Movie Knight (Black Knight 2.5) by John G Hartness

 

 

This short story is really really short – and includes an excerpt from the first book as well. I admit, it was short enough that I almost had a little tantrum about it – but then I double checked how much I actually paid for it and put the tantrum aside – it’s also very very very very very very cheap. 

And it’s perfect for what it is – little introduction to the first book included. If you have not read the Black Knight Chronicles (and it is a series I recommend) then this story gives you a perfect taster. It would work really well in an anthology of other short stories to bring in readers – but as a cheap little introduction it’s also ideal for people to dip their toes in

Of course, the problem from that is that my review is also really really short. This is painful for someone as long winded as me.

It does everything an introduction should do. You get to meet the three main characters getting a basic sense of who they are, what they do and how they interact with each other. In a few short scenes we really get the feel of James’s voice, his hopes towards Sabrina and his deep friendship with Greg and his wryly amused, self-aware look at the world.

You also get some neat exploration of the world – the various creatures are hinted at, some of their contacts are touched on without taking up an undue amount of space or time. You can see how they generally move through the world, deal with whatever comes their way

It also gives a great sense of tone, humour and writing. It’s almost exactly like one of the full books in miniature giving you a great taster of what the main storyline is really like.

For people who have read the original books, I won’t say it adds anything in particular. It doesn’t advance any storylines, it doesn’t bring any new revelations. It does add, perhaps, a few more angles in some cases but, at the same time, it has a rather dodgy continuity error which was rather annoying (James was surprised by a revelation that he already knew about in a previous book).

But it is a fun little adventure, in a style I love and if you liked the other books in the series it’s a fun diversion.

Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 8: Second Sons

In the Riverlands: Arya & the Hound

Arya wakes up early and decides the best alarm clock will be a heavy rock applied with force to the Hound’s head. Unfortunately, he’s a light sleeper. Time for them to ride off and he warns her that there are men worse than him out there – she disagrees that there can be men worse than him and he points to his brother who is Not a Nice Man. He adds that there are violent people and rapists out there; and how he saved Sansa from the latter not long ago.

He’s also not taking her to Kings Landing – he’s taking her to the Twins to be with her mother and brother, for ransom. He also tells her about her uncle’s upcoming marriage.

Dragonstone: Mellisandre, Gendry and Stannis the also-ran.

Gendry is taken to Stannis who examines him and declares he is half-Robert and half low born. Gendry is taken away to be given a comfortable room and Stannis doesn’t see the point with lots of analogies to slaughtering a lamb. Looks like Gendry is headed to sacrifice.

In the dungeon, Davos is continuing to learn to read (and quite pleased by his progress) and Stannis drops in for a very awkward visit and belated condolences for his son. He also tells Davos about Gendry’s upcoming sacrifice – and Davos isn’t a big fan of Stannis killing his own nephew. Anyway Stannis has come to release Davos so long as he swears not to raise a hand against Mellisandre – he agrees, but adds he won’t hold his tongue and pushes further that Stannis doesn’t want to, why else would he release Davos just before the sacrifice of Gendry, knowing Davos would speak against it?

Stannis is still caught up in Mellisandre’s visions though – and of a battle in the snow.

Gendry is stunned by the wealth of his room and Mellisandre and he talk about the contrast between how they lived as poor people and the nobles; how he is unsure about every luxury, afraid he will have to pay for it. She instead turns to her religion and how to “draw” his power from him using the rituals of her god – which naturally involved nakedness and sex. The Lord of Light also requires kinky bondage and all this sex to happen with her fully naked and him with his trousers on. Oh and leeches. Yes leeches – and she brings in Davos and Stannis to watch.

Mellisandre is into some very very unusual kinks.

Taking the3  leeches full of special powerful king’s blood, Stannis casts each into the flaming brazier each with a name – usurper Robb Stark, usurper Balon Greyjoy and usurper Joffrey Baratheon.

Kings Landing Sansa, Shae, Tyrion and a whole lot of angst

Sansa is being primped by a stony faced Shae when Tyrion comes to visit. Feel the tension in the air. It’s their wedding day and Tyrion tries to reassure her that it wasn’t his decision but she won’t be a prisoner – though he reflects being married to him is a different kind of prison. It’s not great reassurance but it’s sincere. After much flailing, he promises her that he will never hurt her.

Meanwhile, Margaery is playing super-duper friendly to Cersei who Does Not Like It but has to put up with it. Cersei tells a passive aggressive little story about House Rain that was the second-wealthiest in the land, just like the Tyrells, and how it challenged House Lannister and how the Lannisters slaughtered them. What a pretty little story. She adds that she will have Margaery strangled in her sleep if she ever calls Cersei sister again. Well, that was overt. It seems Cersei has given up the subtle manoeuvring against the Tyrells. Hey, Margy, you’re marrying her son, you could always call her mother!

Sansa emerges – and Joffrey steps forward to give her away (they could not possibly make this wedding any worse). One long walk past all the assembled dignitaries to Tyrion’s side, where he removes a stool. The ceremony begins, which includes Tyrion putting a cloak (offering her his protection) across her shoulders, causing tittering across the crowd because Tyrion isn’t tall enough to reach Sansa’s shoulders without the stool that Joffrey removed, she has to kneel.

Podcast Cancelled

 

Due to technical difficulties, and talkshoe, again, not providing the service it's being paid for, we're going to have to cancel the podcast tonight.

It's frustrating to say the least. We will reschedule it for one evening this week as soon as talkshoe is working again. We hope this will be soon.

Until then, join us in swearing profusely in immense frustration.

The Originals: Claire Holt, Joseph Morgan, Danielle Campbell & More

Tempting Danger (World of the Lupi #1) by Eileen Wilks

 

Lily Yu is a sensitive – she can sense magic. It’s a useful skill and certainly helps her a lot as a detective on the San Diego police force, though it hardly replaces good ol’ policing. Certainly not when a brutal murder seems to have been committed by one of the Lupi – a werewolf.

The culprit seems immediately obvious – far too immediately obvious and an alibi addition certainly points to him being framed and, perhaps, the lupi being discredited. But the bodies start piling up, the evidence mounts and Lily isn’t sure who she can trust. Especially as dark ancient forces who everyone thinks are 400 years gone are muddying the waters

Then there’s her disturbing relationship with Rule, the accused werewolf. The compelling, supernatural bond between them is certainly a distraction.

Lily is a police detective who actually does detective work and thinks and reasons and plans it through. It seems odd in a genre that is full of PIs and cops and protagonists who work with the cops that these traits should be so rare, but they are. Far too many detectives in this genre rely entirely on their woo-woo to do all the work for them – or they just make a nuisance of themselves until the big bad tries to kill them

But Lily investigates, she uses police procedures, she cares about chain of evidence, she cares about warrants and laws and legalities. She uses logic and thought and deduction and police work. She faces office politics and has to navigate it as well as her genuine connections with the police on the force. Yes, she has woo-woo, but it’s not sufficient to replace police work, it enhances and adds to her abilities as a cop but doesn’t change her from being a detective to being a magical deus ex. And yes, she doesn’t exactly solve this present case through official channels, but she does work within them and exhaust them first.

Other interesting elements include federal agents who aren’t the evil clueless ones: not that I have any problem with police being less than saints, especially ones who seem to work with vast power and little accountability, – but I do appreciate a skilled detective working with the forces of law rather than showing them up with their super special specialness of extra special – especially since there is still that hope of legality and respect for at least the appearance of procedure. It’s interesting for sheer uniqueness if nothing else. It’s quite refreshing to see the federal woo-woo department arrive and not say “aha, we shall now squabble like children over the case!” but actually work together.

The world is excellent – it’s huge with many layers that are referenced and touched on. There’s information elegantly woven into the story so we actually get a really good idea of these different creatures and realms and gods and how they fit in. All of this has enough detail to actually give you more than just a name, but not so much as to actually derail the plot with lots of irrelevant information.

Orphan Black, Season One, Episode Eight: Entangled Bank

Art is looking at a Beth's ID picture and comparing it to the pictures of Sarah.  He asks Angela if she believes in doppelgangers and when Angela says no, Art then asks about twins.  Angela asks if Sarah ever mentioned a twin sister and Art slams the photo of Beth on his table in frustration. Angela reminds Art that they identified Sarah Manning as the Jane doe and says that they have to make a house call. Art grabs his coat and asks Angela to keep it between them until they figure out what is going on.

Paul and Sarah are lying in bed and he says again that they cannot go back to the townhouse. When she doesn't respond, Paul adds that by now Olivier has told Dr. Leekie about what he knows.  Sarah gets up in frustration and says that for a second, she forgot she was a clone.  Paul reminds her that Olivier believes she is the one killing the clones.  Felix enters carry a latte for himself and says that he couldn't afford them for Bonnie and Clyde. Paul tells Felix that Sarah is going to have to stay there for awhile and Felix asks if he needs a place to stay to, to infringe on his creativity and shag in his bed.

Sarah's phone rings and it's Allison and Felix quips that they should invite her too, so that they can all cuddle up and watch Grey's Anatomy.  Allison tells Sarah that she came back early and that Cossima filled her in on what is going on. Allison adds that she is taking a break from Cossima and Sarah because she needs to get her house in order. Sarah points out that this is what marriage counseling is for. Allison tells her that she is divorcing Donnie but that she is fine with it and that it was her decision. Sarah says that she is worried but Allison replies that she can take care of herself.  When Sarah heads towards her door, she sees a shadow. Sarah reminds Allison that she does not know who her monitor is but Allison says that she is reclaiming her life and asks Sarah to respect that.
Aynesley Norris let's herself into Allison's home and Sarah catches her looking through her mail. Aynesley is surprised that Allison is home early and says that she just popped by to water the plants.

Kiera is painting when there is a knock at the door. Before she can answer, Mrs. S stops her and sends her up to her room.  When she opens the door, it's Art and Angela and they want to know if she is the legal guardian of Sarah Manning. They inform Mrs. S that Sarah was shot dead.  Mrs. S asks when and they tell her November 25th.  Mrs. S points out that this was two weeks ago and Angela replies that identification took some time. Mrs. S asks again if they are sure that it was Sarah and Angela nods her head and asks if Sarah had any problems with anyone, and women in particular. Mrs. S asks why they would ask that.  Art replies that they cannot be sure of much about the investigation right now.  Angela asks if Sarah lived there with her and she tells them that Sarah moved out years ago when she came of age and that they weren't close.  Angela ask if Sarah had a sister and Mrs.S tells them that Sarah was an orphan and if she did indeed have a sister, it would have been news to the both of them.

Sarah is on skype with Cossima and tells her that neolution is bullshit but Cossima believes that it is an applied philosophy with profound implications for what she does.  Sarah asks if Cossima goes around black bagging her subjects. Cossima assures Sarah that it was mistaken identity because Olivier thought she was killing the subjects.  Sarah tells her that  Dr. Leekie is on the way and asks if she can expect the same sort of treatment. Cossima reminds Sarah that she brought Helena into the mix and Felix yells that this all happened because she got the science wrong.  Cossima insists that she didn't but Sarah tells her that they knew she wasn't Beth from the examination and reminds Cossima that she said their DNA was identical.  Cossima asserts that their DNA is identical and suggests that it was Sarah's sunny personality which gave her away.  Sarah asks Cossima whose side she is on but before she can respond, Felix says, "hang up, she's a freaky Leekie."  Sarah closes the connection between her and Cossima and says that Cossima drank the purple kool aid. Felix replies to hell with Cossima and adds that they can still save Allison.  When Sarah suggests that Allison is fine, Felix tells her that Allison is not fine and reminds her that Allison is divorcing Donnie. Sarah says that it's everyone for herself but Felix suggests that divorces do really strange things to normals and that they lose themselves and come downtown to find themselves. Sarah says that Allison is obsessing that one of her "bitchy friends is her monitor."  Felix believes that Allison's monitor is indeed Aynesley.

Aynesley is sitting on Allison's couch and Aynesley asks how the kids are taking the news about divorce. Aynesley expresses surprise about the divorce and comments that she knew Allison was unhappy.  Allison points out that everything Aynesley knows is by asking questions and prying constantly. Aynesley gets up and offers to coach figure skating tonight, so that Allison can relax.  Allison is not the least bit open to this offer and says that figure skating is her schedule and that whether her daughter is in attendance or not, she will be there.  Aynesley tells her that she needs some me time but Allison demands her house keys back. Aynesley replies that she knows Allison is in pain, so she won't ask for her house keys back and promises not to abandon her. Allison opens the front door and the minute Aynesley walks through, she closes the door, cutting off Aynesley in mid speech.

Olivier is at the hospital with Paul and the doctor says that he cannot restore Olivier's tail  because it was too badly damaged. The doctor says that it's a fascinating case but between the blood loss and the risk of infection in that area, he expects to keep Olivier a few days to a week. Paul thanks him and says that he will stay with Olivier until he regains consciousness.

Delphine gets into Dr. Leekie's car and he asks where she is with Cossima.  Delphine says that she is closer and says that Cossima made a pass at her.  Leekie leans into Delphine and says that Cossima's safety is at stake and adds that he needs to know which subjects she is in contact with.  Delphine reminds Leekie that Cossima needs to initiate disclosure and Leekie says that Delphine has to dig deeper and faster because this is a direct threat.  Delphine then gets out of the car.

Helena is eating candy and she pulls out an envelope addressed to mummy.  When she opens it, she fins pictures of Kira and a letter, which she reads.

Felix is sleeping when Sarah puts her foot in his face.  Felix warns that he is not going to hole up with her if she cannot sit still. Sarah gives up trying to call Allison but her phone rings and it's Art again.  Sarah does not answer saying that Beth doesn't live there anymore. Mrs. S enters Felix's apartment and comments that Sarah is alive and tells her about Angela and Art  notifying her of Sarah's death. Sarah says that she doesn't want to lie to her and asks what they said.  Mrs. S replies very little and adds that if whatever is going on, gets one stop close to Kira, that Sarah needs to yell fire.  Mrs.S says that they will burn the house they built for themselves in this country if they have to.  Sarah says that it's a promise.

Art goes to see Angela, who says that the facial reconstruction of the Jane Doe is going well.  Art then hands her a report saying that Sarah Manning jumped in front of a train.  Art tells her to check out the time of death and Sarah realises that this is four days before Sarah Manning was shot.  Angela says that Jane Doe cannot be Sarah Manning but Art reminds her that the prints match.  Angela says that twins brings it close enough to flag a match, even though environmental factors can usually differentiate. Art reminds Angela that Mrs. S said that Sarah had no relations but Angela says that Sarah is an orphan and Angela theorizes that they were triplets, separated at birth.  Art says that there is only one left to clear it up, just as Sarah walks into the station.

Sarah asks what this is all about and Art tells her that some questions came up about her work on the Jane Doe case.  Art says that she said there was no print match and Sarah asserts that there wasn't.  Art says that they ran it again and got a match.  Sarah feigns surprise and Angela walks in and hands her a picture of Sarah Manning. Sarah asks if this is a joke and Angela asks if she has ever seen her before.  Sarah answers in a mirror.

Allison is at the arena when a mother approaches to say that if she needs anything to just call.  Allison keeps walking without comment and walks straight up to Aynesley and Chad.  Allison asks Aynesley what she is doing there and Aynesley responds that she has this covered and that Allison is in no condition to be coaching kids.  Allison says that she is perfectly fine and tells Aynesley to leave. Aynesley reminds Allison that she is mad at Donnie not her.  Allison tells Aynesley that she told her to stay away but Aynesley is convinced that Allison is not herself. Allison warns Aynesley that if she wants to mess with her life, she will mess with Aynesley's before walking away.

Back at the station, Angela accuses Sarah of burying Jane Doe's fingerprints to hide her connection. Sarah asks what connection and brings up the fact that she doesn't have a sister.  Art says that Sarah Manning was an orphan and Angela adds that she had the same prints as Jane Doe but she killed herself days before Jane Doe was murdered. Art calls Sarah Beth and says that he just wants to know where she fits in.  Sarah asks to see the file but Angela reminds her that she is a civilian. Sarah quips that this is what Angela has always wanted. Sarah asks Art if she needs to lawyer up and Art replies, "I don't know Beth, do you?"  Sarah gets up and leaves and Art grabs the photo that Beth touched so that forensics can run her prints.

Allison walks out to her mini van and notices Chad, who is smoking a joint in his.  Allison sneaks up on Chad, who begs her not to narc to Aynesley because Aynesley will go ape shit.  Allison picks up the joint and takes a drag from it and says that this is the first weed she has had since college and asks Chad if he has anymore.

Book of the Week

Every week on the Fangs for the Fantasy podcast (archives here) we read a book and discuss it on the show. The review for the book of the week always goes up on a Monday

Our podcast now broadcasts at 6:30pm EST, which is 11:30pm GMT

To give people a chance to read along with us, every Monday we’re also going to include a list of our planned books of the week for the next few shows, so people can get the books, read them and join in the conversation.
 

13th May - 20th May: Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks

20th May - 27th May: The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

27th May - 3rd June: Shapeshifted by Cassie Alexander 

3rd June - 10th June: Binding the Shadows by Jenn Bennet

10th June - 17th June: The Fury by L.J. Smith

Da Vinci's Demons: Season 1, Episode 6: The Devil

 We rejoin Leonardo dealing with his various visions with Al Rahim – particularly how he could have seen himself hanging in the cave when he was a boy. Al Rahim explains this with cryptic stuff which I interpret as “a big ball of wibbly-wobbly... timey-wimey... stuff”.

Lorenzo is in Urbino, watching the rough and tumble Duke of Urbino fight several other men to prove how tough he is; which is useful since Lorenzo is there for mercenaries.

Back in Florence, Guiliano is moping over Becchi and Clarice Orsini, his sister-in-law wants to make sure he joins her for the upcoming party since, even if Lorenzo is home, he avoids them. She’s also flirting – if you call putting a hand on his thigh flirting – Guiliano ducks away and talks about finding the spy (though Clarice is convinced Becchi is the spy).  She goes in for the sexy shoulder rub. She’s interrupted by her physician bringing her an awful potion intended to ensure she will produce a male heir and she reflects on how the lack of male heirs may reduce the value and standing of the Medici name.

Back to Leo and Al Rahim points out the obvious, a land mass and direction “west” is not really going to get you anywhere. But he adds that the map is just a copy of a more detailed (and cryptic) original. To read it they need to find the cartographer who copied it, Solomon Uqbai, the Abyssinian. Unfortunately Uqbai is held prisoner by a savage warlord to the North while working for the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. And only Leo is smart enough to free him

Uh-huh, Tepes I take it? Leave Florence to go visit Dracula? Yeah, good luck with that then.

Al Rahim spins a coin which causes Leo to appear riding next to Uqbai who agrees that he “will” be captured. There is a brief moment of confusion explained by further “big ball of wibbly-wobbly… timey-wimey… stuff”. Leo accuses them of being cryptic which is freely admitted but it’s not like Leo isn’t at times. Cryptic cryptic and more cryptic, vague allusions to hell being evil being more overwhelming than hope and how special Leo is. He comes out of his little trance on horseback travelling with Nicco and Zoroaster.