Thursday, May 17, 2007

Lloyd Alexander, R.I.P.

I just read at the Science Fiction Book Club Blog that fantasy author Lloyd Alexander has passed away. He is best known for the Chronicles of Prydain series. He holds a special place for me, so I wanted to say something in his honor.

In fifth grade, we had a contest to see who could read the most books from a list provided. I participated vigorously and ultimately won; I was Class Nerd and was pleased to have a method of competition where I could crush the jocks. One of the books, which I picked up out of curiosity, was something called "The High King" by Lloyd Alexander. Despite the fact that I was not much of a fiction reader at the time, preferring science and history books, and despite the fact that I was reading the climax of a series out of order, I was entranced. I hadn't known there were books like this! It wasn't the book that turned me into a hardcore SF geek- The Mote in God's Eye holds that distinction- but The Chronicles of Prydain started me down that path, and it's very special to me.

So, Mr. Alexander: Thank you. You opened up whole new worlds to me, and brought a great deal of happiness to a little boy during a very unhappy time in his life. Rest in peace.



Stumble Upon Toolbar

Sunday, May 13, 2007

This and that

The Libertarian Futurist Society now has its own blog. It's always nice to see two of my obscure interests combined.

Here's something neat I found while perusing the archives of Neal Asher's blog: a timeline for the Polity universe. Beware of a small spoiler for The Skinner.

Finally, completely unrelated to science fiction, but too awesome to disregard, I give you: the greatest comic strip in the history of man. And even more here. (Hat tip: Hit and Run.)



Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Review of "The Skinner" by Neal Asher

I've got a review of Neal Asher's The Skinner up as my debut review for Fantasy Book Spot. Have a look.



Stumble Upon Toolbar