Welcome back to Recommendation Monday, where I give you something to look forward to that hopefully helps you get through the week.

Every Monday, I recommend a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way. My goal in doing this is to draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

This week, I am recommending the musical comedy fantasy series Galavant.

Galavant is fairly unique. And for that reason I think it flew under a lot of people's radar. It sadly struggled in the ratings throughout its run, with only a truly stunning renewal giving it a season two and a sense of closure.

But this series is fantastic and truly deserves a second look. The songs are all extraordinarily catchy, courtesy of Disney music legend Alan Menkin. Tim Omundson really steals the show as the evil King Richard - heck, almost all of the villains are interesting and sympathetic.

If you could use something to brighten up your day, give this one a watch.

Welcome back to Recommendation Monday, where I give you something to look forward to that hopefully helps you get through the week. (Sorry this is being posted a day late, on Tuesday - I was out of town on a family emergency.)

Every Monday, I recommend a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way. My goal in doing this is to draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

This week I am recommending Pixar's newest film, Onward.

In hindsight, I should have posted this last Monday on the heels of its opening weekend, even though I had already planned and drafted most of my Mark of the Conifer recommendation. Oh well.

The situation this movie is in is truly a tragedy as well, as the Covid outbreak has made going to see it not very feasible. Stay safe, be considerate to other people, and follow the advice of governments and health organizations. But I highly recommend seeing it when possible.

I'll admit, I was a little nervous going into this one. The last time Pixar had such a unique and amazing premise, it was entirely squandered (The Good Dinosaur). Fortunately, Onward, while not objectively the studio's best, did not waste its cool premise and was a very enjoyable ride. It is now my second favorite Pixar offering after Ratatouille.

Onward tells the story of a fantasy world where magic eventually went by the wayside to make room for modern conveniences. Why take the time to learn magic and conjure fire when you can just flip on a lightbulb? In true Pixar fashion, though, there is a strong human element to the story. The plot is set in motion when brothers Barley and Ian Lightfoot are gifted a magic staff from their deceased father and a spell that can bring him back for just a day.

There was a lot to like in this film. The concept of a Dungeons & Dragons-style roleplaying game that is historically accurate was hilariously great. They kind of present it as a combination of fantasy geeks and history buffs wanting to be as historically accurate as possible at Renaissance Fairs and reenactments. The characters are all developed and three-dimensional, with a special shout-out to their mom because she was awesome. The entire story felt like a fun D&D quest with a lot of heart.

​The conclusion of the film was very good, both in how it handled the end of its protagonists' journey to reunite with their father and the survival of magic in this world. 

I want more movies like this.

Welcome back to Recommendation Monday, where I give you something to look forward to that hopefully helps you get through the week.

Every Monday, I recommend a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way. My goal in doing this is to draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

This week I am recommending Mark of the Conifer by ​L. K. D. Jennings.

Epic fantasy. Dinosaur novel.

Do I need to say more?

​This is an independently published book that caught my attention from the moment I first heard about it. I'm sad I didn't get the chance to contribute to its Kickstarter because it was already over before I learned of the project's existence. But I bought it as soon as I was able, and it did not disappoint.

Mark of the Conifer tells the story of the raptor Sunstrike who embraces his destiny as an upholder of the sacred Pact between hunters and hunted as he combats the tyrannical regime of Empress Charr.

It's an engaging story with a cool mythology and interesting characters with depth (including the villains). In addition to being a pretty good story, the author is also an artist who painstakingly drew and painted many illustrations that are included in the book.

It's an animal xenofiction fantasy in the vein of Watership Down, Fire Bringer, and The Sight, all of which are other books I love and may talk about here in the future.

If this sounds like something up your alley, give it a try!

​

Welcome back to Recommendation Monday, where I give you something to look forward to that hopefully helps you get through the week.

Every Monday, I recommend a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way. My goal in doing this is to draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

This week I am recommending fantasy film Willow (1988).

From the mind of the great George Lucas, I'd been aware of this film for some time before I was finally able to sit down and watch it. I even gambled and bought it new on Blu-Ray because I was convinced I'd like it enough.

I was not wrong.

While in many ways it's a fairly typical fantasy film, it's well-done. The effects are very good for the time and it's great to see actors with dwarfism featured in prominent roles. It's nice to see a lot of female characters, especially with one as the main villain and another the subject of a prophecy that sets the story in motion.

I wish certain deleted scenes had been included in the actual film to give the actions and backstories of certain characters more depth and alleviate a plot hole, but these are fairly minor issues.

It's too bad this film isn't as well known. Hopefully that will change, especially with the announcement that they're developing a TV series.

Welcome back to Recommendation Monday, where I give you something to look forward to that hopefully helps you get through the week.

Every Monday, I recommend a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way. My goal in doing this is to draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

This week I am recommending science fiction drama podcast Wolf 359.

Alternating between hilarious comedy, genuine horror, and cerebral science fiction, this is the podcast that got me started listening to podcasts.

It documents the experiences of the crew of the U.S.S. Hephaestus, a space station orbiting star Wolf 359, as they carry out the various, nebulous objectives of their mission.

I can't say too much without giving away the plot, but rest assured, it does have a plot. Said plot is very good, even though it can feel shaky at times. The characters are a lot of fun and you even end up liking the villains.

I really look forward to finding out what the production team has in store for us in the future!

Welcome back to Recommendation Monday, where I give you something to look forward to that hopefully helps you get through the week.

Every Monday, I recommend a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way. My goal in doing this is to draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

For this week, I am recommending Jade City by Fonda Lee.

Billed as The Godfather meets Hong Kong gangster films with magic, this is one of the most original fantasy novels I have read in a long time. It follows the story of a crime clan/family on the fictional island of Kekon, where jade imbues wearers with magical abilities. Called Green Bone warriors, they have a long tradition of protecting both their domestic territory in the massive city of Janloon and their nation from foreign interests.

The characters are all very well-realized and you genuinely start caring about them, which given how they're locked in a gang war keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself very engrossed by the plot, which made it one of those rare "can't-put-it-down" books for me.

The worldbuilding is amazing and one of the best aspects of the novel. It takes place largely in the city of Janloon, which comes to life as rival clans fight for control of its many areas. The glimpses of the outside world we get are just as interesting, with countries and cultures being reminiscent of real nations without being clear copies. Being set in an 80s-ish era of technology with a World War II analogue and a revolution against foreign power hovering in the backstory make it all the more interesting.

I'm eagerly awaiting my trip to Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy of the second book, Jade War, when it releases in paperback next week.

So I've decided to start doing a new thing: Recommendation Monday.

Every Monday, I will be recommending a book, TV show, movie, podcast, comic, or video game that are related to sci-fi/fantasy in some way.

After several years of working on a "my book recommendations" blog post, I figured I could probably get more mileage out of the concept not only by spreading it out, but also by including other works of speculative fiction.

Hopefully, this will draw attention to some great works as well as some amazing indie content producers.

For this first week, I will be recommending one of my favorite book series of all time, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander.

Perhaps more famously known as The Black Cauldron, the title of the second book in the series and the Disney film that adapted a mashup of the first two books, this is an epic fantasy children's series that draws upon Welsh mythology.

Seriously, it really is the equivalent of Lord of the Rings in children's fantasy literature.

It consists of five books, which are, in order, The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle Of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. It needs to be read in order as it tells a continuous story. There is also a sixth book consisting of side stories titled The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain.

The Chronicles of Prydain tells the story of assistant pig keeper Taran, who dreams of being a great hero. When the oracular pig Hen Wen, whom he is tasked with keeping, runs away, he gets drawn into an epic battle against the evil that threatens the land along with companions Princess Eilonwy, bard Fflewddur Fflam, Gurgi, and Doli of the Fair Folk.

If you are wondering why the image I chose to represent this series is the fourth book, Taran Wanderer, it's because I believe this book is representative of what truly sets this series apart. It's a deeply meditative coming of age tale about finding yourself told in a way I haven't seen done as amazingly well before or since.

Throughout the series, in spite of how the blurbs on the back covers might make it sound, Taran is not an ordinary hero. He sometimes fails, he often isn't the one to save the day, and his immaturity gets him into trouble more often than not. But he grows and learns and at the end of the day, truly becomes a hero of legend.

This series is absolutely amazing and I recommend it to readers of all ages. It's the kind of story that stands the test of time.

Chapter 8 is finally available for your reading pleasure. You can find it here.

There's a dragon in this one!


​Summary:

The definitely epic fantasy adventure!

Sayest is an ordinary farm boy living with his two gay uncles in the rather unusual village of Knight’s Dame in the far off land of Rasara.

But his somewhat normal life is turned upside down when he receives something from a dying man he finds alone in the woods by his farm. That something is the mythical Brooch of Storisvaria, said to rest upon the breasts of kings and give its wearers indescribable powers. And it seems someone is willing to do just about anything to get it back.

Accompanied by his companions, the noble but not-so-bright Calin, the self-proclaimed warrior maiden Aleyl, and the bumbling law enforcement officer Wight, who recognizes the Brooch for what it is, Sayest must venture into the very heart of darkness to ensure the dark lord Zavesdar does not reclaim what was once his.


Check it out and if you like it be sure to leave a comment and stay tuned for the next installment!

I was finally able to get chapter 7 up. Read it here!

Enter the elves...


​Summary:

The definitely epic fantasy adventure!

Sayest is an ordinary farm boy living with his two gay uncles in the rather unusual village of Knight’s Dame in the far off land of Rasara.

But his somewhat normal life is turned upside down when he receives something from a dying man he finds alone in the woods by his farm. That something is the mythical Brooch of Storisvaria, said to rest upon the breasts of kings and give its wearers indescribable powers. And it seems someone is willing to do just about anything to get it back.

Accompanied by his companions, the noble but not-so-bright Calin, the self-proclaimed warrior maiden Aleyl, and the bumbling law enforcement officer Wight, who recognizes the Brooch for what it is, Sayest must venture into the very heart of darkness to ensure the dark lord Zavesdar does not reclaim what was once his.


Check it out and if you like it be sure to leave a comment and stay tuned for the next installment!

SO sorry about the lack of updates lately - I just bought and moved into a new house so things have been absolutely crazy!

I do have something for you, though! A flash fiction, "Does He Dream Like I Do?" This piece was originally included in a short story collection I published a while ago and have since removed from print. It's now newly revised for your reading pleasure!

​The description is thus: An ancient dragon ventures down from his mountain into modern day North Korea to find that the country, and its people, are no longer the same. 500-word flash fiction.

Go read it now on Wattpad!