Grimm is a television show that has been running on NBC since the 2011 fall season. Part procedural cop show, part fantasy, the series follows Portland homicide detective Nick Burkhardt, who is descended from a long line of hunter/protectors known as Grimms. After his Aunt Marie is killed, Nick inherits the family business, from her extensive weapon collection to some super-human abilities. Grimms have the ability to see Wesen, creatures with animal characteristics that live among humans. Many Wesen are dangerous to humans and prey upon […]
The Name of the Wind is …wow….
This is an amazing book, but I was initially put off by the name…. “The Name of the Wind” is such a …I don’t know… sort of “classic fantasy title/trope” that I was really skeptical how it could be unique and interesting. There are sooooo many fantasy books out there that have mined the same old tropes and territories for years. How could this be any different – especially with such a trite name. Also, the guy who told me about it was wearing […]
Sailing Ships in Outer Space!
I got this book because it looked a bit steampunky, a genre I like and it seemed like “steampunks on Mars” or something. I sort of bought it based on the cover. So…the tale does start out on Mars, but with a standard “22nd century mining colony with semi-military oversight” trope firmly in place (what, no steam?) The occurrence of a mysterious “Mars quake” (as there is no tectonic activity on Mars, there should be no seismic activity) “shakes things up a bit” and […]
Exit, pursued by a wampa.
This second jaunt into Ian Doescher’s Shakespeare/Star Wars hybrid imaginary universe, entitled William Shakespeare’s The Empire Striketh Back, only solidifies my opinion that these adaptations are more than gags and novelties to be gifted to nerdy friends (although they can be used for that purpose as well). I purposely use the word ‘adaptation’ here because Doescher’s attention to detail and his thoughtful approach to both the story and to Shakespeare’s forms and techniques clearly illustrate that although the results for us as readers may be fun […]