What Word Best Describes You?

This is something I've seen go through the crafting circles I belong to.  The idea is to pick a word that epitomises you or a word whose meaning you want to achieve in your life.

So why mention it here?  Because one of my mangers recently introduced me to the word that's become the meaning of my life and I suspect it's a word that will resonate with a lot of my readers.

It's a Japanese word,

積ん読 　（つんどく）

tsundoku: the act of leaving a book unread after buying it, typically piled up together with other such unread books

Because I get so many review books now, any books I buy end up on the bottom of my to be read pile. And I've got a lot of them, especially with the closing sale we had recently. 

So, got any tsundoku happening at your house?

What word best describes you?

Book Review: Journey Through the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead , edited by John Taylor

Pros: lots of gorgeous coloured photos, detailed chapters, covers numerous aspects surrounding death and the afterlife

Cons: no complete text translation

This is a gorgeous pictorial overview of what we call the Egyptian Book of the Dead and what the ancient Egyptians called The Book of Coming Forth by Day.  It evolved over time as a collection of knowledge and spells designed to help those for whom they were made, and with whom they were buried, find their way through the perils of the afterlife and judgement so they could ‘live’ again.

Journey Through the Afterlife takes examples from dozens of papyrus roles that have been recovered to discuss their purpose, the Egyptian view of death and the afterlife, burial practices and the act of preparing the rolls themselves. 

Each chapter ends with several examples of what was discussed, often including supplementary information in their explanatory passages.

I was surprised by how many of the medieval views of magic (which I studied in university and elsewhere) started in Egypt.  For example: the belief that words have power, both when spoken and written.  The use of amulets.  The importance of knowing the true name of spirits/gods/demons in order to have power over them.  Making protective circles drawn with ‘wands’.  Using ‘virgin’ (unused) papyrus (in the middle ages it would have been unused parchment) for spells.  The importance of ritual in the efficacy of magic, etc.

It would have been nice had a translation of the full text of the Egyptian Book of the Dead been included, but as this book is intended as a companion guide to the texts, it’s not surprising they didn’t have room for it.  

The is a beautiful and highly informative book if you have an interest in ancient Egypt, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, views of the afterlife or the ancient practice of magic.

Movie Trailer: Lucy

This movie looks amazing.

Set in a futuristic world that is run by the mob, street gangs, drug addicts and corrupted cops, Lucy (Scarlett Johansson), a woman living in Taipei, Taiwan, 2069 AD, works as a drug mule for the mob. The drug she inadvertently takes goes into her system, changing her into a metahuman. She can absorb knowledge instantaneously, is able to move objects with her mind and can't feel pain and other discomforts.

TED Talk: Hugh Herr, The new bionics that let us run, climb and dance

TED has a lot of great talks on a lot of great topics and this one is no exception.  It's amazing how far we've come with regards to prosthetic limbs and bionics.

My favourite quote from the talk:

13:38It's not well appreciated, but over half of the world's population suffers from some form of cognitive,emotional, sensory or motor condition, and because of poor technology, too often, conditions result in disability and a poorer quality of life. Basic levels of physiological function should be a part of our human rights. Every person should have the right to live life without disability if they so choose -- the right to live life without severe depression; the right to see a loved one in the case of seeing impaired; or the right to walk or to dance, in the case of limb paralysis or limb amputation. As a society, we can achieve these human rights if we accept the proposition that humans are not disabled. A person can never be broken.Our built environment, our technologies, are broken and disabled. We the people need not accept our limitations, but can transcend disability through technological innovation. Indeed, through fundamental advances in bionics in this century, we will set the technological foundation for an enhanced human experience, and we will end disability. (13:38-14:51)

I tried embedding the video and for some reason it wouldn't work, so here's the link.

Shout-Out: The Finisher by David Baldacci

Why would Quentin Herms flee into the Quag? There was nothing in the Quag except certain death.

Vega Jane has never left the village of Wormwood. But this isn't unusual - nobody has ever left the village of Wormwood. At least not until Quentin Herms vanishes into the unknown.

Vega knows Quentin didn't just leave - he was chased. And he's left behind a very dangerous trail of clues that only she can decode.

The Quag is a dark forest filled with terrifying beasts and bloodthirsty Outliers. But just as deadly are the threats that exist within the walls of Wormwood. It is a place built on lies, where influential people are willing to kill to keep their secrets. Vega is determined to uncover the truth - but the closer she gets, the more she risks her life.

Book Review: Talus and the Frozen King by Graham Edwards

Pros: intricate mystery, interesting characters

Cons: slow opening, characters never seem to sleep

Talus, a widely travelled bard, and his companion, Bran, a former fisherman, arrive at a Northern island the day after their king has died.  A quick examination of the body reveals that the king was murdered, and Talus offers to help find the killer.

Talus is basically a neolithic age Sherlock Holmes.  He examines the evidence and observes the world closely to see what others miss.  And while he doesn’t use much in the way of scientific deduction, he is highly observant and has a personality that alternates between charming (when he’s telling a story) and abrasive (when he’s exhorting Bran to pay attention and see what’s happening around him).  Also like Sherlock, he’s not very good when it comes to relationship matters, and so tends to miss some of the human clues that crop up.

Which is where Bran comes in.  Bran is hot tempered and still grieving the loss of his wife and the use of his right hand, which was seriously injured the day she died.  He misses a lot of subtle clues but prompts Talus with regards to some of the more human elements of the case.

There are two strong women from the isles who have fairly prominent roles, while maintaining historical deference to the men around them.

The mystery is complex and while it takes a while for the more intricate details to come up, by the end of the book there’s quite a knot of intrigue to untangle.

This is historical fiction and the only fantasy style elements - if you can call them that - are the character’s beliefs in various gods and a judgement style afterlife. 

My only complaint with the book is that the action takes place within a few days and the protagonists are constantly on the move.  Even after Bran exclaims his exhaustion he and Talus never seem to actually sleep, as they deal with one crisis after another.

The book is fairly slow moving, focusing as much on character as on the mystery.  If you like historical fiction and/or interesting mysteries, give this book a try.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Coming in May, 2014

Due to a lack of time I haven't included the YA books this month.  The listings are from Amazon Canada and reflect Canadian release dates.

Hardcover:

Deadly Shores – Taylor Anderson

Mirror Sight – Kristen Britain

Skin Game – Jim Butcher

The Girl in the Road – Monica Byrne

Steadfast – Jack Campbell

Thief’s Magic – Trudi Canavan

Queen of Dark Things – C. Robert Cargill

Strange Country – Deborah Coates

The Severed Streets – Paul Cornell

Klingon Art of War – Keith DeCandido

Sergeant Chip and Other Novellas – Bradley Denton

The Chronicle of Secret Riven – Ronlyn Domingue

American Craftsmen – Tom Doyle

The Sea Without a Shore – David Drake

World of Warcraft: War Crimes – Christie Golden

Midnight Crossroad – Charlaine Harris

Nebula Awards Showcase 2014 – Kij Johnson, Ed.

A Mountain Walked – S. T. Joshi, Ed.

Hy Brazil – Gerald Killingworth

Garry Kilworth SF Gateway Omnibus – Garry Kilworth

Bastion – Mercedes Lackey

The Collected Short Stories of R. Al Lafferty, vol 2 – R. A. Lafferty

Nine Open Arms – Benny Lindelauf

Artemis Awakening – Jane Lindskold

Cyador’s Heirs – L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Crown of Renewal – Elizabeth Moon

The Bees – Laline Paul

Gemsigns – Stephanie Saulter

Amtrack Wars: Blood River – Patrick Tilley

Beowulf – J. R. R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien

Farmer Giles of Ham – J. R. R. Tolkien

Space Trash – John Walker

My Real Children – Jo Walton

Trade Paperback:

The World Walker – M. W. Albeer

Son of the Morning – Mark Alder

Clockwork Angels – Kevin Anderson

Polity Agent – Neal Asher

Elves – James Barclay

The Pillars of Sand – Mark Barnes

Doctor Who: The Wheel of Ice - Stephen Baxter

Barrington Bayley SF Gateway Omnibus – Barrington Bayley

Carnal Sacraments – Petty Brass

Treasure Planet – Hal Colebatch & Jessica Fox

D. G. Compton Sf Gateway Omnibus – D. G. Compton

Sung in Blood – Glen Cook

Edmund Cooper SF Gateway Omnibus – Edmund Cooper

A Dance of Shadows – David Dalglish

Dragon Queen – Stephen Deas

Warhammer 40K: Honour Imperialis – Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Rob Sanders & Steve Lyons

Sixteen Small Deaths – Christopher Dwyer

The Oversight – Charlie Fletcher

Alphanumeric – Nicholas Forzy

The Stranger’s Shadow – Max Frei

Jade Sky – Patrick Freivald

Exodus of the Xandim – Maggie Furey

The Polaris Whisper – Ken Gregory

Magic City: Recent Spells – Paula Guran, Ed.

The Quiet Earth – Craig Harrison & Bernard Beckett

The Assassin King – Elizabeth Haydon

Warhammer 40K: Commisar – Andy Hoare

Sanctuary – G. Michael Hopf

SynBio – Leslie Horvitz

Knight’s Dawn – Kim Hunter

Scabbard’s Song – Kim Hunter

Wizard’s Funeral – Kim Hunter

Highfell Grimoires – Langley Hyde

The Rainbow King – Chris Ingram

City of the Iron Fish – Simon Ings

Hot Heads – Simon Ings

Hotwire – Simon Ings

Wolves – Simon Ings

The Rabbit Back Literature Society – Pasi Ilmari Jaaskelainen & Lola Rogers

21st Century Robot: The Dr. Simon Egerton Stories – Brian David Johnson

Elysian Fields – Suzanne Johnson

The Year of the Ladybird – Graham Joyce

Rewired – Alex Keller

Zombie, Indiana – Scott Kenemore

The Twelve Kingdoms – Jeffe Kennedy

The Goddess Chronicle – Natsuo Kirino & Rebecca Copeland

Bald New World – Peter Tieryas Liu

Apocalypse Z: The Wrath of the Just – Manel Loureiro

The System – Gemma Malley

The Disestablishment of Paradise – Phillip Mann

The Enceladus Crisis – Michael Martinez

The Falconer – Elizabeth May

Evening’s Empires – Paul McAuley

The Devereaux Disaster – Steve McEllistrem

Sparrow Hill Road – Seanan McGuire

Myths & Legends: Wizards: From Merlin to Faust – David McIntee & Mark Stacey

Defenders – Will McIntosh

Among the Unseen – Jodi McIsaac

Unforgiven – Cat Miller

Delia’s Shadow – Jaime Lee Moyer

Secret of the Stars – Andre Norton

Tales from High Hallack: The Collected Short Stories of Andre Norton, vol 2 – Andre Norton

House of the Rising Sun – Kristen Painter

Running Toward Home – M. B. Panichi

The Boy With the Porcelain Blade – Den Patrick

The Kassa Gambit – M. C. Planck

Fractal Prince – Hannu Rajaniemi

Metamorphosis – David Saperstein

The Bone Season – Samantha Shannon

Science Fiction 101 – Robert Silverberg, Ed.

The Whispering Muse – Sjon

John Sladek SF Gateway Omnibus – John Sladek 

E. E. “Doc” Smith SF Gateway Omnibus – E. E. “Doc” Smith

The Girl With the Scar – William Stadler

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, vol 8 – Jonathan Strahan, Ed.

The Fall of Arthur – J.R.R. Tolkien & Christopher Tolkien

E. C. Tubb SF Gateway Omnibus – E. C. Tubb

Authority – Jeff Vandermeer

Writers of the Future, vol 30 – Various

Destiny Quest: The Eye of Winter’s Fury – Michael Ward

The Wizard Lord – Lawrence Watt-Evans

Sea Change – S. M. Wheeler

The Very Best of Tad Williams – Tad Williams

The Silk Map – Chris Willrich

The Chronoliths – Robert Charles Wilson

The War of the Grail – Geoffrey Wilson

Mass Market Paperback:

Storm Surge – Taylor Anderson

Rogue Angel: Grendel’s Curse – Alex Archer

White Heart of Justice – Jill Archer

The Last President – John Barnes

Banishing the Dark – Jenn Bennett

Uprising – Sarah Cawkwell

Warbound – Larry Correia

Godzilla – Greg Cox

Dark Matter – Ian Douglas

Forgotten Realms: The Adversary – Erin Evans

Star Trek: One Constant Star – David George III

Witches in Red – Barb Hendee

Noah’s Boy – Sarah Hoyt

Sworn in Steel – Douglas Hulick

The Way to Babylon – Paul Kearney

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Firestorm – Greg Keyes

Alien Collective – Gini Koch

Deeply Odd – Dean Koontz

Warhammer 40K: Vulkan Lives – Nick Kyme

Emperor of Thorns – Mark Lawrence

The Remaining – D. J. Molles

The Given – Vicki Pettersson

The Silver Door – Emily Rodda

Fire Kin – M. J. Scott

Reach for Infinity – Jonathan Strahan, Ed.

Dragon Princess – S. Andrew Swann

Night Terrors – Tim Waggoner

Pirates of the Timestream – Steve White

ebook:

The Demon Creed – Paula Altenburg

Exodus 2022 – Kenneth Bennett

Voodoo ’n’ Vice – K. C. Burn

Wonderfully Wicked – C. J. Burright

Goddess Born – Kari Edgren

Magic the Gathering: Journey Into Nyx – Jenna Helland

Manifestations – David Henley

The Singer – Elizabeth Hunter

Kings of the Realm – Oisin McGann

The Remaining: Faith – D. J. Molles

In the Black – Sheryl Nantus

Dragons & Dirigibles – Cindy Spencer Pape

Troll Mountain – Matthew Reilly

Temporary Hauntings – Craig Shaw

Solace Shattered – Anna Steffl

The Court of Conspiracy – April Taylor

Sphinx: The Second Coming – James Thorton

The Oath of the Vayuputras – Amish Tripathi

Salvation – Stephanie Tyler

Antitype – M. D. Waters

Crucible – T. D. Wilson