven Spielberg series about hear some more news next time as this house with Jane Lindskold and all these the survivors of an alien invasion. It MS: No, we’re creating new characters. develops. Elsewhere on the BBC, The I’m writing about the son of Francis other really great people. And I thought, stars Noah Wyle as Tom Mason and Sarah Jane Adventures will feature a these are the coolest people I ever met in Moon Bloodgood as Anne Glass. Tom Xavier Black, and he’s a normal person, guest appearance by Matt Smith as The not an ace. my life! The people I practice law with, Mason is as a former college professor Doctor and Katy Manning as Jo Grant. all they talk about is their billable hours who becomes the leader of a group of Still no word on when anything past the and their wins. soldiers and civilians struggling against an CP: Where in New Mexico do you live? first season will appear on cable in the US, MS: I live in Santa Fe now; I grew up in CP: Who do you like to read? occupying alien force while Anne Glass is though. MS: I love the books by Stieg Larsson, a therapist who works with the surviving Albuquerque, but it’s gotten very big, and BBC America just started up the it’s gotten hotter so I moved a couple of beginning with The Girl with the Dragon children to help them cope with the second season of Being Human on Tattoo. I’m reading the third one now. traumatic situation. The series also stars years ago. But Albuquerque is the setting Saturday nights. The new season consists for some of the action in the Edge books. But I read very little for pleasure these Drew Roy as Hal and Maxim Knight of eight episodes and has an overall arc days, because I spend all my time writing! as Matt, Tom’s two sons; and Seychelle dealing with Professors Lucy Jaggart and CP: I love your premise that the gods are I do re-read The Wind and the Willows Gabriel as Lourdes, an orphaned teenager Kemp, who are fundamentalist Christians every summer, and every two years or so who helps run the group’s commissary. actually aliens who suck up the energy of who have discovered the existence of scared, angry human beings. How did the I re-read The Lord of the Rings. Also The Will Patton plays a fierce leader of the vampires, werewolves and ghosts - and resistance. Look for the series to debut in premise form? are determined to destroy them or carry MS: It was New Year’s Eve, 1999, and I (Cont’d on page 5 ) Page 4 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 A Conversation at the table with Larry Niven and Jerry humor, and was a remarkable writer. and interacting with allies and enemies. ( cont’d from page 4 ) Pournelle, Dr. Robert Forward, Harry And he was very kind to a wannabe There are basically 2 types of players, Jungle Book. I love that one! In fact, at Harrison, A. E. van Vogt, and James P. writer seven years before my first book farmers who build their cities and attack the end of the second Edge book there’s Hogan - and I was pretty much blown finally found a publisher. I will always be the barbarian cities around them, and an homage to Kipling. For relaxation, God away by how welcoming everyone was. grateful. war-mongerers who attack other players help me, Ian and I play Dragon Age and At the end of the con, Jim asked what Upon announcement of his death, and take their resources. Both have Halo for hours! my plans were for the next few days, the blogasphere was inundated with their advantages and drawbacks, I run a and I said I didn’t have any except to stories of how Jim was a Holocaust combination of the two, I have some cities CP: Thank-you so much for agreeing to get home eventually. So he invited me Denier – which is not true. But he was just for farming and some for viciously this interview; it’s been a great pleasure. to drive him back to his home up near a researcher and a stickler for detail, attacking other players. MS: Thank-you. Sacramento and stay a couple days with and he resented and reacted to being Alliances are important, having him and his family. Naturally, I accepted told one could not question any topic players that will come to your aid if the invitation. – including the Holocaust. It wasn’t that If you would like to meet Melinda attacked (or at least avenge you) makes Of course, that kind of luck couldn’t he did not think the Holocaust happened, Snodgrass, to talk or just get books hold. I put his suitcase in my little red but that he thought the official accounts others think twice about attacking personalized, she will be at BuboniCon Fiero and promptly locked it and my keys were not accurate. Over the last several without provocation. There are many in Albuquerque, NM, the last weekend of in the trunk. That slowed us down a little years he apparently embraced a number good resources for playing but the best is August. - Chris Paige while I went and found a locksmith. But of controversial topics and developed knowing someone who has played. Jim was good natured about it and we got positions on them. Some of those are 3.5 Stars out of 5 In Memory on our way without too long a delay. discussed on his website. He and his son We talked about his novel The Proteus maintained it. OgreOcre James P. Hogan Operation. I was curious about how he So I have hoisted a pint of ale (despite Ken St. Andre (1941-2010) had gained so much expertise in caving, my gout) in remembrance of James P. and he told me he had made friends Hogan. He was kind to me, an amazing OgreOcre is a fast paced card game Science Fiction author James P. Hogan with the owner of the nearby Moaning individual and unique. designed to be played with Flying was found dead in his house in Ireland on Caverns. He talked about the convenience He will be missed. Buffalo’s 2010 Origins Poker Deck. The July 12. The cause of death has not yet to a writer of being able to pick up the deck has 5 kings and 2 jokers. Each face been determined. phone and ask questions of an expert Adam Niswander card and joker has a special ability based I first met Jim in 1986 when he was – something I have never forgotten. Phoenix, Arizona on color. The red cards are positive and our Guest of Honor at CopperCon 6. The The drive was uneventful. We made 2010 the black cards are negative. The object convention was held at the old Safari good time. And we arrived at his home is to have the highest possible hand and Resort Hotel on Scottsdale Road. I had just before sunset, where I met his wife win the pot. The rules are available from read Jim’s first book, Inherit the Stars, Jackie, a lovely lady, and his three young published in 1977 by Ballantine Del Gamers Corner Drive-Thru RPG and cost two dollars sons – three dynamos of constant energy for a PDF. A hard copy is available Rey as a paperback original. That was and motion. After supper, he took me over Evony through Peryton Publishing for ten followed by a direct sequel titled The to another house – which he kept as his Evony-Free Forever dollars. The game is easy to learn and Gentle Giants of Ganymede, published office, and where I would spend the night.. good for killing time between games at a in 1978, also by Ballantine Del Rey as a In the morning, we were up early and we Free forever is a possibility with this, convention. Playing for pretzel sticks is paperback original. headed off to Moaning Caverns. It was however the game is designed to tempt not recommended as you tend to eat the Also in 1978, The Genesis Machine a great day. The caverns were beautiful you into paying a small fee to gain extras winnings too fast. was published. The Two Faces of and a lot of work had gone into making during beginners protection (bp). There Tomorrow came along in 1979. Thrice 4 Stars out of 5See you next time. ~~ them accessible – wrought iron stairways, are also ways to entice you after bp, I have Upon A Time came out in 1980. And the Bob LaPierre pathways, and colored lighting. The owner several dozen gift chests in my inventory third Giants novel titled Giant’s Star, was there and very gracious. He answered (the chests are free, but it costs $30 for came out in 1981. Then came The Voyage Warhammer Death and Dishonor questions, gave us the guided tour, and the key). The chests hold many useful From Yesteryear in 1982. edited by Alex Davis, Nick Kyme and was a great host. items and can be a great help, however the His most recent novel, Migration, Lindsey Priestly That evening, sitting in Jim’s living- former host of my alliance had at one time came out from Baen Books in May of room as the boys bounced on and off Black Library, $8.99, 316 pp. 43 chests, this means he could open them 2010 – just two months ago. There were pretty much everything, Jim talked about all for the measly sum of $1,290. a lot of other books – 5 collections, 16 writing ideas and had fun suggesting plots Here is a tome of nine short stories in The game itself is fun. I enjoy building stand-alone novels, and three series. that Heinlein had already used so that both the dark fantasy world of Warhammer. A and maintaining troops, finding the But the Jim Hogan I knew was a man Jackie and I kept telling him they were few of these stories are with Warhammer’s who enjoyed good conversation over a used ideas. Jim allowed as how one could right mixture of buildings for your city, beer, loved sharing what he had learned, ( Cont’d on Page 6 ) and enjoyed explaining complex things so learn to hate Robert Heinlein. his listener could understand. I saw Jim again at another When I was still unpublished and California convention – don’t trying to break in, I ran into Jim at the recall which one - when my own Universe 87 Convention in LA at the first book, The Charm, had come Airport Hilton. I had gone there as a out and I was promoting it. That Bookseller and had a table in the dealers time, Jim sat in our room with room. What I did not know until arriving a beer and a smile and happily and setting up was that Universe 87 was explained quantum physics to a gamer’s convention. The gamers had my ex-wife and me. checked in, headed for the gaming area, Unfortunately, we didn’t and there was almost no one around. But cross paths or get together the Con Committee had also invited a again after that. Jim had bought passel of writers, and the writers were all Killarny House in Ireland and sitting in the Green Room trying not to be was spending a fortune restoring bored out of their minds. Knowing I was it. I seem to recall he sold it a wannabe writer, Jim invited me to come eventually and was not aware up and hang out with them. he had bought another house in It felt a lot like having an angel invite Ireland. me to come hang out in heaven. Naturally, I was saddened So a few minutes later, I had a seat to hear of his passing. He was a gentleman, had a great sense of Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 5 (Cont’d from page 5 ) now is the knight of realm. He will have Enjoyable. Reminds me of one book readers and Warhammer fans. ~~ Jeffrey Gamers to face a lot of responsibilities that he of the Lord of the Rings but in a darker Lu favorite characters- Gotrek & Felix, Florin does not want. Yet, Calard will also have form. Recommended to dark fantasy and & Lorenzo, and Brunner the Bounty to counter a new thread among Bretonnia: Warhammer readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu Warhammer 40,000 Bringers of Death Hunter. All the stories are about the title of Norscans- barbarians from the north. edited by Marc Gasconigne & Christian this book. He will have to decide on a dark destiny Warhammer Mark of Chaos Dunn Liked it, overall. Recommended to which he will be partly responsible for the by Anthony Reynolds Black Library, $6.99, 253 pp. dark fantasy and Warhammer fans. ~~ entire country’s welfare. Black Library, $7.99, 395 pp. Jeffrey Lu This is the second book in Here are the short stories that deals Warhammer’s Bretonnia series. Here is a story of a Captain von Kessel with death in the Warhammer 40,000 Warhammer 40,000 Sons of Dorn Tragedy. Dark. Interesting take who is wrongfully accused as a child as universe. One of the these stories started a by Chris Roberson on Lady of the Lake. Surprises. a thing of Chaos. His uncle, the Count of line of one of my favorite series. Black Library, $7.99, 414 pp. Recommended to dark fantasy readers and Ostermark, has spared his life after putting Recommended to dark sci-fi readers

Warhammer fans. ~~ Jeffrey Lu his grandfather to death and his father and Warhammer 40,000 fans. ~~ Jeffrey This story is about three young recruits to banishment. The captain’s face was Lu who are selected for Imperial Fists Space Warhammer 40,000 Angels of Darkness scarred in an early age as a mark of chaos. Marines. Even though two of them have a by Gav Thorpe In this tale, the captain will have to use Warhammer Day of the Daemon blood debt secretly among each other, the Black Library, $7.99, 282 pp. his wits and experience with an Imperial by Aaron Rosenberg trio will have to work together in order to army to fight a seemingly unlimited great Black Library, $7.99, 253 pp. survive the onslaught of Chaos Roaring Here lies a story of the Dark Angels Chaos hordes. But will his past come back Blades and the Chaos Sound Marines. Space Marines. An Interrogator-Chaplain to haunt him? Treasure hunters Alaric and Dietz are Also, each of the three is from one world Boreas hears secrets from a prisoner who Good story. Recommended to dark trying to counter a major Chaos plot with but different cultures and lifestyles. Yet, had been with the Emperor, ten thousand fantasy readers and Warhammer fans. ~~ the help of a few allies. Little will they they must work as a team in order to years ago. That prisoner was also a Dark Jeffrey Lu know that one of them will be a secret overcome the enemy. Angels Space Marine. Will Boreas act Chaos priest. This is an Imperial Fists Novel. with the information he gathers from this Warhammer 40,000 Daemon World Dark. Enjoyable. This is like a pulp Enjoyable. Read about Space Marines ancient space marine or will something by Ben Counter story in a fantasy setting. Recommended but never saw the process of making a more subtle and sinister appear from the Black Library, $7.99, 405 pp. to dark fantasy and/or Warhammer fans. person into a Space Marine. Also, liked past? ~~ Jeffrey Lu the idea of three different cultures uniting This is a second printing. This is a world where all types of against a common enemy. Recommended Great tale. Lot of plots and Chaos- dameons, gargoyles, humans, and Warhammer 40,000 to dark sci-fi fans and Warhammer 40,000 controversies about Dark Angels Space Chaos marine- fights to stay on top. Yet, The Ultramarines Omnibus readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu Marines. Highly recommended to dark there is one Chaos marine who will get his by Graham McNeill sci-fi fans and Warhammer 40,000 final on the main Chaos planet. Black Library, $10.99, 765 pp. Warhammer Knight Errant readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu Something with an alien’s help. by Anthony Reynolds Dark. Loved it. Lot of twists and turns. Here is a collection of stories with Black Library, $7.99, 411 pp Warhammer 40,000 Storm of Iron Did not expect the ending. Recommended the space marines, Ultramarines. In this

by Graham McNeil to dark sci-fi/fantasy and Warhammer volume, Captain Uriel Ventris and the Calard and his half-brother, Bertelis, Black Library, $7.99, 413 pp. 40,000 fans. ~~ Jeffrey Lu Ultramarines will lead against the foes of are Bretonnia knight-errants. They are mankind- dark eldar, chaos marines, and summoned by their sick father, Lord This story is about one Chaos Space Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay others. of Bastonne, to join a worthy national Marines, Iron Warriors, who are besieging The Corrupted This tome has the short story, cause- repel the orc invaders. These sons an Imperial citadel for something by Robert Earl “Chain of Command.” It also contained will join other knights and knight-errants important that even the Imperial defender Black Library, $7.99, 252 pp. three novels: Nightbringer, Warriors of to defend their homeland. But there is do not know. Will the Iron Warriors Ultramar, and Dead Sky Black Sun. more than literally meets the eye. There is sacrifice everything to take down this This story is about a wizard who Liked it. Good science fiction military something dark and sinister in Bretonnia. Imperial fortress or are there a few hidden obtains an illegal spell that went haywire stories with a flavor of horror. First time Something rotten. agendas that they themselves do not at Altdorf. He left to the forbidden seeing a space marine more human. Intrigue galore. Surprises. Liked it. know? Chaos North in a hurry. The leader of the Recommended to dark fantasy readers or Recommended for dark fantasy readers Interesting. This is first book in the Colleges of Magic sent another wizard Warhammer 40,000 fans. ~~ Jeffrey Lu and Warhammer fans. ~~ Jeffrey Lu Warhammer 40,000 that the bad guys win to “solve” this problem. Also, a team at a great cost. There are a lot of ups and of witch hunters are in pursuit of this Warhammer The Enemy Within Warhammer 40,000 Planetkill downs on both sides- chaos and Imperial. renegade wizard. All will change but not by Richard Lee Byers Edited by Nick Kyme and Lindsey Some things I did not expect in this tome. for the better. Black Library, $7.99, 253 pp. Priestley Great story, overall. Recommended to Interesting. Dark. Recommended to Black Library, $7.99, 313 pp. dark sci-fi readers and Warhammer 40,000 dark fantasy readers and Warhammer fans. Dieter Schumann, a Celestial wizard,

fans. ~~ Jeffrey Lu ~~ Jeffrey Lu is being set-up as a spy for a witch hunter Here are seven short stories in the group. He is to infiltrate a Chaos cell Warhammer 40,000 universe. All of them Warhammer Online- Warhammer and find the mysterious boss. Little will deal with the doom of a planet in some Age of Reckoning: Empire in Chaos Brunner The Bounty Hunter he know that he will be corrupted and way. by Anthony Reynolds by C.L. Werner betrayed in this adventure. Will he survive Interesting. Some surprises. Three of Black Library, $7.99, 413 pp. Black Library, $15.00, 764 pp. against Chaos? these short stories were previews for their Good story. Recommended for dark own novels. Recommended to dark sci-fi Unlikely friends and allies are In these pages, this tome has tales of fantasy readers and Warhammer fans. ~~ fans and Warhammer 40,000 readers. ~~ gathered together to fight the armies a bounty hunter in a fantasy setting. His Jeffrey Lu Jeffrey Lu of orcs, goblins, and Chaos. Annaliese name is Brunner and he is brutal. Jaeger and an elf are sole survivors from This tome has the three novels- Blood Warhammer Knight of the Realm a strange village plague. A witch hunter, a & Steel, Blood Money, and Blood of the by Anthony Reynolds knight and a dwarf are united with these Dragon. This also includes the short story, Black Library, $7.99, 410 pp. two to warn a great city of invasion. Will “What Price Vengeance.”

they in time be able to survive in battle Overall, liked it. Dark but never Since the death of his father, Calard against the Chaos Raven’s army? boring. Recommended to dark fantasy ( Cont’d on page 7 ) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 held my position for at least two hours. I smiled. He said, “Hi. I’m Charles Vess.” Even though this may be the first gaming Gamer (Cont’d from page 6) was happy when I finally got inside the I swallowed and apologized for my error. convention that I did not win, I made new air-conditioned building. Later, I did met He forgave and did a wonderful sketch. friends and renewed old acquaintances in Runefang her. Felicia is a nice lady and seems to Overall the convention was small but nice. our love of gaming- new and old. by C.L. Werner be like a geeky Mary Jane in the Ultimate I had a good time. I plan to be back. Black Library, $7.99, 412 pp. Spider-man comics. Afterward, I did bump into my find. I In The Cards: RandomCon 2010 on This book is about a group quest for a bought it and happily walked out. July 9th to 11th 2010 at Windemere lost Solland runefang, one of 12 magical Overall, the whole place was packed. Hotel and Convention Center swords for human leaders. The reason I think the next Phoenix Comic-Con needs by Jeffrey Lu for this is to find this weapon that could Trivia Questions at least two more convention spaces. Will destroy a seemingly invincible monster, this be another San Diego Comic-Con? A few old gaming buddies were there a wight. This monster also commands a 1) What is Asimov’s 3rd Law of Robot- We’ll see. playing a Firefly deck. It was made by a large zombie army that keeps growing ics? lady friend as an experiment with some after each successful battle. Can this LepreCon 36 (May 14-16) at Phoenix Steve Jackson’s Munchkin cards. She told 2) Which Heinlein story took place partly undead horde be stopped in time? Marriott Mesa in Mesa, Arizona. me that this will never be because of the in The Land of Oz? Interesting tale. Full of betrayals. by Jeffrey Lu copyrights dealing with Firefly. Surprises galore. Recommended to dark 3) Who was originally considered for the I find this sad because other game fantasy readers and Warhammer fans. ~~ role of the Terminator in the first movie George R.R. Martin and Charles Vess. companies are making money with the Jeffrey Lu They were the main author and artist rights of theme of movies and T.V. shows. 4) What famous writer used the nom de guests. For example, there is the popular Monty plume of Andrew North? ConClusion I had to be there. Python Fluxx game. Even though I had to work, I made Yet, there were a few demos in this 5) What was James Cameron’s directorial Phoenix Comic-Con (May 27-30, 2010) time to go to this event. convention. One was a live action zombie debut? at Phoenix Convention Center I am a fan of both. First, George was survivor game. Another was something to by Jeffrey Lu 6) Which actor on the TV show Slid- one of my favorite authors in his Wild deal with pirates. I was interested in card ers was the only actor to appear in all 5 Card series. I also have four of his Song games. I looked around. seasons A policeman looked puzzled as he of Ice and Fire fantasy books. I had two I decided to try Orgeocre. This card gave directions. He said, “What the hell of the fantasy series signed at the dealer’s game was invented by Ken St. Andre, 7) Which famous artist painted the de- is Ghostbusters doing here? Is there room. He was generous. creator of Tunnels and Trolls. I tried it struction of the TARDIS? something that I don’t know about?” Second, Charles Vess is known as an twice and lost both times. The game was 8) In Sookie Stackhouse’s world, what Without skipping a beat, I went to artist who worked with Neil Gaiman. I complex but only needed a deck of cards, him and told him that it was a comic did the Japanese develop that enabled the had him not only signed my copy of “The a rulebook, and dice. This was just a vampires to “come out of the coffin?” convention, a few blocks away. Book of Ballads and Sagas” but also made demo. Yep, there were more stares from a drawing within the cover of the book. Later, I saw a few gaming friends 9) What was the name of the first Earth- not only the normals but also from Cool. and chatted with them. There were some orbiting satellite? the other convention goers- a national To be honest, I did not know what discussions about life in general. One of volleyball tournament- on Batman to Mr. Vess looked like until I went to the them met his wife in a gaming convention. 10) Which well-known character actor participated in all five Star Trek TV series, Mario costumes on a hot summer day in convention. I was at a ConSuite one Another will be a high school teacher, this downtown Phoenix. all the movies thru the latest Star Trek and morning drinking sodas and eating chips. fall. all the animated versions? I was there to meet not only the usual I overheard a conversation about art. I sat Curious, I asked registration about the celebrities like Wil Wheaton but also the near two people and listened. Unwisely, convention. Volunteer Lisa-Marie Brown Answers on page 20 fans in costumes. Some were amazing I mentioned in passing about why didn’t told me that the count was 245 people. like one couple- Spider-man with Black one of them go meet Charles Vess to In this convention, I enjoyed myself. Cat. settle their art question. One of them The Phoenix Comic-Con was to be in one of the four convention spaces. This was definitely bigger space from last year’s event. At least twice the size. There were two hallways for convention meeting rooms, one large merchant area, one ballroom for the main event and volunteer booth, one large area for snacks and drinks, and a major registration/ information/photo-ops place. Little did I know that there will be an attendance record of 13,988 people. This was double from last year’s convention in Mesa. I was there to see a few old friends and hunt for an elusive “holy grail.” Instead, I had to help out a sick friend. Instead of going to see a whole bunch of panels and/or meeting celebrities like Stan Lee (creator of Iron Man, Hulk, Spider-man), I went and waited in line for someone I had once had no clue. My ill friend helped me a few months before to see “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and “The Guild.” I was waiting outside in the Phoenix hot sun for Felicia Day. Being stubborn (and maybe stupid), I

Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 7 Bards Books “The Buntline Special: A Weird West Magic, The Gathering. Friday, 6p at both 3508 N Seventh Street, Suite 145 Tale” by Mike Resnick locations, & Tues, 6pm (west valley) & FYI Phoenix, AZ 85014 “The Cardinal’s Blades” by Pierre Pevel Sat 1pm (Phx) CASFS BOOK DISCUSSION www.bardsbooks.com “Cowboy Angels” by Paul McAuley Bent Cover Books 602.274.7530 “Elfsorrow: Legends of the Raven I” by SCIENCE EVENTS 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix James Barclay 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm, in the Coffee Bar AUTHOR SIGNINGS ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER Sponsored by Central Arizona Subterranean Press Speculative Fiction Society (CASFS) Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff “Kraken” by China Mieville Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear. email questions to [email protected] presents Star Wars: The Clone Wars “The Ammonite Violin & Others” by Opened Jan 31, 2010 Character Encyclopedia, a visual guide Caitlin R. Kiernan Pre-school Science. Aug thru Sep, various Come do some face-to-face interaction to the characters of Star Wars: The Clone “The Adventures of the Princess and The topics. with your fellow readers and SF/Fantasy Wars TV series published in the summer Thing Beneath the Bed” by Pat Rothfuss Digital Daze, game design technology. fans! Haven’t read the book? Don’t of 2010. “The Sky That Wraps” by Jay Lake Aug 6, 10a-4p worry, there’s no quiz or anything. You Barnes & Noble, Desert Ridge. Aug 21, And too many more to mention…. Family-friendly talks on variety of topics. can use the rest of us as your personal 2pm Sep TBA book reviewers to see if it’s something GAMING EVENTS Science Café informal discussions with you’d like. We start out with the book DIANA GABALDON, her new Graphic Novel ASU Professors, see webpage for topics discussion, but the conversation can go Windmill Inn, Tucson (see Pima Library DRAWN TO COMICS and dates. Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 19 anywhere. The get-together is held in the website), $35. Aug 28, 4p-6p. Ongoing Exhibits: coffee shop of Bent Cover Books near Scottsdale Center for the Arts. (see Star Wars Miniatures , Sundays, 1pm-4pm Dorrance Planetarium 28th Drive and Cactus Road in Phoenix. Poisoned Pen webpage) Sep 21, 7pm. Sit-and-Sketch with local artists. Evans Family Skycycle We welcome potential new friends. Barnes & Noble, Eastside, Tucson. Oct Saturdays, 4pm-8pm My Digital Worlds August 17- On Basilisk Station by David 2, 2pm HeroClix. Sat 2pm Forces of Nature Weber Check FaceBook for other events New Rock Wall for climbers aged 8 and September 21 - Keeping It Real by Smart Chicks Kick-It Author Event above Justina Robson HOLLY BLACK, KELLEY ARMSTRONG, GAME DEPOT Adults Night Out, 1st Fridays, check October 19 - The Devil’s Eye by Jack SARAH REES BRENNAN, KIMBERLY website for topics & time McDevitt DERTING, BECCA FITZPATRICK MELISSA HeroClix. Wed, 530pm-8pm November 16 - Cordelia’s Honor by MARR, & ALYSON NOEL Magic, The Gathering. Thurs, 6pm. ASU Lois McMaster-Bujold Scottsdale Civic Library Auditorium. Sep Magic, The Gathering 2011 GameDay. December 21 - A Game of Thrones by 17, 7pm. Aug 14, noon Science lectures and news George RR Martin D&D Dark Sun. Aug 21, all day http://asunews.asu.edu/news/science J.S. LEWIS signing “Grey Griffins #1: The Warhammer Ardboyz Tournament. Aug BARDS BOOKS – A REVIEW Brimstone Key” 28, noon CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER, By C. Yankovich Barnes & Noble, Dana Park Village D&D Redbox Day. Sep 11, noon-7pm PEORIA Square, Mesa. Sep 17, 6pm If you’re looking for another . GAMER’S INN Bookman’s, you’ll be disappointed; Bards BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS Stargazing. Starlab Planetarium. Check is not a superstore. Located in a strip Pokeman Pre-Release. Aug 8, 10am website for dates and times mall on Seventh Street, one block north Oro Valley Library, Tucson M11 GameDay. Aug 14, noon Space Place events for Future Astronauts. of Osborn, the small store with plenty of Science Fiction Book Club, 4th Tuesdays D&D Worldwide Dark Sun GameDay. Check website for events in Sep. atmosphere has been in this location for Aug 21, all day Columbia Shuttle Memorial Display nearly a year. Huge threadbare oriental SciFi Book Group Flames of War 1750. Aug 29, 10am ASU Meteorite Exhibit rugs on the floor add color. Soft music Barnes & Noble, Eastside, Tucson. Magic: Scars of Mirrodin Pre-Release. Iridium Satellite Model plays in the background. Bookshelves Aug 10, Sept 14, Oct 12, 730pm Sep 25, 10am Atlantis Space Shuttle Model stretch upward, almost touching the ten- Journey Thru the Space Program foot ceilings. A small Community Room SPECIAL BOOK RELEASES IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES Lowell Observatory Display stocked with plump sofas takes up one This listing is to introduce you to smaller corner of the store. A calendar of events publishing houses that offer exclusive or nd Federation Commander. 2 Saturdays, MOON SOCIETY MEETING lets customers know what is happening for limited edition books that you wouldn’t be able to find at your local chain bookstore. noon the next month from new age classes to st RPG. 1 Sundays 3:00 PM on the third Saturday at Denny’s book signings. Boardgames & Demo Nite. Mondays & on the Southeast corner of US60 and They offer a sizable crafts section; one Cemetery Dance Publications Thursdays, 6pm. Rural Road. For more info contact Craig eight-foot –tall shelf is labeled “Sewing “The Painted Darkness” by Brian James Freeman War Machine. Wednesdays, 4pm Porter at [email protected] and Quilting.” Unfortunately, this is Hammerhead 40K Club Meeting. Wed & misleading. I did find a book on couture “Futile Efforts” by Tom Piccirilli Thurs, noon PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, techniques, but pickings were slim. Still, I Hammerhead Club 40k tournament. 1st have to give them credit for being hopeful. Edge SF & F Publishing/Tesseract TUCSON Books Wed, noon I didn’t notice anything on fashion, but Magic Booster Drafts. Fridays, 7pm they did have a nice art section and a “Cinkarion” by J.A. Cullum New Volunteer Orientation. Aug 14, couple four-foot by eight-foot shelves Sep 11, Sep 18, Oct 9, Nov 13, Dec 11, SAMURAI COMICS filled with cookbooks. PS Publishing 930am-1030am.Science Saturdays. Aug (check website for correct store location) If you’re in downtown Phoenix, you “Clowns at Midnight” by Terry Dowling 28, 10am-330pm. Age 8 and up. might want to check out Bards and give “Quartet and Triptych” by Matthew Night Wings. Aug 28, 5pm-9pm. Magic, The Gathering Tournament. Mon the owner some encouragement. He’s a Hughes Aviation’s for Girls, Jr. Girl Scout 6pm (Phx), Thurs 6p (Phx) nice guy. “The Library of Forgotten Books” by Program. Sep 25, 9am-330pm Yugioh Tournament. Sundays, noon (Phx) Plus, after picking up some reading, Rjurik Davidson Volunteer Presentation Series. Oct 16, & Sat, noon (west valley) try Urban Bean coffee shop, across the “Brighton Shock” edited by Stephen Jones Nov 20, Dec 11, Dec 18, 10a Anime Club. Sundays, noon (west valley) parking lot. They’re another small local Space Gallery exhibit. See an Apollo Pokemon. Sundays, 2pm (west valley) business that treats folks right. PYR Publishing space capsule, moon rock, Phoenix Mars Mission. (Cont’d on page 9 ) Page 8 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 Check web sites or contact stores for more added to the contract giving General Mills FYI ( Cont’d from page 8) info the U.S. television rights to all of the Game Depot, 480-966-4727 half-hour shows forever. A mixed “Merry SETI Institute’s Weekly http://www.azchallenger.org http://www.azscience.org Christmas” at best. http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/ 1959 became history and Ward had Calendar of events on the website. storelocator plans for 1960 and Val-Mar: The Mexico Science Radio Program - Mondays, avail http://beyond.asu.edu studio would receive predirected material as podcast -- http://radio.seti.org and http://www.bookmans.com six to eight weeks before the delivery date http://podcast.seti.org http://www.borders.com/online/store http://www.cemeterydance.com of “Rocky” and “Bullwinkle’s Corner” http://www.changinghands.com segments, five to six weeks prior for Titan Missile Museum http://www.conlanpress.com “Fairy Tales” and “Peabody” episodes. http://www.dragonmoonpress.com 1960 also saw a change in personnel in the Titan Missile Museum Tours. http://www.drawntocomics.com Mexico staff: Dun Roman’s contract was Reservations only - The only publicly http://www.gamersinnaz.com/ http://www.imperialoutpost.com up and George Singer was hired to replace accessible Titan II missile site in the http://www.library.pima.gov him. Singer worked with Pete Burness at Wright brothers. General Mills feared nation. Tour the underground missile site. http://www.loftcinema.com/showtimes the Hollywood studio for a month to get a backlash from educators and patriotic See the 3-ton blast doors, 8’ thick silo http://madcaptheaters.com/ feel for the characters before joining new groups. In addition, they believed that walls and an actual Titan II missile in http://www.pimaair.org hires Dave Fern and Dan Jurovich at Val- kids would be laughing at American the launch duct. Visit the launch control http://www.poisonedpen.com http://store.pspublishing.co.uk/ Mar. history, which was exactly what center, experience a simulated launch, and http://www.pyrsf.com/catalog.html While work at the Mexico studio and Bill Scott were after. At about the more. Top to Bottom Tours: Check web http://www.samuraicomics.com seemed to be improving under Rudy same time, ABC worried that the voice site for 2010 dates http://www.seti.org Zamora’s direction and supervision, dialects Paul Frees and Bill Scott were http://www.spazdogcomics.com/ Ward had his hands full with poor quality http://www.subterraneanpress.com/ doing burlesqued many ethnic groups. OTHER GENRE-RELATED EVENTS http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/ sound: sound effects were missing, Ward was polite, but firm and he stuck to http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ inappropriate, or so distorted dialogue his guns. Eventually the episodes were TUCSON COMIC CON http://www.wildsidepress.com/ that it was unintelligible. Ward was also approved and aired as written. Nov 6 at The Hotel Arizona, Tucson. having censorship trouble from General Ward continued to look beyond the Free! “Is That A Budget In Your Mills and ABC. The cereal company was plucky squirrel and the steadfast moose Pocket, Or Are You Just Here To concerned about a “Peabody” episode and began work on two new projects: BARNES & NOBLE TEMPE Balance The Books?” in which the brilliant dog aided Francis “The Piper’s Show” and “Cosgrove the Scott Key in the composition of “The MARKETPLACE It’s the 50th Anniversary of Magician.” “The Piper’s Show” would IFC Screenwriting Group, Wednesdays, Star-Spangled Banner.” They were also 7pm Rocky and Bullwinkle, Pt. 8 concerned about the depiction of the ( Cont’d on page 12) By Shane Shellenbarger BARNES & NOBLE, TUCSON EASTSIDE 1959 had been a financially rough Desert Sky Bookfair. Aug 14, 9am. year for Jay Ward. In addition to the Write Your Book in 5 Days or Less unexpected expenses involved in CONCONJECTUREJECTURE seminar. Aug 25, 7p correcting the Mexico studio failings, Ward had been unable to sell any of his A Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention BOOKMANS, PHOENIX proposed series. So it was with great relief OCTOBER 1-3, 2010 Across+ Anime Club meeting, when in December it was announced that Sundays,6pm the budget for Rocky and His Friends TOWN & COUNTRY RESORT HOTEL, SAN DIEGO Medieval Skills in the Modern World. had risen to $26,000.00 per show, nearly THEME: “THE FUTURE IS NOW” Aug 7, 1230p-330p tripling what it had been. This gain Guest of Honor: N.E.R.D.S. Meetup. Gamers, wasn’t an early Christmas present from Browncoats, Otaku, Trekkies, Computer Geeks and just plain Nerds – just for fun. RROOBBEERRTT JJ.. SSAAWWYYEERR Aug 14, 2p. Aug 21, 6p Hugo and Nebula Award—Winning Author Zombie Research Society – Public Meeting. Aug 21, 11am Inspiration for the Hit TV series Flash Forward Browncoats Shindig, first Sat, 7pm Arizona Ghostbusters appearance. Aug Art Show, Dealers Room, Gaming, Films, Anime, 21, 6p Masquerade, Filk, Concerts, Dance, Mad Science Fair, Iron BORDERS, ORACLE RD TUCSON Hack, and more... Mensa Group, Aug 18 5;30pm

CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE CONTACT INFO: Workshop: 20 Ways to Kill Your First CONTACT INFO: Novel with Michael A. Stackpole. Aug CONJECTURE 2010 19, 630pm PO Box 927388 a generous sponsor or ad agency. Ward San Diego, CA 92192-7388 ECKSTROM-COLUMBUS LIBRARY, TUCSON had spent months detailing to General [email protected] Metaphysics, Aug 16, 6pm Mills the difficulties and expenditures his company had undertaken in order LOFT THEATRE, TUCSON to produce the show. In addition, Ward Register online at… conjecture.org Screenings of movies, many SF genre. and Bill Scott agreed to relinquish some Check website for times and listings. quality control, General Mills had begun Conjecture is sponsored by the San Diego Speculative Fiction

to see some of the finished work, and Society, Inc. (SanSFiS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, www.sansfis.org. (much to Ward’s regret) a clause had been Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 9 Author Stephen R. Donaldson Guest Donaldson made his publishing debut with the first “Covenant” trilogy in 1977. Of He lives in New Mexico. His works have received 19 awards including the Honor World Fantasy Award (“Reave the Just and Other Tales.”) He has published the science fiction “Gap” series and the “Man who..” series of mysteries among his 40 publishing credits.. In 1993 he received a Doctor of Literature degree from the College of Wooster, and in 1994 he gained a black belt in Shotokan . Donaldson recently spent quite some time “on vacation.” However, Stephen R. he is currently hard at work on “The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.” Donaldson Author Author Author Music Guest Guest Guest Guest

Weston Yvonne David Lee Mark Ochse Navarro Summers Horning Bram Stoker Bram Stoker Writer, Editor, Musician & award winner award winner Astronomer Physicist Weston Ochse was born in Wyo- Yvonne Navarro has published David Lee Summers is an author, Mark Horning is a Physicist and ming, began writing profession- over 20 books. Several were editor and astronomer living in avid folk musician. Originally ally in 1997 and won the Bram solo novels and fiction. Her next Southern New Mexico. He edited from California, he moved to Ari- Stoker Award for his first novel, novel to be published is “High- the anthology Space Pirates for zona in 1996. He is known for his “Scarecrow Gods”, in 2005. His born”, which is scheduled for Flying Pen Press and edits Tales space and SF based songs, and is co-written collection of short publication in September 2010 of the Talisman Magazine. He is often seen in the company of a 6 stories titled “Appalachian Gala- by Pocket/Juno Books. She has the author of five novels: “The or 12 string guitar. His first pro- pagos”, was nominated for the written seven novels related to Pirates of Sufiro”, “Children of fessional CD, Space & Freedom, Pushcart Prize for Short Fic- the fictional ‘Buffyverse’, one the Old Stars”, “Heirs of the New was officially released at the 62nd tion. His novella “Redeption of which won The Bram Stoker Earth”, “Vampires of the Scarlet annual Westercon, in Tempe AZ. Roadshow” was a finalist for award, and numerous other nov- Order”, and “The Solar Sea”. Mark has physics degrees from the Bram Stoker Award in 2008. els, including Hellboy, Elektra, His short fiction has appeared Cal Poly (BS), and Arizona State Weston holds a Bachelor of Arts Species, Species II, Aliens: Mu- in such magazines as Realms of (MS.) While at ASU, he devel- in American Literature and a sic of the Spears and Ultraviolet. Fantasy, Aoife’s Kiss, and Sci- oped a hybrid lighting system to Master of Fine Arts in Creative Yvonne has contributed the story ence Fiction Trails. His work calibrate the sensors used in the Writing. He travels extensively “Meet Me on the Other Side” also appears in the anthologies Vatican Advanced Technology to book signings and conven- to the collection The Children Bad-Ass Faeries. In addition to Telescope (VATT) located at the tions. He is a frequent speaker of Cthulhu and has had nearly a his work in the written word, Da- Mt. Graham Observatory. Mark at libraries and schools. He has hundred other short stories pub- vid works at Kitt Peak National works in the aerospace industry been an adjunct faculty member lished. A number of her black Observatory outside Tucson Ari- designing and certifying light- for Cochise Community Col- and white illustrations have also zona. When not at Kitt Peak, he ing solutions for aircraft and lege and runs the online Guer- appeared in small press maga- lives in Southern New Mexico ground applications. He may rilla Fiction Writing Workshop. zines. She lives in Arizona and is with his wife Kumie and his often be found at conventions He currently lives in Southern married to author Weston Ochse. daughters Myranda and Verity. with his wife and three children Arizona with his wife, and fel- who are, naturally, also SF fans. low author, Yvonne Navarro.

Page 10 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 September 3rd - 6th, 2010 Memberships: at the Windemere Resort $40 until Aug 15, 2010 $45 at the door

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Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 11 for the promotion of the series by the part going to radio veteran, Marvin this proved impossible. Ward was being Bullwinkle( Cont’d from page 9 ) selling shares in “Hopper Productions” Miller, who had worked with Paul Frees labeled “ahead of his time” which meant to Jay Ward’s employees: $500 bought a for several seasons on The Millionaire. that the-powers-that-be felt he was “too collect the best puppet shows and cartoons quarter of one percent of the show. The These people were all pros and respected clever” (read “subversive”). Bill Scott from around the world into half-hour series would contain three episodes of in their field, but the chemistry was wrong overheard one TV executive mumble, spots, introduced by a well-known host, “,” with an episode or for the zany nuttiness of a Jay Ward “You’re too clever, we can’t have that.” with background music provided by an two of “Clobbered Classics,” in which production and two weeks later several of The only upside for all of their efforts animated piper. Ward and his team would the team would take a satirical look back the supporting characters were re-voiced came in the renewal of Rocky. Even this write the translation, narration, and music. at classic books such as “The Man in the by Bill Scott and the legendary Mel Blanc. bright spot had a dark cloud overhead. Originally, the piper was going to be Iron Mask” and “Treasure Island.” This was the first and last time the ABC announced in March of 1960 that named and the series would have been At the same time, Ward was Warner Brothers voice actor would work Rocky would expand to twice-weekly called “Pongo Presents,” but Ward wanted considering reviving the 1948 Television for Ward. While extremely professional, showings in the fall. This was perceived to add a bit of sophistication and changed Arts property “Dudley Doright of the Blanc was perceived as aloof and cold as an attempt by the network to hasten the the series name to “Monsieur Pipeaux.’ He Mounties.” Alas, it would be another year by his fellow actors. Bill Scott stated he shows cancelation by airing two seasons was talked out of that title and the series and a half before the bumbling Canadian never much cared for the experience of worth of shows in the space of one season. became simply “The Piper Show.” would mount his trusty steed, Horse, and working with Mel, a sentiment echoed However, if this was in fact ABC’s plan, “Cosgrove the Magician” was save Inspector Fenwick’s daughter, Nell, by Daws Butler and June Foray, but not it backfired: the January ratings showed designed as a series of five-minute from the clutches of the sinister, scheming Paul Frees. Frees felt that Blanc was the that Rocky was number one, well ahead cartoons for a five-day-a-week run, Snidely Whiplash. undisputed king of the cartoon voice of its nearest competition, Rin Tin Tin and possibly during the six and eleven Ward proposed a third project entitled world, without peer. My Friend Flicka. The following survey o’clock newscasts. However budget “The Super Chicken Show,” based on Additional segments were written showed a 13.9 rating which put Rocky and restraints prevented Ward and his crew a concept by Chris Hayward and Lloyd to support “Super Chicken”: “Farcical His Friends in the number one position from creating any presentations, and Turner. A major change for this series was Fables,” (which later surfaced as “Aesop for daytime television. Jay Ward and his the idea died even as it was being born. the attempt to use “name” voices so that and Son”,) “The Piccadilly Squares,” and team were on top and General Mills was Another idea had more promise, based General Mills wouldn’t feel the new series “Colonel Swagger of the O.O.E” (which extremely happy. The next story line “The on a storyboard about a small, jumping was too similar to “Rocky.” Dennis Day stood for Office of Odds and Ends). At Box Tops Robbery” would dull their joy. frog which Chris Jenkyns had drawn and Carl Reiner were proposed for the this time there were three other animated Come back next time for for “Fractured Fairy Tales.” Originally lead with the part going to Don Knotts and series which had been confirmed for “Counterfeiting Cereal Box Tops for named Hippety Hopper, then the Green faithful Fred to be played by comedian, nighttime viewing: The Bugs Bunny Fun and Market Monopolization or Mr. Hopper, and finally Hoppity Hooper. Bill Louie Nye. Under consideration for the Show, The Flagstones (which became Peabody Pokes Fun at His Pal, Pancho Scott felt this frog could be a star, and by narrator were Herschel Bernardi (Charlie The Flintstones) and Mr. Magoo. Ward Villa” the end of January 1960 the storyboard Tuna in the StarKist ads,) Wesbrook Van felt sure that the potential for his super- For more info go to:\ was ready and on February 2nd the voice Voorhis (March of Time narrator,) and Don powered poultry protagonist was poised track was recorded. Money was raised Wilson, announcer for Jack Benny, with for a prodigious pilot, unfortunately http://tinyurl.com/Shane-Info-Blog

Page 12 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 deals with are abandonment. Government Musty Tomes has become privatized to Plex-Corp, as the The Other Critical national rulers and corporate elites have Comic Book of the 1980s left Earth to live on Mars. Political parties American Flagg! Volume 1 only exist to provide entertainment with (reprints issues 1-7) their turf-war gun battles in the streets. By Howard Chaykin The approaching USA tricentennial is 2009, Dynamite Entertainment, $19.95, also just a hollow media diversion. While 192 pages the media is constantly censored, sex is American Flagg! Volume 2 a legal tool to exploit. Plex-malls have (reprints issues 8-14) brothels, and public fashions for women By Howard Chaykin permit lingerie-only as regular daily attire. 2009, Dynamite, $19.95 Entertainment, We have a future that has devolved into 256 pages a mix of corporatism and libertarianism. And Reuben Flagg is trying to restore One of the seminal aspects of America, becoming more of a public Watchmen which made it so significant figure as he does.. As a handsome former was that it seemed to be the only actor, this does not preclude his bedding mainstream comic book that dealt with any beautiful women who want him. American politics (the British equivalent There is a morning-after pill that kills any was V for Vendetta). However, just a and all venereal diseases - oh brave new few years before (in 1983), there was world. another: American Flagg! Published by The monthly series went on for an independent company, First Comics, sixty-two issues (to 1989), and we can it differed from Watchmen in most ways, hope that the rest of it will also appear yet stands beside it as the other important in trade paperback collections. It has work to critique America. Let me count aged well, with only a couple of obsolete the ways. technologies in it: video tapes and land American Flagg is set one hundred line telephones. Like most scifi writers, years in the future, after a global Chaykin didn’t foresee the effect of meltdown of economies and nations in cell phones and the internet on society, 1996. Instead of chaos, civilization has but if he had it might not have changed reorganized. Each continent has one super his stories any. For pirate TV station government except America, which is still substitute pirate website, and the phone fragmented. The dominant form of city- uses that were integral to the stories may state is called a plex, short for plex-malls. just as well have been on cells. Aside from These are super-sized shopping malls, that, this is a series that just gets more with police power held by the Plexus relevant as the future unfolds. ~~ M.L. Rangers. Outside the plexes, whether in Fringe the city or not, people live subject to the whims of biker gangs and militias. There are NO super-powered 24 Frames superheroes (OK, ignore the robot who COMMENTS: shows up later - he’s comic relief) (and the Greetings, everybody. There is a lot talking cat, while a major character, isn’t of interesting news in Hollywood and exactly super-powered). Our main hero elsewhere. is Reuben Flagg, a washed-up actor who joins the Rangers and is based in Chicago. IN PRODUCTION: Volume One starts with his arrival and Cowboys and Aliens. Actors: Daniel Adventure) the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), abrupt rise to become Chief Ranger of Craig and Harrison Ford. Director Jon Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Alden Ehrenreich (Tetro), Frank Chicago Plex. His boss gets mysteriously Favreau will be making this Sci-fi and (Comedy) Dillane (Harry Potter and the Half Blood murdered. Flagg also inherits a pirate Western theme comic book movie filmed Aug 18 Vampires Suck (Comedy/ Spoof) Prince) and Michael Angerano (Lords TV station from his boss. The global now in Santa Fe. Release date: July 29, Aug 20 Piranha 3D (Horror) of Dogtown). The winner is Andrew PlexCorp tightly censors the media, and 2011. Aug 27 The Last Exorcism (Horror) Garfield. Flagg has to use blackmail to get his Pirates of the Caribbean: On Centurion (Drama/ Thriller) There might be a couple superhero station legalized. Life in the plexes is also Stranger Tides. Johnny Depp will be Sept TBA The Task (Horror) movies from Marvel. They are considering disrupted by marauding biker gangs, and back as Captain Sparrow. The story will Sept 10 Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D doing a Doctor Strange and/or Ant-Man Flagg discovers that the gang violence is be something to deal with the fountain of (Action/ Sci-fi/ Fantasy) movie(s). caused by subliminals in the official TV youth. Release date: May 20, 2011. Sept 17 Alpha and Omega 3D There might be a Flash Gordon in broadcasts. Ghost Rider II: Spirit of Vengeance. () the works. Director Breck (The Crazies) In Volume Two, Flagg travels to a Script by David Goyer, directors Mark Sept 24 Legends of the Guardians: The Eisner wants to do this. Ranger conference in Havana. Hazards Neveldine and Brian Taylor (“Crank”), Owls of Ga’ Hoole (Fantasy, Animation, Chris Columbus (director of the two include Irish air pirates on a zeppelin, and Nicolas Cage. Release date: 3D) “Harry Potter” movies and the recent Russians, Nazis, and a scheming internal undecided. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians”) might affairs officer of the Rangers. Not to Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of RUMORS: be directing the next Superman movie. mention the last hereditary king of Doom. Release date: May 27, 2011. Who will be the next Spiderman? This A Conan movie is in the works. Jason England, trying to live in anonymous low- is Spiderman next movie’s Peter Parker Momoa will be Conan with Robert budget obscurity, hiding from the world. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 RELEASES ON THE short list: Anton Yelchin (recent Star Nispel directing. Chaykin also added a new solo episode to SCREEN: Trek 2009 movie Chekov), Jamie Bell The director, Guillermo Del Toro, end this volume. Aug 6 Thru the Moebius Strip (Sci-fi/ (Billy Elliot), Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass), recently quit on doing “The Hobbit” The main political issues Chaykin Adventure) Aug 13 The Expendables (Action/ Andrew Garfield (The Social Network), Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson and (Cont’d on page 14 ) Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 13 24 Frames (Cont’d from page 13 ) there was a fourth winner. He called my individually, but here are a few: “Buffy name. and Crew as Anti-Heroes” with a panel movie. There are rumors that the Pre-Con News To say the least, I was stunned. To that includes award-winning author replacement might be Alfanso Cuaron, CopperCon 30 Programming News say the most, I was not ready. I thought Yvonne Navarro; “Copyright Basics” a Tim Burton, or Peter Jackson. Also, some guy in a three-piece suit will begin, discussion and a Q&A session with lawyer there is a debate in shooting The Hobbit in Well, CuCon 30 is almost upon us. “Beyond this door is another dimension...” Connie J. Mableson, who has represented 3-D. Another is having The Hobbit in 2 to September 3-6, 2010 is just around Instead, one of the judges told me that Stephanie Meyers and Allison DuBois 3 movies. the corner. Come join us at the lovely even though he thought the impression among others; there are 3 different Windemere Hotel and Conference Center was good, he wanted to hear me sing my Lovecraftian panels with local expert PARTING SHOTS: in Mesa, Arizona for a wonderfully good real voice. Adam Niswander; “From Book to Screen: 2011: This will be an interesting year. time! I know, it will still be hot—but hey- Rod Serling? Where are you? Why Our Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Screen The movies that will hopefully be out the pool is open 24 hours, so come on me? Adaptations’”; A Publishing Seminar except ones mentioned in production over! So, I did what any reasonable person with local publishers Patti Hultstrand and are: The Green Hornet, Green Lantern, We have a very full and diverse would do: panic. I was told I could not Donald Jacques; Readings by several of Captain America: The First Avenger, program set up. For Art, we have the head sing “The Monster Mash.” I later found the authors in attendance-who knows, you Smurfs 3D, The Adventures of Tintin, Curator from the West Valley Art Museum out there was a limited selection of songs might just discover a new favorite! We Secret of the Unicorn, The Greatest coming in for panels such as “How Do on a Filipino karaoke microphone. Unless are also having a writing workshop for Muppet Movie Ever Made and Happy Feet I Get MY Art in a Show?” Of course, it one know the Filipino language, I had to the adults, it is called “Writing the Hook: 2 in 3-D. wouldn’t be a proper CuCon if we didn’t select two out of a random hundred lyrics. A Writer’s Workshop” you need to bring Cowboys and Aliens is supposed to have Mark Greenawalt demonstrating his Luckily, I knew one song by heart. The in the opening paragraph of your short be in Arizona but they are filming this in (for adults only) body painting on Friday other? I had to go to one New Zealand story or novel (if you have it) for on the New Mexico. night. We also have Alison Paul, a very town to find the words. I had to know spot feedback. This workshop always talented local artist who will be teaching them well. goes over really well when she holds it, how to draw Manga characters and how to On that fateful day, four of us were aspiring authors find it quite helpful. draw nightmare characters. Trust me when in the back of the stage. Each of us were Our Media category is quite intense, I tell you: This young Lady is amazing! An American in New presented in turn to three new judges. as well. It starts with “Anti-Heroes of There are panels for the Kids: Imagine Then, we had two rounds to sing karaoke. the Star Trek Universe”; moves on to the Zealand Part 12: a Costume, Decorating a Hat, Origami, With me on the first round, I was “Barry Bard Memorial ‘At the Movies’”; Plastic Craft Lacing, and more. For the rather surprised at the Filipino karaoke. discusses “Captain Karaoke and Boris Tweens and Teens there will be a Writing Let me explain. On stage, there were two – Torchwood”; and covers “Censorship Workshop with Janeen O’Kerry! They screens: one for the audience and one for and the Media”. If you’ve ever wanted Karloff need to bring something they written, the solo performer. During my first song, to do your own Indy Film, then “Lights! by Jeffrey Lu IF they have something (if not, come John Denver’s “Annie’s Song,” I saw the Camera! Action!” is the panel for you. On anyway!) This workshop will help them usual lyrics on screen. Unexpectedly, there Friday night we will be featuring “Local Believe it or not, I’m not a get started. was an image of a cow walking through Short Genre Films featuring DIETRICH professional. I just sing for fun. As for Demo’s, we have the Sensei’s the lyrics. What-the-hey? I had to sing this with Director Q & A” produced by local I was not drunk. I was not pressured to from the Henkai Dojo coming in on with a straight face. filmmaker Michael Wentz. Then there is do this. I was goofing off with friends by Saturday Morning. Amtgard is coming The audience laughed. I didn’t care. I the ever-popular Sci-Fi Jeopardy put on imitating voices like Yoda. in on Saturday afternoon for a LARP; could only see the multiple stage lights. by the United Federation of Phoenix. Also, I still have not memorized the the Filker’s will be having a Filk Circle The second and final round, I did We’ve beefed up our Science track words to “Monster Mash.” Others think Saturday night. On Sunday, the Society a Queen’s song, “We Will Rock You.” this year, just for you hard science lovers! this is my song. for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (S.C.A. I was not exactly a rock. I tripped. I We start with Astrobiology, follow it up Well, sort of. Inc.) will be demoing in the afternoon, fell. I smacked into the back curtain. I with Astrophysics, discuss “The Europa What does this “Monster Mash” have and there will be a Drum and Dance circle misjudged one of the lights as I hit it with Jupiter System Mission: Exploring the to do with New Zealand? Well, there was at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night. my head like a soccer ball. Immergence of Habitable Worlds around a karaoke competition night near the shore We have Costuming panels as well. Afterwards, there was a vote from the Gas Giants”, then move on to “The FAA of New Zealand. It was on a cruise ship From what material to pick to how to dye audience. I thought I blew it but strangely on Commercial Space Progress.” One of and no one told me. the material to the right shade you need enjoyed it. My mouth dropped at the our Guests, David Lee Summers, who Friends of mine were singing country it to be. There will be a Steampunk panel results. I found out the audience liked is an Astronomer, will discuss, “Infrared songs to show tunes. There were over and a Steampunk Pieces and Parts panel. all of us and could not decide the clear Astronomy: The Unseen Universe.” We twenty entrants. I was there to have fun. And while we are on Costumes, don’t winner. have a NASA space Update from Dr. Nothing more. forget the Masquerade. Enter to win prizes So, the judges selected one lady to David Williams. We have Dr. Kimberly I was nervous but did my best Boris (hint to all you sewers out there, they be the winner. I was told that all of them Smith discussing Climate Change Karloff imitation. I did this song as a are Gingher products.) Categories are: could not figure how I even got on stage. Basics, Radiation and Life, and Women tribute to Bobby “Boris” Picketts. He Youth, Novice, Journeyman, Master, Hall Later, I had support from my Star Trek in Science. Henry Vanderbilt will be on passed away that year. I did this song Costume, and Performance Only. That’s friends. I thought this was great. But I hand to discuss the Space Access Society because I was a big fan of Dracula, right, it wasn’t a typo. I am allowing Hall found I had another group who supported among other things. Frankenstein, and other cool horror costumes, because I don’t know about me even though I did not see this coming: Under Social, you could learn some movies of yesteryear. you, but I put a lot of work into my Hall the old crowd. Arabic drum rhythms, some basic belly- Afterwards, the three judges just Costumes! One little old lady told me that I dance moves & belly-dancing with looked at me. One said I actually sound As far as the Fan category goes, we should be in comedy. Another thought props. Dr. Stacey Schwartzkopf, an better than Boris Karloff when he was have everything from Autograph sessions I was better than the other performers anthropologist from ASU-West Campus, alive. (Ouch!). So, I smiled and thought with our guests to various survival courses on stage. I smiled. I was humbled and will be on hand to discuss “Are We no way that I’ll be even in the top three to Ghost Hunting with professional ghost enjoyed this brief silly moment in singing Doomed To Repeat our Past?” Of course contestants in the ship’s version of hunter Debe Branning, to Cordial Making on stage near a port in New Zealand. there is a charity auction, proceeds to be “American Idol.” with Craig Dyer. There will be Kaffee Next in An American in New Zealand Part split between the Local Challenger Space Well, almost. The judges announced Klatsches with each Guest and a Rock 13: Last Words (Oct/Nov) Center in Peoria and the Children First the three winners. I was going out the Band Show. Oh, and let’s not forget the Academy (Formerly known as the Pappas door. Someone grabbed my arm. It was a Water Pistol Fight scheduled for Sunday Schools for Homeless Children). The lady friend. She told me to wait. morning on the main lawn! ever-popular Men in Tights makes a return I heard my sentence. One of the judges Moving into the Lit category, there said this is not normal but announced are just too many to mention each one (Cont’d on page 15 ) Page 14 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 Pre-Con was drop-dead gorgeous. In the literature Is this a legacy of the saboteur? style, but newer readers will probably ( Cont’d from page 14) of childhood, one of the essential A young artist, Hannah, is the first to appreciate his social orientation, even if, visit. As mentioned previously, there is lessons is to get past evaluating others detect a curious anomaly originating from along with me, they wonder how these by appearance; I hate to see this wisdom Saturn’s moon, one that may have affected 251 teens are avoiding 115 cases of a Drum and Dance Circle on Sunday kicked to the wayside. Apart from the the scientific colony, and may now be pregnancy. Maybe extended latency was a Evening. Last, but certainly not least: The aesthetic elitism – or is it eugenics? – this targeting them. prerequisite for selection, in keeping with Varient Universe Modern Dance is on is one of the more enjoyable series of the These young leaders and their friends the theory of Lamarckian evolution and genre. – Chris Paige are also struggling with social stressors delayed neural pruning. Friday Night, hosted by DJ Lilith Syn. and conflicting attractions. Even as One likeable feature of the Galahad Get your membership now so you can Sic Semper Tyrannis: the plot develops quickly, much of the books is that these kids are worthy of the take full advantage of all the Friday night A Novel of Liberty and the Future of narrative explores these internal and ship’s name. There are no bad apples in America intrapersonal turbulences. the barrel, no Sir Kays or Mordreds, no pre-reg events with no extra charge. Go to by Seamus Branaugh If you like the action-oriented, rapid- “us versus them;” this isn’t Animal Farm http://www.coppercon.org Silver Lake Publishing, $19.95, 594 pp. fire delivery of classic SF juvenilia you We are trying to have something for may find yourself impatient with Testa’s ( Cont’d on page 16 ) everyone, so no-one gets bored! I look This novel was more enjoyable forward to seeing all of you at CopperCon than I expected. All too often, novels intended to 30! Take care… deliver a message are dreadful, with Nyki Robertson far too little story struggling to carry Program Director far too much political baggage. The introductory Author’s Note (which cites both Robert Heinlein and Ayn Rand as inspirations) only increased the trepidation caused by the novel’s ponderous title. Fortunately, In Our Book Branaugh comes close to striking a good balance, with enough focus on Twice Bitten storytelling to make his broader goal by Chloe Neill less obtrusive and more palatable. New American Library, $15.00, 355 pp Despite a slow and somewhat cumbersome start, the pace picks This is the sequel to Some Girls Bite up as Branaugh settles into telling a and Friday Night Bites, urban fantasy tale of a post-”Reckoning” United set in Chicago, with vampires outed States in which all federal and but accepted and drinking bottled blood state government is gone, and local like spring water. Shapeshifters, on the government has been replaced other hand, are jealously guarding the by walled cities run by private fact they exist for fear of being turned corporations. The tribulations and into lab specimens. But in the aftermath power struggles of the two main of a vampire gone rogue, supernaturals characters--the soon-to-be disgraced are losing popular support and Chicago former CEO of Tampa and the heir to may not be a safe place for vamps – or the family that owns the controlling shapeshifting weres – much longer. And interest in that city--are presented here’s the rub: last time mortals got a quite well on the whole, although the hair up their collective butt about being ending is a bit weak and unsatisfying. vampire slurpees they went around staking If the editing (and especially the and torching vampires across Europe proofreading) had been better, Sic and the Americas. The shapeshifters Semper Tyrannis could have been an had avoided the whole mess by going to excellent novel. As it stands, however, their haven in Alaska, leaving the other it is simply average. ~~ Kevin supernaturals to the nonexistent mercies McAlonan of the mortals. If another war is going to erupt, the modern vampires would really The Web of Titan: appreciate it if the weres would stick A Galahad Book around this time and help out. by Dom Testa Merit was made a vampire by Ethan, A Tor Teen Book, $16.99, 256 pp Master of Cadogan House, to safe her life after the showdown with the This sequel to The Comet’s rogue vampires. But as a mortal, Merit Curse includes a summary of the had friendships across all the divides: first book, but to really appreciate with human magicians, with vampires, these characters and what they go and with shifters. In addition to these through you should read the books in alliances, her skills are order, because this series is intensely formidable, so Ethan wants her along as character- and relationship-driven. House Champion and Sentinel during 251 teens have been sent away on the negotiations with the shapeshifter clan spacecraft Galahad from a poisoned leaders. What Ethan doesn’t know is that Earth where a plague is killing the Red Guard, the elite secret service of all the adults. They’ve survived a the vampire community, wish to recruit sabotage attempt, and now they are his Sentinel. Ah, politics! on a rendezvous mission to pick up The tensions of mutual attraction have a message pod sent from a science been building between Merit and Ethan, station in orbit around Titan. Those but “dual role” doesn’t even begin to scientists have also been exposed cover all the complications and ethical to the comet-carried plague, but violations inherent in such a relationship. hopes are high that they were able So when things, shall we say, come to a to send some of their findings before head, the emotional fallout is spectacular. succumbing. Triana, Lita, and On the plus side, all the women who Gap, three of the Galahad Council sympathize with Merit’s dilemma rally members, are anxious and excited round her in a girlfriend brigade; and about the mysterious pod’s contents, sometimes friendships are more important especially after the spaceship’s AI than sex. computer, Roc, deciphers a message Chloe Neill has a strong following, that implies that someone – or and it’s easy to see why. Some writers something – in the pod will be in need think they are witty; some desperately of cryogenic revival. want to be; a few are geniuses; and At the same time, some serious some consistently rise to the occasion. problems are developing. The taciturn It is unpleasant to read the first and Bon, the Council member responsible excruciating to read the second. Ms. Neill, for overseeing the farms and food fortunately, is solidly in the last camp. Her supply, is finding engineering chapter titles are especially fun precursors glitches that threaten to destroy the to the action, and her dialogue is quotable. agricultural system, and half his When she gets down to the serious fights crew, as well as Bon himself, are the pace is quick and exciting. I just wish, incapacitated by crippling headaches. perversely, that not everyone in her story Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 15 In Our Book of an elder god, and so her loyalties beginning with increasing interest. They another 3 years for the sequel - that would ( Cont’d from page 15 ) are dangerously divided. Worse, the are well-plotted and I am satisfied with be dishonorable. or Lord of the Flies. This is one for the elder gods have found a counterpart to the characters. The tone of the stories is Scenes I’d like to see in a future optimists, the gentle of soul, the kind of Richard, a champion of their own, who is a bit stiff but is appropriate for the era; volume: Pritchart, Shannon Forraker, and heart. ~~ Chris Paige sociopath enough to relish the prospect of and, more importantly, feels genuine. Theisman getting adopted by tree-cats; unleashing misery and destruction. The Temeraire character has been the Thomas Theisman and Empress Elizabeth Dragon Haven The core tension of the story is most interesting from the beginning, I falling in love; Honor and Nimitz in an by Robin Hobb the question, how does a hero act really enjoy his voice. I found Laurence adrenaline-pumping showdown with the EOS/Harper Collins, $27.99, 507 pp when the mentor is gone? What inner to be a bit too stiff and uncompromising masterminds of Manpower, telepathy resources can one conjure when external in the first books for my taste. However, versus nanotech; a tree-cat nursery in the This book is really the second half of guidance is utterly lacking - or worse, is his character has reason and opportunity wake of new events; and Harkness doing a story begun with Dragon Keeper – see contradictory? The author presents this in this latest offering to be so different. something devious and brilliant to the my review in last issue. In that review, I quandary with a rare clarity, so that the In her newest book, Temeraire and computers of Mesa. ~~ Chris Paige complained that the first book was slow readers feel Richard’s dilemmas right Laurence are sentenced to be transported and it stopped without any resolutions… a along with him. to the penal colony in Sydney, Australia. SpellCrash real cliff-hanger. The author had explained Remember how, in The Empire Well… Laurence is sentenced; Temeraire by Kelly McCullough to me that it was really intended to be one Strikes Back, Luke had to fight himself? goes where Laurence goes and good Ace Books, $7.99, 292 pp book but the editor thought it too long and It seemed to me that he failed that lesson luck to anyone who tries to make him chopped it in half. So, here’s the final half because he attacked first - Luke fights do something he doesn’t want to do. The SpellCrash continues the and it most certainly does not stand alone. offensively, when Yoda is trying to teach sentence was precipitated by events in misadventures of Ravirn, a descendant It is a really great story but only if you him to assess the situation instead of the previous book but I think there was of Lachesis, one of the three goddesses read both books. jumping to assumptions. Richard is trying enough background provided to keep of Fate, that began with WebMage The second half follows the continued to assess situations while everyone around a new reader from feeling adrift. This and continued through Cybermancy, journey upriver to find the fabled city of him is clamoring for him to attack! attack! story was more about discovery – the CodeSpell, and MythOs. This is a fantastic Kelsingra where dragons and Elderlings and his enemies have figured out how to bunyips do exist and, I suspect, might series, a heady mixture of classic Greek had lived in harmony a century before. undermine him - by hurting the people he be related in some way to dragons as (and Norse) mythology, computers, There is a terrible catastrophe which loves. well as the serpents of the title. And programming, and hacking; romance, is integral to some of the characters Three people prove to be instrumental this was an opportunity for Laurence to humor, and danger. development but where the author is very in reversing the fortunes of war: the explore his own feelings and come to In much the way that Roger Zelazny’s generous and allows just about everyone televangelist Reverend Mark Grenier, terms with his treatment at the hands of Amber Chronicles was a family feud to survive. I liked that. This was the who turns to Richard for protection when his own government. There were some between immortals against a backdrop very best part of the entire story when he has lost favor with the elder gods who very intriguing comments about the of Amber and the Courts of Chaos, with you really get to see what some of these made him rich and powerful; Dagmar advancement of dragon culture in America an anti-hero named Corwin who moves people…and dragons…are made of. Reitlingen, a financial manager of some of amongst the Iroquois. Maybe our heroes through shadows, this series depicts a There weren’t any real Aha! moments; Kenntnis’ investments and, like Richard’s will have some adventure there one day. family feud between immortals as some the characters discovered things in a sister, Pamela, a horsewoman; and the The story was interesting and I struggle to impose order on the multi- logical and meaningful way. I’m trying necessary nerd, the scientist who has kept anticipating the next event; it was verse while others are agents of Chaos. not to give away too much because know-how, network connections, and quite enjoyable. It didn’t seem to take Principal among the latter is Eris, goddess this was such an enjoyable book. I still enthusiasm, the alchemical quicksilver to the underlying theme along the path I of Discord - you know, the one with the think the first book was overlong in the Richard’s gold, Eddie Tanaka. The author expected and I will be very interested apple who started that whole Helen of buildup but overall the plot was good and draws on her own experience with human in the next story to see if she takes our Sparta/Troy war. Eris loves to provoke the character development was superb. nature, horses, and scientists to make the heroes back to Britain. It’s not too late and unsettle the gods of Olympus, their – Catherine Book scenes with these characters wonderfully to get involved in this series, I’m pretty offspring, and everybody else for that engaging and vivid. sure all the previous books are available matter. She especially enjoys tormenting Edge of Ruin Richard is a protagonist with very in paperback. And….film director Peter Ravirn, an antihero who moves through by Melinda Snodgrass human appeal. He’s not a 1950’s hero, Jackson has acquired the film rights so it’s worlds and data streams, because as a Tor Books, $27.99, 365 pp muscle-bound, condescendingly perfect, possible this could be a big-picture epic Trickster he is a fellow agent of Chaos, with a throwaway girlfriend in the someday. – Catherine Book and has a knack for inadvertently causing This sequel to The Edge of Reason is wings and a male companion for all almost as much trouble as she does not a stand-alone; read that excellent book his adventuring. Richard is slight, but Mission of Honor deliberately. first - and for a mere $7.99 you can get powerful, with a gymnast’s training and by David Weber Ravirn has just returned from exile it in paperback - then come back for this a musician’s ear for truth and lies; he Baen Books, $27.00, 600 pp to the Norse MythOs, where he managed one. wants to coordinate his resources, not to disrupt the inevitability of Ragnarok. The premise of this series is that “prioritize” them; and for all that he has This, the long-awaited 12th novel His girlfriend, the Fury Tisiphone, chose Lovecraft was right: the gods are hungry three women all but throwing themselves in the Honor Harrington series, has less to remain in that world for there she was alien entities that regard humanity as at him (to his sister’s chagrin), he is in the way of hard action than previous free of the compulsions - and the powers buffet items, and their favorite flavors are bisexual. We all have difficult, painful installments, for almost the entire - of being a Fury, and she preferred her human misery, fear, and anger. So, and failures and truths that we either evade narrative is told through conversations weakened condition with the attendant this does rather explain a lot of human or confront; as Richard confronts his, he or from characters’ perspectives in the gift of liberty. Her choice has interesting history, the religions these gods foster behaves as a true hero. That’s the way it’s form of internal musings - even space consequences in the Greek MythOs, for promote gullibility, cruelty, prejudice, done, Luke. -~~ Chris Paige battles are largely described through now there is a vacancy that must be filled; fear, ignorance, and holy wars. The major dialogue. Nevertheless, the story arc is and the new Fury is... none other than exception is the god called Prometheus Tongues of Serpents significantly advanced. The Solarian Ravirn’s former girlfriend and distant by the Greeks, currently calling himself by Naomi Novik League escalates its war against the cousin, Cerice, who is already mad at Kenntnis. All his names mean some DelRey, $25.00 274 pp Star Empire by attacking the Spindle him for causing the death of her laptop- variation of “knowledge” or “light- System, which must be defended by familiar, the web-demon Shara, while bringer.” Kenntnis wishes to see humanity If you think Naomi Novik’s Temeraire Honor Harrington’s best friend, Admiral he was almost unmaking the world in an retain their natural heritage and advance series is another military/naval/warfare Michelle Henke. Harrington herself is effort to free Persephone from Hades. in arts and sciences and diplomacy; type story – think again. It is set during the sent on a diplomatic mission to Haven, Ravirn has plenty of other un-friends officially, he is a philanthropist and sharp Napoleonic era with its attendant culture where she finally meets Eloise Pritchart, who wish to see him enjoying the man of finance, secretly, he spearheads a and language but naval/military battles are to negotiate with a mixture of self-serving permanent hospitality of Hades with some supernatural war against the elder gods. not the standard. And it’s not necessarily weasels and honorable men like her creative and eternal torments, with Hades One of his weapons is a schizophrenic god a standard dragon-plot type story. It’s true counterpart, Admiral Thomas Theisman. himself heading the list. Fortunately, called Cross, the manifestation of loving that the relationship between dragon and One of the best scenes is when her treecat, Ravirn also has one or two friends in high kindness. human is not terribly original but there are Nimitz, gives true-names to Pritchart places, notably Demeter and Persephone. Kenntnis recruited an Albuquerque some twists. For instance, while dragon and Theisman that astonish Honor. The trouble Ravirn initiated when he cop named Richard Oort when Richard and human bond at the birth of the dragon, Both the Manticoran Star Empire and disrupted Necessity’s computer system proved to be immune to some of the and the dragon can choose as it pleases the People’s Republic of Haven, aided and fatally weakened that goddess is still powers of the elder gods. Richard is what – here’s the twist – sometimes it doesn’t by the sentient and empathic tree-cats, reverberating through the multi-verse. It Kenntnis desperately needs: a champion, choose at all. And it is true that our heroes finally figure out the extent to which they has created a window of opportunity for although Richard considers himself ill- – Capt Will Laurence and his Celestial have been manipulated and duped by the a power grab, and anyone with enough equipped for the responsibility. At the dragon Temeraire – are embroiled in the organization Manpower, which traffics in arrogance, power, and ambition can wrest end of Reason, Richard and his allies war to keep Napoleon off Britain, the genetic engineering, slave cloning, and control away from Necessity and the prevented a nuclear detonation, but story is never just about the battle. The nanotech-based mind control, as well Fates. Kenntnis was trapped in slow glass and underlying theme is Temeraire’s education as old-fashioned bribery and blackmail. You’d think this state of affairs would left behind in enemy territory. (which has been a trifle unorthodox) But it is almost too late, for Manpower please Eris no end, but she understands, So now Richard is in command of and his and Laurence’s effect on their now has the technological edge to stage better than some of the other deities, that Kenntnis’ enterprises. But his already society. Laurence and Temeraire serve as devastating sneak attacks on enemy for Chaos to have its play there must be dubious confidence has been undermined, messengers in this ongoing story – they planets that even Manticore’s defense something to play with - creation, with both by the loss of Kenntnis and by the travel to different societies and bring back system cannot stop. The book ends with its rules and laws and customs. But a torture he endured. His father and sister, new ideas – most of which are rejected a cliffhanger, as a Solarian armada is en god with sufficient lust for power could who had saved his life, are kibitzing his as these things tend to be. I can see the route to attack the devastated Manticore unmake the worlds, breaking her toy every action and inaction. Rhiana, the series is building to a point when British system of homeworlds, and Manpower is and destroying her and all the other gods young girl Richard had rescued in the government and society will either have to poised to make its penultimate move to in the process. So Eris, overcoming her first book, turns out to be the daughter embrace change or sink into obscurity. gain control of the galaxy. This being the I have followed this series from the case, I hope Weber doesn’t make us wait ( Cont’d on page 17 ) Page 16 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 In Our Book She will not only be ( Cont’d from page 16 ) involved with fae and own compulsions to maximize disorder, a vampire, but also presses Ravirn into her service, to save the a next-door alpha worlds he knows not how, from a god he werewolf with his knows not whom. pack. And, she will tell McCullough is quite good at ratcheting her story of growing up up the dramatic tension; at the same time with werewolves. Yet, there are passages of lyrical soul-baring, she is her own person not to mention laugh-out-loud wordplay. A among them. number of issues that appeared in earlier This is a Mercy books are herein resolved satisfyingly, so Thompson Novel. This much so that the series might be complete, is the first of the series. but I truly hope there are more to follow. Enjoyable. Mercy But if not, I accept the final line as an Thompson is a loyal invocation and invitation. In any event, friend who kicks tail. it seems evident that in addition to his Recommend to dark wonderful support team of family and fantasy readers. ~~ friends, McCullough was also kissed by Jeffrey Lu the muses. ~~ Chris Paige Roadkill A Cast-Off Coven by Rob Thurman by Juliet Blackwell Roc, $7.99, 633 pp Penguin Books, $6.99, 323 pp Roadkill continues Lily Ivory is back in another the Cal Leandros Witchcraft Mystery, this time to clear a series. building of a dangerous presence that The old gypsy instigates crimes of passion, general woman had almost violence, and seduction. Formerly a caused Cal’s brother convent, the building, one of the few Niko’s death with to survive the San Francisco 1906 an uncalled-for back earthquake and the fires that followed, is stabbing. Cal only now a Fine Arts school, and the talented wants revenge. When students are all too susceptible to the she shows up with a malign influence. As are the faculty! job, Cal doesn’t want Lily is a powerful but only partly it, but this stolen trained witch who has come to California coffin contains the evil to make a fresh start. She has opened known as the “plague a vintage clothing shop that is being of the world”...it well-received, and is forming a circle of makes the plague seem friends - some magical, some mundane like a fond memory. - and acquired a familiar who disguises But the thief and the himself as a pig. Alongside of the work coffin have left town of vanquishing a demon, Lily is trying so the brothers must to cultivate a romance with the skeptical hit the road. If they are reporter Max without compromising her exceptionally lucky, responsibilities. there will be a return The characters are layered and distinct, trip. If not, there may each with his or her own voice and not be a world to return style, so that as new cast members are to. introduced they contribute to an orchestral This is Dark Urban effect. It’s obvious that the author has a Fantasy. Though it is trained eye and a good ear for observing an action-packed roller people and the details of individuality. coaster ride, it is dark. This is a most enjoyable series, well- But there is no doubt written, lighter in tone and setting than if you like noir in the most of the urban fantasies out there; so description, you’ll love if you like mysteries with a spice of the this series. Enjoy. ~~ supernatural, look for Blackwell’s books. Pam Allan ~~ Chris Paige Blood Bound Blood of the Demon by Patricia Briggs by Diana Rowland Ace Fantasy, $7.99, Bantam, $7.99, 369 pp 292 pp.

Blood of the Demon is the sequel to Mercy will help Mark of the Demon. a vampire friend, Kara Gillian is a cop who has the Stephan, for a past ability to summon a demon and othersight favor. Little will she which lets her see what others can’t. As know that her life will the evil in Beaulac flowers, so do the go south when they deaths of the powerful by a murderer meet something worse who consumes their essence [souls.] If than just a vampire- that isn’t enough, a demon lord wants her a demon-sorcerer to be his summoner, oh - and he is drop- variety. dead gorgeous and a great lover which This is a Mercy complicates Kara’s relationship with a Thompson Novel. This FBI agent who also has arcane powers and is the second of the jealous tendencies. Kara realizes there is series. far more to the arcane than she knows and Clever. Mercy very little time to learn it and survive. turns into one hell of a vampire slayer. emperor’s ear, no one can reason with into a fantasy world of brutal war, Rowland has combined police Recommended to dark fantasy readers. ~~ immortals, and mystical creatures. You procedural and urban fantasy, melding him. Prolonged exposure to magical jade Jeffrey Lu is changing him radically. find yourself drawn into the saga as them with a sure hand, plenty of action reflecting one’s own world. ~~ Pam Allan and romance with both human and arcane Jade Man’s Skin With the dragon patrolling the sky all whipped together with its share of above and the strait below, the emperor by Daniel Fox is trapped until a goddess interferes. But Iron Kissed suspense. This is a series to collect and Del Ray, $15.00, 419 pp by Patricia Briggs enjoy. ~~ Pam Allan neither dragon nor goddess can determine the ultimate result. The fate of the war lies Ace Fantasy, $7.99, 287 pp. Jade Man’s Skin is the sequel to in the blood bond of the dragon and the Moon Called Dragon in Chains. A lady mechanic, Mercy Thompson, is by Patricia Briggs boy Han. What price are they willing to The dragon is free, the rebellion pay? summoned to help a friend who is jailed Ace Fantasy, $7.99, 288 pp. smashed and the young emperor is for murder. She will have allies among the ambitious to strike back. With General Fox’s writing mirrors the delicate This is a tale of Mercy Thompson, Ping Wen pouring his agenda into the touch of ancient Chinese art and poetry. lady mechanic and shape-shifter (coyote). He weaves a tapestry of ancient myths ( Cont’d on page 18) Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 17 In Our Book (Cont’d from page 17 ) The Dark Eyes War government fuels an anti-Jedi backlash; more than proved her anthropological by David B. Coe while Luke and his son Ben try to unravel talent. Her lucid story telling makes her fae and werewolves to solve this mystery Tor, $27.99, 363 pp the truth, another Jedi Knight, gone mad, idea-driven stories fascinating, her action and release her friend. But at what cost? is headed on a mission to destroy the riveting. If you want a book that captures This is a Mercy Thompson Novel. It is The Dark Eyes War is book three, of Galaxy. adventure and thought, you found it here. the third book of the series. Blood of the Southlands. Filled with heroic Jedi and madmen, in Long may she write. ~~ Pam Allan Very dark. Well done in Mercy The Southlands have been under a world of political intrigue - can the Jedi overcoming something tragic. a curse, Magic is uncertain, and with save the galaxy and themselves? The Good Neighbors Book One- Kin Recommended to dark fantasy readers. ~~ thousands of lives at stake, survival Those into the Star Wars world have by Holly Black and Ted Naifeh, Jeffrey Lu depends on also surviving the misdeeds of a new plotline to continue the epic and Scholastic, $16.99, 117 pp. the past on both sides. won’t be able to turn away from this one. Falconfar Coe takes on some weighty issues as ~~ Pam Allan This is Rue Silver’s story. She will by Ed Greenwood the plots are complicated with characters attempt to solve two mysteries- one is the Solaris, $24.99, 347 pp that are sympathetic despite being selfish Zig-Zagging- A Memoir disappearance of her mother and a murder or acting viciously. His characters are by Tom Wilson that is pinned on her father. Yet, she will Falconfar is the third book of the unique as is the magic. Salted with politics HCI, $17.95, 212 pp. discover something more frightening- series by the same name. we have an intriguing epic that will hold something her mom neglects to mention- Rod Everlar, a science fiction writer, your interest. You will want to read the This is a collection of observations her half side as “The Good Neighbors.” is drawn into a fantasy world of his own first two as well. ~~ Pam Allan from Ziggy cartoonist, Tom Wilson, Jr. Interesting concept. Liked it. Waiting creation. Now it appears the evil wizards He had to take over his father’s job due to for part two. Recommended to young are seemingly defeated. Rod faces his Silver Borne Tom Wilson, Sr.’s heart problems. He also adult fantasy readers. ~~ Jeffrey Lu greatest challenge; with war descending, by Patricia Briggs had to deal with a major depression when he must find the power and knowledge to Ace Fantasy, $24.95, 342 pp. his wife died from cancer. He is now a Spellwright fight the first archwizard, the most feared single parent with two sons. by Blake Charlton Doom of all, Lorentar. Mercy Thompson is trying to return a Learned something due to similar Tor, $24.99, 350 pp Greenwood extends his fantasy world, fae book. Little will she know that her life cancer losses from friends and family. with his well-designed world and plenty will be more interesting when a major fae Helpful to know one is not alone in Spellwright is Charlton’s first novel. of action. If you enjoy Greenwood, you’ll tries to kill her for that book. Also, one of life’s difficult times. Inspired. Highly Nicodeamus Weal was trained in love this one. ~~ Pam Allan her friends is trying to end himself. Mercy recommended. ~~ Jeffrey Lu wizardry but cannot cast a spell. His will have her hands full. attempts corrupt the spells into something Bone Crossed This is a Mercy Thompson Novel. Heretics dangerous. by Patricia Briggs This is the fifth of the series. by S. Andrew Swann When a powerful wizard is murdered Ace Fantasy, $24.95, 309 pp. Liked the ending. Overall, good. Daw, $7.99, 367 pp by a misspell, Nicodeamus and his mentor Recommended to dark fantasy readers. ~~ are suspected. Politics raise their heads to Mercy’s garage is filled with graffiti Jeffrey Lu Heretics is book two of the Apotheosis prove that he is a prophesy incarnate. He by humans... and vampires. She had found series. just wants to know who he is and why he out that a vampire queen, Marsilia, is Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Outcast Two centuries after the collapse of the can’t spell. Now if he can only stay alive. punishing her for destroying her dream by Aaron Allston confederacy, everybody is jockeying for This is an original. Dyslexia of power. Ms. Thompson will realize the Del Ray, $7.99, 370 pp control of human space. When strange preventing magic use and a magic harsh vampire politics that will involve transmissions come from beyond the system that depends on words. And her vampire friend, Stefen, and an old Allston is also the author of a number fringes, the race is on to get there first. more importantly, it is an action fantasy college acquaintance. Yet, she will have of other Star Wars novels. Now all hell is about to break loose. The with a new formal system of magic and to battle another vampire known as The galactic Alliance is in trouble, alien AI, Mosasa has been destroyed by characters with whom you can identify. “Monster” in order to make things right. politicians and generals converge on another surviving AI, Adam. Adam is Well-written and absorbing, it is a page This is a Mercy Thompson Novel. Coruscant to restore order, but what is far about to launch a plan of conquest that turner for either young adult or average This is the fourth of the series. more important is the future of the Jedi as has been centuries in the making. If he reader and still produce some thought Enjoyable even though it’s twisted. the Chief of State orders the arrest of Luke succeeds. he will rule all sentient life as a provoking ideas. This is not only an Recommended to dark fantasy readers. ~~ Skywalker for failing to prevent Jacen god. enjoyable read but one to collect. I look Jeffrey Lu Solo’s turn to the Dark Side. A hostile Only a few know the truth but even forward to reading more from this author. with unexpected allies, does the human Is it too early to place an order for his next race have any chance of defeating him? one? ~~ Pam Allan Well-plotted and ingenious, we have an action-packed page-turner with Dark Wraith of Shannara genetically engineered super-warriors, by Terry Brooks and interstellar sabotage and trigger- Illustrated by Edwin David, adapted by happy mercenaries full of technology and Robert Place Napton colorful characters [even the AIs.] Get Del Rey, $13.95, 184 pp. ready to tie up your reading time. ~~ Pam Allan A young Jair Ohmford must use his magic, “wishsong,” in order to help his Amelia Rules! friends against a group of evil lizards led The Tweenage Guide to Not Being by a witch. But the problem is that his Unpopular power can lose himself into something by Jimmy Gownley dark. Simon and Schuster, $10.99, 187 pp. This tale is supposed to be after “The Wishsong of Shannara.” This is the first Amelia McBride is a kid who is trying graphic novel in the world of Shannara. to be popular at school. Instead, she and a Nice story. Also, the extras are good. friend get in trouble with their classmates Enjoyable in seeing a glimpse of how a over a successful project. They will learn story is being made into a graphic novel. popularity has a huge price tag. Recommended to fantasy readers. ~~ This is the fifth of the series. Jeffrey Lu Enjoyable. Realistic (Scary- this reminded me some part of my childhood). Star Wars, Fate of the Jedi. Omen Clean. Recommended for young readers. by Christie Golden ~~ Jeffrey Lu Del Rey, $7.99, 291 PP

Conspirator Omen is by the author of Allies and by C.J. Cherryh thirty plus other novels in the Star Wars DAW, $7.99, 381 pp and Star Trek series. The Galactic Alliance is trying to Conspirator is part of the Foreigner recover from Civil war. The Jedi are series. in crisis mode, and the Sith are on The civil war among the alien Atevi the rise. Two Jedi knight are deep in has ended. The ruler and his human Psychosis, criminal charges leveled at Paidhi, Bren Cameron have returned; but Luke Skywalker for failing to control his the opposition remains. To avoid conflict, psychotic son have forced him into exile. Bren decides to visit his country estate. Anti-Jedi sentiment has turned the Jedi The aiji’s son sets off to join Bren, without into scapegoats. But a greater threat has permission, for an adventure. reared its head. A Sith starship crashed on But loyalties have changed and the an unknown planet in a past millennia and estate may be a trap. With Bren, Cajjeiri, a side of the force has been nurtured and and his grandmother, llisidi under one the Sith are prepared to rise take over the roof the trap is baited, and another coup galaxy with the Jedi ostracized. Can the attempt is in the offing. Complex, sophisticated, Cherryh has (Cont’d on page 19 ) Page 18 ConNotations Volume 20 Issue 4 In Our Book banishing the wicked Dead. However, the for an investigation. Contact us at by e-mail at (Cont’d from page 18 ) church doesn’t know she is in hock to a [email protected] or THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND Skywalker coalition save it once again? murderous drug lord named Bump who visit our website at: http://www.arizonaparanor STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and malinvestigations.com/ Steel specializes in the general recreation of I am not a fan of series that run has her paying him back with a dangerous the culture of the Middle Ages including all of forever. Despite this caveat, the action job that involves everyone she didn’t want the Art Forms, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, is fast, the characters palatable, and to meet. Who will survive all the wicked THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, is a Ceremonies and Wars) and Combat Arts reasonably well-developed in the Star energy, black magic demons and human general sci-fi appreciation group that meets covering the years of 800AD up to 1650AD Wars parameters. If you like the series, sacrifice? Bet on Chess.... by a hair. once a month for discussion of various sci-fi and any location within Europe or its explored you’ll want to put the series together and What we have is a fast-moving news regarding several mediums to include: territories. For more information contact enjoy the ongoing plot. ~~ Pam Allan adventure with vivid characters, suspense, television, movies, video, books, comics, Leonard Byrd (Tucson) (520)742-2432 Web: a little forbidden romance and a believable magazines, collecting, and so forth. The www.galandor.org meetings are comprised of news, review and The Summer Country weird world. It makes for a good read. It A GATHERING OF PLAYERS- Find Your by James A. Hetley is a fun read under the air conditioning. comment, BBS/computer news and help, Adventure Ace, $14.00, 368 pp You may well end up getting the series. meeting new members, video presentations, Our club is running into our sixth year. Join us ~~ Pam Allan games, and socializing fun! Food and drinks for games and adventure set in the Dungeons This is a debut novel. are provided, via a $3 munchie fee (per and Dragons realm. We offer Living Forgotten For twenty eight years, Maureen had meeting) to compensate the host. (No other Realms and Pathfinder Society. We welcome lived a comparatively normal life till she fees are involved.) The electronic home of the both new and experienced players. Visit http:// met Brian Albion and everything changed Away Team, is the Lightspeed Space Station www.warhorn.net/gathering, to see what we Club Listings BBS at (520) 325-6674.... Member ages for the have coming up. If you have any questions - seems she has the blood legacy of the email us at [email protected] old blood. Control of her life is joined to ACROSS PLUS - So you live in North group range from 13-40-something with both the summer country- if she can believe Phoenix and are interested in anime? Well male and female members. Other activities THE JEDI KNIGHTS (Founded 1977) it or will she be destroyed as a threat to there is a club out there available for you include null-modem link gamefests, group Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of each month. someone’s power. people. theater movie viewings, convention trips For more information call Carol Alves, Wow. This is a debut novel? It springs, Across Plus is a social club that discuses and more. Have sci-fi fun in a relaxed, low- Publicity, (760)244-9593 or write Jedi Knights, as from the head of some unknown anime, video games, manga, other animation, structure environment. NO RUBBER EARS c/o Carol Alves 8038 “I” Street, Hesperia CA, literary god with everything this reviewer and the Japanese culture. We meet at ALLOWED!! For questions, you can call the 92345-7066. holds dear, resonant with rich characters, Bookman’s on 19th Ave and Northern on BBS, or write to: LSS c/o R. Martin; 2522 N. Sparkman Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 LEPRECON, INC. One of the two quiet joys amongst a fantasy with no soft Sundays at 7:00pm until 9:00pm. Phoenix area corporations that put on yearly and fuzzy world but touched by the cruel In general, we explore anime, manga, and conventions. Best described as SF/F generalists other styles of animation, creative educative AZCorsairs “Founded in 1971 as a branch realities of both sides of the barrier. The of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, or with a main thrust into SF/F art. Guests are characters grow, make choices, secrets demonstrations, participate in interactive SCA, our primary focus is 16th – 18th century welcome. The meetings are quarterly on the revealed and lots of nuance leading you discussions, attend local Arizona conventions, European culture and the pirate lifestyle of the second Saturday of February, May, August & deeper. I can’t wait for more. ~~ Pam and make cosplay. time. The Corsairs will extend pirate portrayals November unless otherwise notified. August Allan We are willing to gain any new members out as far back as Phoenician, Roman Era or to is the annual meeting where board positions there who are interested. Our members are future Space, Science Fiction genre, and more are deter-mined. For more information, write PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; The Machinery of Light very friendly, respectful, and fun. We welcome publicly recognizable Hollywood styled pirate. Corsair membership is largely volunteer- call Mike Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email by David J. Williams any and all. [email protected] Webpage: www. For more information, contact Todd Miles at oriented, gathered together for fun and while Spectra, $16.00, 405 pp helping others out. leprecon.org [email protected] Members of the Arizona Corsairs are, much This is the third volume of the Autumn like their historical counterparts, masters MIB The Men in Black is the official global Rain trilogy. ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and of their own destiny. Creation of characters, organization of field operatives for Steve renaissance recreationist club. Sword-fighting, complete with backstory with correlation Jackson Games. We attend local conventions October 1, 2110, the American to demonstrate and promote products of Steve president is assassinated and world war arts, banquets, masquerades, dances. meets to history, period costume, and emulation of pirate traditions and arts, rests on each Jackson Games. We also schedule demos in three is begun by a surprise attack against every Wednesday night from 7-10pm at local gaming stores as well as community Encanto Park. All are welcome. Free. performer, creating varied storylines and deep, the Eurasian Coalition. The rogue unit interesting characters. service events. If you have a gaming store, begins a final run and heads for the lunar For more information, please contact Captaim convention, or community service that you tunnels with the fleets on their heels and a AERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLERS. Meets Max - Ambassador, AZCorsairs would like to have official Steve Jackson final secret about to be revealed. Wednesday 7-10pm in Encanto Park, 15th [email protected] 602-799-6184” Games representation at, please contact the I can’t say the cyberworld of Autumn Avenue, south of Encanto. No dues, everyone MIB Arizona Cell welcome. All levels skill exchange in many BASFA Local Tucson science fiction Leader at [email protected]. We are also Rain is one I want to live in but it is all too recruiting new MIBs in some areas of Arizona. plausible. This is an action-packed don’t- areas of object manipulation Dave Davis group that puts on TusCon. Contact us at PO Box 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 or If you’re interested, contact us. You can find blink cyberthriller that grabs you and , 602-955-9446; additional information about the Arizona or Ron Harvey , 480- [email protected] holds your attention. There are enough our website at http://home.earthlink.net/~basfa/ MIB at our website http://members.cox.net/ twists and turns to bend your mind into a 775-4690 for more info or impromptu juggling mib.6361/ pretzel, but it never lets you down. Want sessions. CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE a cyber series for your library? Grab the FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The MVD GHOSTCHASERS—The MVD trilogy. You will want to read it more than The ARIZONA BROWNCOATS are a non-profit corporation that puts on CopperCon Ghostchasers are a paranormal team social group and state non-profit devoted conventions, SmurfCons, HexaCons, established in 1995. This band of ghost once and in order though each stands hunters conducts regular investigations of alone. ~~ Pam Allan to continuing the spirit of Joss Whedon’s occasional regional cons, and publishes inspired series Firefly through charity Con-Notations. Best described as SF/F haunted, historical locations throughout generalists with a strong bent towards literary Arizona. They also research and investigate Arcadia Falls events, a presence at local conventions, and “house call” hauntings for the public. The social events. We are all over Arizona with SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at 8pm on the by Carol Goodman last Friday of each month in January thru MVD Ghostchasers lead Spirit Photo Ballantine, $25.00, 355 pp monthly shindigs in Phoenix and Tucson. September and the second Friday in October, Workshops/Tours to various haunted locations In September, both cities will be hosting November and December at Denny’s, 2360 W across Arizona. These workshops give ghost Ms. Goodman is also the author of the screenings of Serenity to benefit Equality Northern Ave in Phoenix, AZ. For information: hunters, paranormal team members and folks Night Villa. Now. For more details, visit our website at write PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 wanting to learn the art of ghost hunting a http://azbrowncoats.org and follow our twitter or email [email protected] Web www.casfs.org chance to work and learn techniques together. Meg Rosenthal has moved to Upstate The MVD Ghostchasers team are guest New York to start a new life and hopes to @azbrowncoats. *****C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of speakers at many venues and have appeared make a career at the boarding School, but on TV news reports and the subject of several ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based when one of the girls falls to her death, Reenactment group specializing in the newspaper stories. For more information and the investigation begins to reveal collaboration of computer gaming enthusiasts, western European renaissance. We research contact: long kept secrets, and strange choices, the Arizona LANbashers League throws lifestyles and trades concurrent with the Celtic MVD Ghostchasers—Debe Branning, Meg finds the past threatens not only her quarterly LANparty events. Between parties, Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. We Director—480-969-4049 Web page: www. daughter but herself in ways she never support is given to local groups who wish emphasize Scots, Irish or Welsh crafts and do mvdghostchasers.com or [email protected] to advertise their own gatherings. We have Celtic re-enactment. We open participation dreamed, ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE FICTION The author’s literary noir is no set genre of games and play anything to anyone with an interest in period crafting and entertainment. Demonstrations occur at CLUB meets last Wednesday of every month illuminated by luminous prose and clarity from strategy games to first-person shooters (except Dec.) in Fullerton. The meetings are to driving/flying simulations. No annual the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, and of vision you’ll love. Combining strong the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Web page built around guest speakers. We’ve had authors characters with gripping suspense and membership is required and admission to an http://www.crofters.org We meet in Tempe at such as Octavia Butler and Greg Benford. artistic themes makes it a gothic with event ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage for the Pyle Adult Center SW corner of Rural and Non-members are welcome. For details of bones and teeth that enthralls. Like current events. Email: azlanbashers@earthlink. Southern on the 2nd Saturday of every month, current events and location see our website suspense? Get your checkbook out. ~~ net Web: www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: phone number (480)350-5211. The Board www.ocsfc.org or email [email protected] Pam Allan 602-306-9339 meeting will be at 2:00 pm with the General meeting starting at 2:30 pm. PAReX is a non profit organization dedicated to building and promoting Autonomous Unholy Ghosts ARIZONA PARANORMAL robotics. The club has been in existance since INVESTIGATIONS We are a highly trained, THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) by Stacia Kane An organization formed for the expression 1998. Meetings are currently conducted twice Del Rey, $7.99, 346 pp non-profit paranormal investigation group, and exploration of various cultural themes a month at two different Phoenix, Arizona registered with the state of Arizona, providing including, but not limited to, the Dark Ages locations, http://www.parex.org/meetings. Stacia Kane is the author of the Chess service to Arizona and the Southwest since and the Renaissance through forms of art shtml. Club dues are on an annual basis: Putnam series of novels 1994. Having served the public for 12 years, including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, Regular members $20 Student members $15 we are one of the oldest, most respected writing, photography, spoken word, and Of course visitors are always welcome because The Dead have risen and the living are we know you will eventually become a under attack. The Church of Real Truth paranormal investigation groups in Arizona. acts of characterization. 2) a member of this organization. 3) Information available at www. member anyway Web page: http://www.parex. has sworn to reimburse the citizens being We are primarily science based and don’t go org/ E-mail Contact: [email protected] harassed. Chess Putnam is a tattooed on an investigation looking for ghosts, we go darkones.org witch and ghost hunter with a talent for looking for answers. There is never a charge ( Cont’d on page 20) Volume 20 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 19 (Cont’d from page 19) a lot of hard work. Join us and help us make it USS LEONIDAS The Leonidas is a member Club Listings happen! SAS membership is $30 for one year, of Region IV of STARFLEET International. THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM which gets you emailed Space Access Updates The chapter is an opportunity for those that Convention SOCIETY A Phoenix based club interest- the instant they pass final edit, plus discounts share a love of Star Trek to have fun and help ed in the entire realm of SF, Fantasy and on our annual conference on the technology, the community at the same time. The Leonidas Listings Horror film. PFFS has been in existence for politics, and business of radically cheaper stresses uniforms or other costumes to have the CopperCon 30 (September 3-6, 2010) 30 years, meeting every 6 weeks in member’s space transportation, featuring leading players ability to participate actively in various events Windemere Hotel, 5750 East Main St., homes. Dues are $10 per year. Membership in the field. Email us at: Space.Access@Space- as they present themselves but they are not Mesa, Arizona 85205, Ph: (480)985- includes newsletters, an annual film awards Access.org required. 3600 • Toll Free: (800) 888-3561 and various outings. For information, contact Web page: www.space-access.org/ In an effort to expand membership the USS PFFS, P.O. Box 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or Leonidas has assisted in the formation of Room Rates $59 S/D/T/Q. http://www. call David Storck at (602) 274_7404, e-mail: SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING a High School Star Trek club called the resortmesa.com/ Rooms include [email protected]. SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders of STARFLEET Science and Tactical Academy. Complimentary gourmet deluxe breakfast model and high-power rockets and those who Students participate in a wide range of buffet served every day and fresh baked RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST A love to see them fly. Launches are held on the activities with the hope that they will become cookies served every evening. The hotel Live Action Theatre Troupe based out of the second Saturday morning of each month in interested in Star Trek and join STARFLEET has 114 rooms so there is a good chance ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is dedicated to Rainbow Valley. SSS hosts the annual G. Harry as officers. we can have the entire hotel for ourselves. the game Werewolf: The Apocalypse by White Stine Memorial Rocket Launch every October. The USS Leonidas has a crew of 30. Starfleet Guests: TBA. Memberships rates: $30 Wolf publishing. Contact Mike McLaughlin Visit www.sssrocketry.org for membership Science and Tactical Academy has 52 cadets. until December 31, 2009, $35 Jan 1 thru at (602)461-5842 or write 1730 W Emelita information, directions to the launches and Members age from 14-65 years old. Average Place #2025, Mesa AZ 85202-3144 or meetings, and to read the monthly newsletter, age is 20-25. April 30, 2010, $40 May 1 thru August [email protected] “Newton’s Minutes.” Club meeting locations vary due to scheduled 23, 2010. Please check the web site at away missions and such, but usually meet in a www.coppercon.org or contact us at RAW GAMES (Role-players & Wargamers, TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ classroom at Apache Junction High School. [email protected] for more info. Inc.) Role-players & Wargamers, Inc. is the Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in International Membership with Starfleet International Valley’s oldest role-playing and wargaming media SF/Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS meets is required. www.sfi.org Upon joining CASFS Business Report club. Currently meeting at 8159 W. Weldon every two weeks at different locations around STARFLEET a member is a Cadet. Upon July 15, 2010 in Phoenix every Sunday from 12noon-5pm the valley. Activities include watching videos, passing the Officer’s Training School Exam at (except during conventions and other special discussions, parties, games, and occasional the Online Academy, the member becomes a events). Open to new members - call (623) outings with more to come now that Doctor Commissioned Officer aboard the Leonidas. COPPERCON 30 – [September 4-6, 2010 - $40 849-9515. Who is returning from hiatus. Many members The chapter does not have dues as of yet. until August 15, 2010 $45 at the door] We maintain an active presence at conventions. The dues to be a member of STARFLEET have put in place the most extensive publicity SHIELD OF ALMOR The Shield of Almor You can contact us at 2243 W Wagon Wheel International are $15 a year. program in the history of CopperCon using is a RPGA club located in the greater Phoenix Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice Mail at (602) No newsletter, but members do receive an fliers, ConNotations ads, Convention listing area. If you are interested in Living Greyhawk 864-0901, E-mail [email protected] or activities E-mail update. No web site yet. sites, local newspaper event lists, Harkins catch one of our meetings the 1st Sunday of visit us at http://members.cox.net/tardisaz/ Contact : Jonathan Krieger, 480-677-0269, in theater slides, FaceBook, Twitter etc. Our every month at Imperial Outpost Games (www. tardis.html [email protected] imperialoutpost.com) in Glendale. If you are Guests are Author Guest of Honor, Stephen interested in Living Arcanis or Living Spycraft TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by the USS STORMBRINGER The Stormbringer Donaldson, Author Guests, David Lee catch us on the 3rd Sunday of every month series’ production companies and the USA is a correspondence Star Trek fan club chapter Summers, Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro also at Imperial Outpost Games. The Shield of Network! It is THE information conduit of Starfleet, Intl. based out of Tucson AZ. plus our Filk Guest of Honor Mark Horning. Almor hosts RPGA events at the local Phoenix between the fans and the series! Fan club The chapter was commissioned as the USS COPPERCON 31 -- Chairman Nyki Robertson. conventions. For more information visit us membership will bring you the following 1) Stormbringer NCC-74213, attached to Division The CopperCon 31 Guest of Honor is Carrie at games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AZ_RPG/ subscription to the info filled Tek Informer 31, Starfleet Covert Operations, on 10/31/98. Vaughn, Author the “Kitty” werewolf novels. or you can sign up for games at www.nyrond. newsletter; 2) official TekWar Fan Club As of 11/29/98 there were 32 members. There The Committee is complete. Our hotel has org. Or you can just stop by the 1st Sunday of membership card and kit. Membership is are no dues other than the $15 for joining Star- changed to The Hilton Garden Inn located on the month. Meeting starts at 10am. Hope to see by regular mail only and the newsletter and fleet Intl.. Members are scattered world wide you there. materials will not be reproduced electronically. but the primary clusters are in Tucson, AZ and the far west side at Avondale Blvd and I-10. It To join the action and initiate your annual Plano, TX. They don’t meet on a regular basis is a nice hotel with somewhat lower function THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE membership, make check or money order since they are a correspondence chapter. Their costs and those are further lowered by room ANACHRONISM The kingdom of Atenveldt out for $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan Club web site is: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/ nights. doth lie in the state of Arizona. Within the fair (Membership section), 2522 N Sparkman Vault/9505/ and their contact/CO is Capt. Dave CASFS BOOK SOCIAL – Randall Whitlock. kingdom can be found six Baronies: Atenveldt, Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 Pitts, [email protected] The Book Social is held in the Coffee Shop of Mons Tonitrus, Twin Moons, SunDragon, Tir the Bent Cover on the West side of 28th Drive Ysgithr and Ered Sul. For more information T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and fantasy WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION North of Cactus Road in Phoenix at 7 p.m. On on any of these or for general information club. Weekly meetings are held on the Arizona ASSOCIATION (WesternSFA) A non- on contact the Kingdom Seneschal. Email: State University campus, with dates and places profit corporation that sponsors AniZona, the the Third Tuesday of each Month. In January [email protected] Web www.atenveldt. to be announced after the semester starts. For ConRunners seminars, Across Plus Anime We discussed HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy com more information, Email them@themonline. Club and sponsored the 2004 Westercon. by Douglas Adams. We had god attendance. org Web www.themonline.org Dedicated primarily to educational activities Next we discuss Burning by Shannon K. SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD relating to literature, music, and visual Butcher on July 20th. The Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail Address and performing arts, especially in the GENERIC COPPERCON PROMO SHIRT. The shirts organization of persons interested in all is [email protected] or DMitchel1@Juno. genres of Anime, science fiction, fantasy, are here. Anyone who signed up for one can facets of historical, cultural, science fiction, com costuming, gaming and science. Applicants get it at the CASFS meeting on July 30th. fantasy, and humor costume. Members are for membership in WesternSFA must be often seen on stage and behind the scenes UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX A sponsored by a current active WesternSFA ELECTIONS – Existing officers were re-elected. at local and regional Science Fiction Phoenix area Star Trek and general SciFi fan member. Dues are $10 yearly plus a $5 non- The Board and elected officers are unchanged. Convention masquerades. They meet on club. We are a social club that meets every two refundable application fee. General Meetings The election of the 2012 CopperCon Chairman the last Sunday of each month at various weeks at various locations around the Phoenix are held on the first Friday of February, May, was delayed until the December meeting. members’ homes in the greater Phoenix area. area. The UFP has been meeting for over 30 August and November, check our website CASFS Officers as of the July 25, 2009 For details. Southwest Costumers Guild, PO years of continuous activity. Dues are $15/per for meeting location Guests are welcome. For Election. CASFS Board of Directors: Kevin Box 39504, Phoenix, AZ 85609 or Randall year prorated when you join; no restrictions. more info contact Craig Dyer at WesternSFA, McAlanon, Tina “Nyki” Robertson, Mark Whitlock at [email protected] or www. Membership includes membership roster and PO Box 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082 Email: Boniece, Corporate Treasurer: Stephanie southwestcostumersguild.org monthly newsletter. Come to any two meetings [email protected] Webpage: www. at no obligation. For information, write the westernsfa.org L Bannon, Bob LaPierre, Gary Swaty, SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access UFP at PO Box 37224, Phoenix, AZ 85069, or Susan Uttke. CASFS Procedural Officers: Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically call Jim Strait at (602) 242-9203. Web page: Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. We President: Mark Boniece, Vice President: Gary cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s http://www.U-F-P.org or Email to Info@U-F- maintain a mailing list for news and get- Swaty, Secretary: Gary Swaty, Treasurer: possible within ten years, with a little luck and P.org togethers of fans of the X-Files living in Stephanie L Bannon Arizona. We get together in both the Phoenix Gary Swaty and Tucson areas. To subscribe, send an empty Secretary message to [email protected] Generic Convention Registration Form What is CASFS? What is really behind putting on a con- vention? What are the funds raised by a Trivia Answers convention used for? Why not attend a Name:______meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor of ConNotations, CopperCons, HexaCons, Badge Name:______SmerfCons and other conventions. We are a charitable, non-profit organization that

exists to further science fiction, fantasy Address:______Barrett-Roddenberry Majel 10)

and science fields in Arizona. CASFS

City/State/ZIP:______Sputnik 9) currently meets at the Denny’s Restaurant

) Trueblood, a synthetic blood synthetic a Trueblood, ) at 2360 W Northern Ave in Phoenix The

Phone:______Email:______Gogh Van Vincent 7) meetings begin at 8PM and are held on the

6) Cleavant Derricks as Rembrandt Brown Rembrandt as Derricks Cleavant 6) last Friday of the month Jan. through Sept. Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for Spawning The II: Piranha 5) and on the second Friday of the month Oct

through Dec. Everyone is invited to attend

4) Andre Norton Andre 4) two meetings as a guest (non-member). ______convention. Henriksen Lance 3)

Membership rates are $12/year plus an

(See individual convention listing for mailing address) Beast the of Number The 2) initial $3 application fee and rates are pro-

the First or Second Law. Second or First the rated for the amount of the year remaining.

More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other with conflict not does protection such as long For more info: Webpage: www.casfs.org 1) A robot must protect its own existence as as existence own its protect must robot A 1) Email: [email protected]

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