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Tales of Maora

Tales of Maora

Stories, podcasts, and thoughts by Adam Casalino

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A book you should be reading: “The Book of the New Sun,” by Gene Wolfe

September 8, 2010 by Adam Casalino

BlogOkay, technically its four books.  But its a oft’ overlooked tetralogy, so I’m grouping them together.  Any true science fictions/fantasy fan should be aware of the works of Gene Wolfe (if you haven’t, put down your DnD dice and go weep in shame!).  The Book of the New Sun is his masterwork; one of the greatest, most penetrating works of science fantasy ever penned in our time.

The Book of the New Sun
The Book of the New Sun

Set in the far flung future of Earth (called “Urth” by its inhabitants), society has degenerated into a pseudo-medieval system.  Despite advances in technology, most of human wallows in poverty, the victims of oppression.  The world’s resources are stagnant and depleting, due largely to the fading of the Sun–whose pallid light creates neither night nor day.

The story revolves around a young man named Severian, a child raised in the school of torturers.  Trained in the art of execution and interrogation, he is set for a life in the Citadel, when fate throws him in a new direction and he begins a journey into the world.

Sun is a uniquely profound book.  It is also very hard to read.  I’m not going to lie to you, I often spent my time re-reading paragraphs.  Wolfe does not pull any punches in his prose.  He does not water down any descriptions, nor edit his work to appeal to the mass market.  But that is what makes Sun a star among the endless predictable, shallow sci-fi novels written today.  It is a wholly original work, steeped in Wolfe’s own personally inspirations, that will expand you vision of what is possible in literature.  Science fiction and fantasy will never be the same for you.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: book, book of the new sun, fantasy, gene wolfe, recommendation, science fiction

A book you should be reading: “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman

August 16, 2010 by Adam Casalino

BlogContinuing my series of book recommendations, today I will be featuring “Stardust,” by Neil Gaiman.

The fantasy work of Gaiman is unlike any other.  In an age where too many books/movies/games follow the Tolkien method, Gaiman’s work is refreshingly original.Stardust by Neil Gaiman

From the very outset, Gaiman paints a vivid narrative, so entrancing that you will forever gaze differently at the world around you.  Taking place in the small town of Wall, during the mid 1800’s, Stardust primarily follows the early life of Tristran Thorne, a remarkable young boy who, for the love a girl, crosses the barrier between the normal, mundane world and into Fairieland.

I can’t escape from the power of Gaiman’s prose.  While reading Stardust, your impressed by the beauty of every detail.  Some writers can transport you through the simplicity of their words, some through their overt description.  Gaiman simply puts the love of his story into his work; you feel it and in turn, grow to love it yourself.

Neil Gaiman is a modern master of fantasy.  All those who claim even a mild interest in the genre must be acquainted with his work.  Pick up a copy of “Stardust” to begin your journey.

Of course, here’s the Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stardust-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0061689246/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: book, fantasy, neil gaiman, recommendation, startdust

A book you should be reading: “The Name of the Wind”

August 10, 2010 by Adam Casalino

BlogVery rarely does a book come along that rivals the likes of Lord of the Rings. Patrick Rothfuss’ “The Name of the Wind” is just that sort of book.

It is the story of Qvothe, a seemingly simple innkeeper in an unassuming small village.  One day a strange comes knocking at his door and he is compelled to tell his life’s journey.  It is one that is captivating and unforgettable.

The richness of the settings, the emotions of Qvothe’s experiences, not only transport you to Rothfuss’ world, they The Name of the Windimpart his world into you.  His writing is clean and unpretentious.  You forget you are reading a book.  You are living his life.

I am reticent to divulge any specific details of the plot.  I do not want to spoil it.  It is story you must embrace from the very beginning.  Suffice it say it is parts Dickens, Tolkien, and Rowling–while avoiding the derivative pitfalls in which many writers fall.

“The Name of the Wind” is the first part of the “Kingkiller Chronicles”; the rest of which has not yet been released.  I can say I am one of many eager to read the next installment (slated for 2011).  Pick up this book and you will be as well.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Name-Wind-Kingkiller-Chronicles-Day/dp/075640407X

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: book, fantasy, name of the wind, recommendation

A book you should be reading: His Majesty’s Dragon

August 3, 2010 by Adam Casalino

BlogI’m not a fan of most modern fantasy books, largely due to the fact that their “cookbook” styled stories, with little originality or are just poorly written (ie. R. A. Salvatore).  So when I first heard of the premise of “His Majesty’s Dragon,” I wasn’t enthused.

But after a few recommendations, I decided to go to my local Barnes and read the first paragraph.  I was sold.  Not only is Naomi Novik a phenomenal writer, her style and imaginative world will suck you in… and never let go.

The book is the first of a 4-part series called “Temeraire.”  It is set during the Napoleonic  wars.  There’s one unique catch: there’s dragons.  The nations of Europe have Air Forces comprised of dragons, something that has survived since the Roman Ages.  A British naval office by chance discovers a rare dragon, captured by the French, and is plunged into this new life as a dragon rider.

The amazing draw of this story is the relationship between Captain Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire.  They develop  a close bond, something like a man and his dog–but on another level.  Temeraire is intelligent and sweet and fiercely devoted to his master.

You learn about this world along with Laurence and Temeraire.  Novik’s prose is powerful and description and incredibly “in tune” with the era.  Pick up this book and you will soon be searching for the sequels.

My only complaint is that stupid iBooks doesn’t haven’t the series yet!

Get it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/His-Majestys-Dragon-Temeraire-Book/dp/0345481283/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280755318&sr=1-7

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: book, fantasy, recommendation, temeraire

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