Song of Ice & Fire: Book 5

While I have not yet had time to read George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire I have enjoyed watching the the fan reactions to the long delay between books. After (I believe) a 7 year gap between the last book and the announcement of the release date of the newest book. Apparently there were some plans to split up the newest book for retail release, but the publisher has decided against, at least for the hardcover book, not to pursue that option.

More American Gods Stuff

Neil Gaiman is everywhere now! Gaiman harnessed the power of the internet to limit the field of candidates to record the audiobook of American Gods. I think that this is a really interesting phenomenon and I actually really like it. It is a unique way for authors to interact with their fans. In a time when authors are expected to have more fan interaction than ever before, this is an great way for fans to have a positive two-way interaction with the creative properties they love. My favorite choice, Veronica Giguere, unfortunately did not make it to the final selection.

Hunger Games Movie

Last week, John mentioned The Hunger Games as a series that he would recommend to everyone. Listening to the Sword and Laser podcast I learned that there is a Hunger Games movie in production. There doesn't appear to be any big name talent in the movie, but nonetheless I will almost certainly see the movie.

Ender's Game Movie

Wow! Apparently they are developing a Ender's Game live action movie. Ender's Game had been optioned earlier in the Oughts, but there were creative differences between Card and the director. However, now it is on the schedule to be filmed yet again, this time by the director of Wolverine: Origins.

HBO Options American Gods

It seems that with the success of both The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, HBO is diving headlong into the fantasy genre. After a single episode they signed GoT for a second season and they have now optioned Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Wow!

While I have not yet read it, I have heard good things. Guess I have another book on my summer reading list.

Two more Podcast Audio Books

Reviewing my podcasts, I came across two more podcast audiobooks that you guys might be interested in. The first is the Secret World Chronicles by Mercedes Lackey and Denis Lee, read by Veronica Giguere. It is a set in a world in which super-heros are real, corporatized and nationalized, and besieged by alien nazis from a different dimension... yeah its weird. Nonetheless, it is an awesome fantasy romp, by one of the biggest names in the genre, that is already four audio books long and available for free!

The other title is another audiobook by Jeremy Robinson: Beneath. A science fiction adventure with dark currents, this is a good transition book between Andy's two classes. Highly recommended.

Kronos

Recently I have been listening to podcasted audiobooks offered through itunes. One of the best that I have found so far is Kronos an audiobook by Jeremy Robinson. A fantastic tale about a sea monster from the ages, it is a fast paced listen that is a extraordinary value for its price: FREE! I just thought I would share this find.