My Afflation

The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher My rating: 4 of 5 stars Bridget Tagwynn is my new (YA) hero. From the prologue, I honestly thought the book was going to be a coming of age story about Gwendolyn Lancaster -- a better entitled spoiled brat has never been written. In my eyes, she quickly became a secondary character to Bridget, Folly, and Grimm -- all of whom show more maturity and character development throughout the book. Bridget steals the show, with a little help from Rowl. Though, if you know anything about cats, the entire story is all about Rowl. According to the book blurb, the story is supposed to be about "the grim captain" and his ship Predator , and I suppose that may become the case as the series unfolds, but this first book is definitely an introduction to the characters and war between the Spires. To be honest, I'm picky about my steampunk and I wasn't sure what to expect from Butcher's foray into the genre. Much like Bujold, it do...

Dead Beat by Jim Butcher My rating: 4 of 5 stars Quick impression: Good one liners for Thomas. Some of Harry's jokes are getting old. Great character development of Butters (with plenty of encouragement by Harry). And, of course, Sue . This one should have made it into the TV series. When I first started this book, I thought it would be a continuation of Harry's relationship with Thomas established in Blood Rites , and given that Thomas is having trouble adjusting to not being wealthy ... well, I thought he was the dead beat in the title. It took me a couple of chapters and re-listening to a few sections before I got it. I suppose that's one drawback to listening to the book instead of reading it. So, if you like zombies and vampires and sexy demons who play mind games, and of course listening to James Marsters , I highly recommend the audible version . I think the last Dresden book I actually read was Storm Front , so I imagine that the print version of Dead Beat i...

Image via Wikipedia I get the coolest things in email. Here's a contest to enter while also helping out a worthwhile charity . Pat Rothfuss, author of the extraordinary " The Name of the Wind ," is orchestrating a massive fundraiser for Heifer International , a global charity that people raise themselves up out of poverty and starvation. All over the world, Heifer promotes education, sustainable agriculture, and local industry. Pat has accumulated a truly staggering number of contributions from writers, publishers, and other creatives that are being raffled or auctioned off to fans.  Among hundreds of ridiculously cool autographed books, special edition works from Subterranean Press , and ARCs from your favorite writers, you could win an autographed hardcover of Jim Butcher 's " Small Favor ." Cover via Amazon So do the world a "small favor" and check out the Worldbuilders Blog, linked below!  If you have any questions, be sure to check out ...