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The Turtle Moves!: Discworld's Story Unauthorized

Lawrence Watt-Evans

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

So, you think you know Discworld? 5 out of 5 stars.
27 of 27 people found this review helpful.

So, you think you know Terry Pratchett's Discworld, do you? Even if you have read and re-read Pratchett's thirty-plus Discworld novels (and companion books), Lawrence Watt-Evans's "The Turtle Moves: Discworld's Story Unauthorized" will still teach you a new thing or two, I suspect -- new insights into characters, new ways of looking at the novels.

Watt-Evans, a noted science fiction/fantasy author himself, has created a respectful, genial, and thoughtful look at the Discworld universe, discussing each novel and story and placing them in context of "sub-series" (within the overall Discworld series). He does this with a tone of mock frustration ("How come Pratchett can write such an extraordinarily successful series of books and I can't?!?" -- well, maybe Watt-Evans's frustration isn't wholly fictional; surely, any author must envy such a creation), but it is clear throughout that Watt-Evans is first and foremost a fan of Discworld -- not blind to its occasional minor flaws, but overall deeply impressed with its high quality.

In his introductions, Watt-Evans explains that he is writing the book both for fans of the Discworld tales and also for those readers yet unfamiliar with them. Oh, and also to make money while trying to understand the roots of Pratchett's success (I am sure this is said tongue-in-cheek, although he wouldn't mind making the money).

"The Turtle Moves" is a pleasure, and as truly informative as it is amusing to read. As the cover blurb says: "The greatest British fantasy series by a living author who doesn't go by initials is Terry Pratchett's Discworld".

Editorial Review:

From the banks of the river Ankh to the walls of Sto Lat, the entirety of Terry Pratchett’s renowned Discworld series is explored in this expansive resource. Essays discussing a range of topics—among them Pratchett’s place in literary canon, the nature of the Disc itself, and the causes and results of the Discworld phenomenon—accompany a chronological account of the more than three dozen novels in the series. Perfect for veteran fans and neophytes alike, this is the complete guide to the world on the cosmic turtle’s back.

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan, Teresa Patterson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 165 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Outstanding Resource 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I wish I had had this book from the beginning of the Wheel of Time series. I try to put a little time between the books, so I often had to thumb through the previous books to remember different characters and things that happened. By the time I reached number 9, it was a real chore. That sparked me to find out if there was a companion book for the series. Well, there is, and it's very informative. Now everything I need or want to know about Jordan's fantastic world is easy to find. To anyone who enjoyed the first book and expects to continue on, I suggest that you buy this book right away.

Editorial Review:

Since the debut of Robert Jordan's internationally bestselling series in 1990, The Wheel of Time has transported readers to a world so strikingly real, so rich in detail and complexity, it seems to rise from memory rather than a printed page. This essential companion to The Wheel of Time is for the millions interested in the history and the background of this incredible series-never-before-told legends, previously unknown peoples and lands, exotic beasts, and portents of what may come to pass.

With more than seventy new full-color paintings that include stunning new world maps, portraits of the central characters, landscapes, objects of Power, and national flags, this comprehensive guide is indispensable to any Robert Jordan fan

Prince of Stories: The Many Worlds of Neil Gaiman

Hank Wagner, Christopher Golden, Stephen R. Bissette

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Over the past twenty years, Neil Gaiman has developed into the premier fantasist of his generation, achieving that rarest of combinations—unrivaled critical respect and extraordinary commercial success.  From the landmark comic book series The Sandman to novels such as the New York Times bestselling American Gods and Anansi Boys, from children’s literature like Coraline to screenplays for such films as Beowulf, Gaiman work has garnered him an enthusiastic and fiercely loyal, global following.  To comic book fans, he is Zeus in the pantheon of creative gods, having changed that industry forever.  For discerning readers, he bridges the vast gap that traditionally divides lovers of “literary” and “genre” fiction.  Gaiman is truly a pop culture phenomenon, an artist with a magic touch whose work has won almost universal acclaim.
Now, for the first time ever, Prince of Stories chronicles the history and impact of the complete works of Neil Gaiman in film, fiction, music, comic books, and beyond. Containing hours of exclusive interviews with Gaiman and conversations with his collaborators, as well as wonderful nuggets of his work such as the beginning of an unpublished novel, a rare comic and never-before-seen essay, this is a treasure trove of all things Gaiman. In addition to providing in depth information and commentary on Gaiman’s myriad works, the book also includes rare photographs, book covers, artwork, and related trivia and minutiae, making it both an insightful introduction to his work, and a true “must-have” for his ever growing legion of fans.

The New Essential Guide to Alien Species (Star Wars)

Ann Margaret Lewis, Helen Keier

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Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Discover who’s who and what’s what in the Star Wars universe with this beautifully illustrated guide–now in full color for the first time.

When it comes to extraterrestrial life-forms, there’s more to science fiction’s most famous galaxy than just Jawas, Wookiees, Ewoks, and Hutts. From the skylanes of Coruscant to the worlds of the Outer Rim, an untold number of species populate those planets far, far away. And if you confuse Gungans with Gamorreans, or don’t know a bantha from a tauntaun, you definitely need the in-depth data that only this revised, expanded, and updated guide can deliver.
This comprehensive overview includes beings from all six of the classic movies–plus the novels, cartoon series, comics, and video games. It’s an even bigger cross section of species than what you’ll find in the Mos Eisley cantina. And each entry, from acklay to Zabrak, from amphibians to vacuum-breathers, features everything you need to know, including

• complete physical description and official designation, so you can tell your sentients from your non-sentients, and your humanoids from your insectoids
• homeworld: from dry and dusty Tatooine, stormy and waterlogged Kamino, to arctic Hoth, and countless other strange and varied worlds
• phonetic pronunciation: Askajian, H’nemthe, Iktotchi, Ssi-ruu, and Xexto/Quermian aren’t as easy to say as they are to, er, spell
• notable appearance: a listing of one of the more significant appearances of each species in the teeming Star Wars storyline

Plus, this brand-new edition includes a glossary of crucial descriptive terms and a completely original, full color illustration for each of more than one hundred individual species. It’s a big galaxy, and someone has to organize it. Count on Star Wars®: The New Essential Guide to Alien Species–and don’t leave your homeworld without it.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter (Complete Idiot's Guide to)

Tere Stouffer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Great Guide for Novice and Harry Potter Experts 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Covering everything from The Ministry of Magic to Draughts and Potions, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to The World of Harry Potter" is a handy reference for novice and Harry Potter experts alike. The book gives readers an understanding of the origins of Rowling's work. It can be read from cover to cover, in sections, or by chapters of interest. The book is divided into five user-friendly sections. Sprinkled throughout the chapters, the author includes "boxes" that clarify wizarding terminology, explain unfamiliar British terms, discuss how the story ties into mythology, folklore, and biblical myths, and give travel tips that guide the reader around the wizarding world. Also provided, are list of "wizarding websites" that will be of interest to avid fans, and a glossary of British terms that can be used to easily locate and understand unfamiliar British terms that appear in the series.

Whether you are attending a Harry Potter party and need a crash course, or whether you are a hardcore fan and need to do some fact checking, this book is an ideal resource. The information is organized in an easy-to-use format that is not overwhelming. Readers will appreciate the smaller trim size (6 X 9) which fits nicely in any backpack.

Editorial Review:

For fans of all ages …

Here is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world that J.K. Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the World of Harry Potter explores all aspects of the wizarding world and explains factually in terms of their relationship to historical, literary, religious, scientific, or mythological roots.
—In-depth information on the facts behind all seven books in the Harry Potter series
—Covers all the relevant influences for the Harry Potter series, from religion and mythology to science and literature.
—Can be read from cover to cover or used as a quick-reference guide

The Return of the Shadow: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part One (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 6)

J.R.R. Tolkien

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Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In this sixth volume of The History of Middle-earth the story reaches The Lord of the Rings. In The Return of the Shadow (an abandoned title for the first volume) Christopher Tolkien describes, with full citation of the earliest notes, outline plans, and narrative drafts, the intricate evolution of The Fellowship of the Ring and the gradual emergence of the conceptions that transformed what J.R.R. Tolkien for long believed would be a far shorter book, 'a sequel to The Hobbit'. The enlargement of Bilbo's 'magic ring' into the supremely potent and dangerous Ruling Ring of the Dark Lord is traced and the precise moment is seen when, in an astonishing and unforeseen leap in the earliest narrative, a Black Rider first rode into the Shire, his significance still unknown. The character of the hobbit called Trotter (afterwards Strider or Aragorn) is developed while his indentity remains an absolute puzzle, and the suspicion only very slowly becomes certainty that he must after all be a Man. The hobbits, Frodo's companions, undergo intricate permutations of name and personality, and other major figures appear in strange modes: a sinister Treebeard, in league with the Enemy, a ferocious and malevolent Farmer Maggot.

The story in this book ends at the point where J.R.R. Tolkien halted in the story for a long time, as the Company of the Ring, still lacking Legolas and Gimli, stood before the tomb of Balin in the Mines of Moria. The Return of the Shadow is illustrated with reproductions of the first maps and notable pages from the earliest manuscripts.

The Cthulhu Mythos Encyclopedia

Daniel Harms

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent reference for mythos aficianados 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

First I suppose I should say what this book is not. It is not a bibliography of all the books, chapbooks, stories or web fiction that use or are about the Cthulhu mythos. With the explosion of mythos sites on the internet and the rapid pace of publication by small presses, such an endeavor would be out of date before it ever hit press. Mr. Harms cites Chris Jarocha-Ernst's A Cthulhu Mythos Bibliography and Concordance from 1999 as useful in this regard. I have used Glynn Barrass' similar chapbook from Rainfall Books as well. A continuously updated online reference would be invaluable for collectors and fans but alas there is nothing definitive. I really enjoy EP Berglund's site, The Reader's Guide to the Cthulhu Mythos (http://www.epberglund.com/RGttCM/), but it has been under construction for some time now. As far as I can tell, The Ultimate Mythos Book List (http://www.rockcrown.com/mythos/index.php) has not been updated in 2 or 3 years.

What this book does provide is a detailed description of those entities, characters, tomes, places and critters that populate the worlds of Cthulhu Mythos fiction. Mr. Harms makes no pretense about being comprehensive; monsters that may appear in only a single story will not show up here. Fortunately, Mr. Harms lists his own criteria for inclusion so there is no ambiguity: all entries from the second edition, entries from the first edition where there was a groundswell of popular demand, and things found in two different works by two different authors, or appearing in major Cthulhu Mythos novels. Thus you certainly find the Hounds of Tindalos but you won't find T'loal (not that you would want to; the novella was abysmal). There is likely quite a bit of RPG material that has been excluded as well, although I found a citation on Delta Green.

I have a copy of the limited hardcover edition, a lovely book signed by the author. Art on the slip cover was provided by Malcom McClinton, an was quite nice, with some cephalopoidal thing probing about a library. I don't think Mr. McClinton has been active on the mythos art scene very much, but I hope to see more of his paintings in the future. Page count was a generous 382; materials used in the book were of highest quality and production values are flawless. The paperback is a bargain, with the discount and free shipping offered by Amazon; I have been pleased with all of my paperbacks from Elder Signs Press.

Several features stand out. I really enjoyed Mr. Harms' detailed introduction, with his description about the creation and growth of the phenomenon that is the Cthulhu mythos. There was, I think, a very even handed description of the role and contributions of August Derleth, always a contentious subject for mythos fans. I would have liked to see more about Lin Carter, but that's just a personal bias. Perhaps the least useful (or perhaps least likely to be used) part of the introduction was the guidance offered to authors about how to employ the trappings of the Cthulhu mythos in their stories and books. Like anyone is going to allow themselves to be limited! The appendix about the Necronomicon was quite good, as was expected as this is a special area of interest to the author. I skipped around reading citations about some of my favorite beasties and people. One of my bench marks is how does an author come to grips with the Outer Gods, the Elder Gods, the Old Ones, the Great Old Ones and the Great Race, etc. No complaints here. I enjoyed the treatment of all of these topics. I also don't think Mr. Harms intends these entries to be definitive depictions, of Cthulhu for example (In the short story by Neil Gaiman, I, Cthulhu, there was a pithy description of Cthulhu's 'birth' and its reproduction, which I prefer to what is listed in The Cthulhu Mythos Encyclopedia). Instead he is offering in one place, a description of how these entities have been described, depicted or used by their creators and a large comunity of writers.

So who should be most interested in this book, other than fanatics like me? I think authors who are trying to keep all these names and places straight would find it useful. New fans to the mythos who are daunted by all the cross referencing that happens between mythos authors (and that is part of what makes mythos fiction so cool for readers) now have a scorecard to identify all the players. Role players now have a handy compendium (alas without pictures) to add depth to their campaigns. And of course collectors must have it all.

Bravo and thank you, Mr. Harms!

Editorial Review:

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The Dictionary of Imaginary Places: The Newly Updated and Expanded Classic

Alberto Manguel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A- for content, B- for illustrations. 3 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Somewhat disappointed with this "newly updated and expanded" edition. Maps are everything when exploring imaginary places; they provide atmosphere as well as information. The maps in the original came from a variety of sources. Fairyland was documented with Bernard Sleigh's wonderful "Ancient Map of Fairyland" in a two-page spread, Tolkien's famous maps were included, and so on.

The maps in this edition are generic line drawings, informative but unenchanting, and I can only guess that the authors were unable to negotiate permissions in the more complicated legalities of the 21st century. Also, some entries that appeared in the original are omitted from the new edition. We particularly missed Allestone, an Islandia-like country invented in great detail beginning in 1801 by Thomas Williams Malkin, who died at the age of six.

For a book on imaginary places, it's surprising how little space was allocated to Fairyland, especially when compared with the several-pages-long entry on Hogwarts.

We suggest buying a copy of the original 1980 edition along with the current one; the older book may not have Hogwarts, but it casts its own spell.

Editorial Review:

From Atlantis to Xanadu and beyond, this Baedeker of make-believe takes readers on a tour of more than 1,200 realms invented by storytellers from Homer's day to our own. Here you will find Shangri-La and El Dorado; Utopia and Middle Earth; Wonderland and Freedonia. Here too are Jurassic Park, Salman Rushdie's Sea of Stories, and the fabulous world of Harry Potter. The history and behavior of the inhabitants of these lands are described in loving detail, and are supplemented by more than 200 maps and illustrations that depict the lay of the land in a host of elsewheres. A must-have for the library of every dedicated reader, fantasy fan, or passionate browser, Dictionary is a witty and acute guide for any armchair traveler's journey into the landscape of the imagination.

Lexicon Urthus: A Dictionary for the Urth Cycle

Michael Andre-Driussi

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Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Lexicon Urthus is an alphabetical dictionary for the complete Urth Cycle by Gene Wolfe: The Shadow of the Torturer; The Claw of the Conciliator; The Sword of the Lictor; The Citadel of the Autarch; the sequel Urth of the New Sun; the novella Empires of Foliage and Flower; the short stories "The Cat," "The Map," and "The Old Woman Whose Rolling Pin Is the Sun"; and Gene Wolfe's own commentaries in The Castle of the Otter. The first edition was nominated for a World Fantasy Award. This second edition, available for the first time in paperback, includes 300 new entries. When the first edition was published, Science Fiction Age said: "Lexicon Urthus makes a perfect gift for any fan of [Wolfe's] work, and from the way his words sell, it appears that there are many deserving readers out there waiting." Gary K. Wolfe, in Locus, said: "A convenient and well researched glossary of names and terms. . . . It provides enough of a gloss on the novels that it almost evokes Wolfe's distant future all by itself. . . . It can provide both a useful reference and a good deal of fun." Donald Keller said, in the New York Review of Science Fiction: "A fruitful product of obsession, this is a thorough . . . dictionary of the Urth Cycle. . . . Andre-Driussi's research has been exhaustive, and he has discovered many fascinating things . . . [it is] head-spinning to confront a myriad of small and large details, some merely interesting, others jawdropping."

The War of the Ring: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part Three (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 8)

J.R.R. Tolkien

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Editorial Review:

In The War of the Ring Christopher Tolkien takes up the story of the writing of The Lord of the Rings with the Battle of Helm's Deep and the drowning of Isengard by the Ents. This is followed by an account of how Frodo, Sam and Gollum were finally brought to the Pass of Kirith Ungol, at which point J.R.R. Tolkien wrote at the time: 'I have got the hero into such a fix that not even an author will be able to extricate him without labour and difficulty'. Then comes the war in Gondor, and the book ends with the parley between Gandalf and the ambassador of the Dark Lord before the Black Gate of Mordor.

In describing his intentions for The Return of the King J.R.R. Tolkien said that 'It will probably work out very differently from this plan when it really gets written, as the thing seems to write itself once it gets going'; and in The War of the Ring totally unforeseen developmenst that would become central to the narrative are seen at the moment of their emergence: the palantir bursting into fragments on the stairs of Orthanc, its nature as unknown to the author as to those who saw it fall, or the entry of Faramir into the story ('I am sure I did not invent him, though I like him, but there he came walking into the woods of Ithilien').

The book is illustrated with plans and drawings of the changing conceptions of Orthanc, Dunharrow, Minas Tirith and the tunnels of Shelob's Lair.