New Book Review - 'Blackwing' by Ed McDonald

Book - Blackwing  
Writer - Ed McDonald 
Series - Raven's Mark #1    
Published By - Gollancz / Ace Books
 
Well, it seems last year had lots of good debut in the field of fantasy fiction. 'Blackwing' is yet another one, which can be termed as a post apocalyptic grimdark fantasy. This tell was very entertaining as the author used the first person narrative to approach the despair of an exhaustive struggle for survival, and created an interesting world and magic system to play with in the future.

Promising Mystery, Sci-fi & Fantasy - March 2018

March seems much more promising compared to the last two months, both in terms of content as well as variety. 

"The Last Stand"
Author - Mickey Spillane
Publisher - Hard Case Crime / Titan Books

ON MICKEY SPILLANE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY--
A BRAND-NEW NOVEL FROM THE MASTER
When legendary mystery writer Mickey Spillane died in 2006, he left behind the manuscript of one last novel he'd just completed: THE LAST STAND. He asked his friend and colleague (and fellow Mystery Writers of America Grand Master) Max Allan Collins to take responsibility for finding the right time and place to publish this final book. Now, on the hundredth anniversary of Spillane's birth, his millions of fans will at last get to read THE LAST STAND, together with a second never-before-published work, this one from early in Spillane's career: the feverish crime novella A BULLET FOR SATISFACTION.
A tarnished former cop goes on a crusade to find a politician's killer and avoid the .45-caliber slug with his name on it. A pilot forced to make an emergency landing in the desert finds himself at the center of a struggle between FBI agents, unsavory fortune hunters, and members of the local Indian tribe to control a mysterious find that could mean wealth and power - or death. Two substantial new works filled with Spillane's muscular prose and the gorgeous women and two-fisted action the author was famous for, topped off by an introduction from Max Allan Collins describing the history of these lost manuscripts and his long relationship with the writer who was his mentor, his hero, and for much of the last century the bestselling author in the world.

[ I loved what I read from both 'Mickey Spillane' and 'Max Allan Collins'. So I had to jump in when I came to know about this one. ]

"Gods, Monsters and the Lucky Peach"
Author - Kelly Robson
Publisher - Tor.com Publishing

Discover a shifting history of adventure as humanity clashes over whether to repair their ruined planet or luxuriate in a less tainted past.
In 2267, Earth has just begun to recover from worldwide ecological disasters. Minh is part of the generation that first moved back up to the surface of the Earth from the underground hells, to reclaim humanity's ancestral habitat. She's spent her entire life restoring river ecosystems, but lately the kind of long-term restoration projects Minh works on have been stalled due to the invention of time travel. When she gets the opportunity take a team to 2000 BC to survey the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, she jumps at the chance to uncover the secrets of the shadowy think tank that controls time travel technology.

[ 'A Human Stan' is definitely one of the best short stories I read last year. And this one promises to be even better as far as I can deduce from the blurb. ] 

"Void Black Shadow (Voidwitch Saga #2)"
Author - Corey J. White
Publisher - Tor.com Publishing

Mars Xi is a living weapon, a genetically-manipulated psychic supersoldier with a body count in the thousands, and all she wanted was to be left alone. People who get involved with her get hurt, whether by MEPHISTO, by her psychic backlash, or by her acid tongue. It's not smart to get involved with Mars, but that doesn't stop some people from trying.
The last time MEPHISTO came for Mars they took one of her friends with them. That was a mistake. A force hasn't been invented that can stop a voidwitch on a rampage, and Mars won't rest until she's settled her debts.

[ Another promising little sci-fi novella from the trusted tor.com publishing. ]

"Grey Sister (Book of the Ancestor #2)"
Author - Mark Lawrence
Publisher - Ace / HarperVoyager

In Mystic Class Nona Grey begins to learn the secrets of the universe. But so often even the deepest truths just make our choices harder. Before she leaves the Convent of Sweet Mercy Nona must choose her path and take the red of a Martial Sister, the grey of a Sister of Discretion, the blue of a Mystic Sister or the simple black of a Bride of the Ancestor and a life of prayer and service.
All that stands between her and these choices are the pride of a thwarted assassin, the ambition of a would-be empress wielding the Inquisition like a blade, and the vengeance of the empire’s richest lord.
As the world narrows around her, and her enemies attack her through the system she has sworn to, Nona must find her own path despite the competing pull of friendship, revenge, ambition, and loyalty.
And in all this only one thing is certain.
There will be blood.

[ Well, new novel from 'Mark Lawrence'. I don't think there is any need for me to say anything more. ]

"Season of Storms (Witcher Series)"
Author - Andrzej Sapkowski
Publisher - Orbit

The New York Times bestselling series that inspired the Witcher video games.
Geralt of Rivia. A witcher whose mission is to protect ordinary people from the monsters created with magic. A mutant who has the task of killing unnatural beings. He uses a magical sign, potions and the pride of every witcher -- two swords, steel and silver. But what would happen if Geralt lost his weapons?
In this standalone novel, Geralt fights, travels and loves again, Dandelion sings and flies from trouble to trouble, sorcerers are scheming ... and across the whole world clouds are gathering - the season of storms is coming...

[ Latest 'Witcher' title to get translated. I already have two books from this series as physical copies. A massively entertaining epic fantasy series (and the video games are even better). ]

"I Met a Traveler in an Antique Land"
Author - Connie Willis
Publisher - Subterranean Press

Jim is in New York City at Christmastime shopping a book based on his blog—Gone for Good—premised on the fact that “being nostalgic for things that have disappeared is ridiculous.” Progress decides for people what they need and what’s obsolete. It’s that simple. Of course, not everyone agrees. After Jim bombs a contentious interview with a radio host who defends the sacred technology of the printed, tangible book, he gets caught in a rainstorm only to find himself with no place to take refuge other than a quaint, old-fashioned bookshop.
Ozymandias Books is not just any store. Jim wanders intrigued through stacks of tomes he doesn’t quite recognize the titles of, none with prices. Here he discovers a mysteriously pristine, seemingly endless wonderland of books—where even he gets nostalgic for his childhood favorite. And, yes, the overwhelmed and busy clerk showing him around says they have a copy. But it’s only after Jim leaves that he understands the true nature of Ozymandias and how tragic it is that some things may be gone forever…
From beloved, multiple-award-winning, New York Times best-selling author Connie Willis comes I Met a Traveller in an Antique Land, a novella about the irreplaceable magic of books.

[ Should be a short and fun read. ]
 

Promising Sci-fi & Fantasy - February 2018

February is a month which is kind of bleak in terms of content in fiction. Only four releases that I could find which made me interested.

"Blood Binds The Pack (Hob #2)"
Author - Alex Wells
Publisher - Angry Robot

Join the fight for the people and power of Tanegawa’s world in this thrilling sequel to 'Hunger Makes the Wolf '.
War is coming to Hob Ravani's world. The company that holds it in monopoly, TransRift Inc, has at last found what they're looking for--the source of the power that enables their Weathermen to rip holes in space and time, allowing the interstellar travel all of human society now takes for granted. And they will mine every last grain of it from Tanegawa's World no matter the cost.
Since Hob Ravani used her witchy powers to pull a massive train job and destroy TransRift Inc’s control on this part of the planet, the Ghost Wolves aren’t just outlaws, they’re the resistance. Mag's miner collective grows restless as TransRift pushes them ever harder to strip the world of its strange, blue mineral. Now Shige Rollins has returned with a new charge--Mr Yellow, the most advanced model of Weatherman, infused with the recovered mineral samples and made into something stranger, stronger, and deadlier than before. And Mr Yellow is very, very hungry.

[ Second book in a series that I am yet to read, but have high hopes for. The setting and the protagonist seem quite promising to me. ]

"Child of a Mad God (Coven #1)"
Author - R.A. Salvatore
Publisher - Tor Books

From R. A. Salvatore, the legendary creator of Drizzt Do’Urden, comes the start of abrand new epic journey.
When Aoleyn loses her parents, she is left to fend for herself among a tribe of vicious barbarians. Bound by rigid traditions, she dreams of escaping to the world beyond her mountain home.
The only hope for achieving the kind of freedom she searches for is to learn how to wield the mysterious power used by the tribe’s coven known as the Song of Usgar. Thankfully, Aoleyn may be the strongest witch to have ever lived, but magic comes at price. Not only has her abilities caught the eye of the brutish warlord that leads the tribe, but the demon of the mountain hunts all who wield the Coven’s power, and Aoleyn’s talent has made her a beacon in the night.

[ New series from the creator of 'Drizzt'. Should be quite good, I think. ]

"Blood of Assassins (The Wounded Kingdom #2)"
Author - R.J. Barker
Publisher - Orbit

THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING . . .
The assassin Girton Club-foot and his master have returned to Maniyadoc in hope of finding sanctuary, but death, as always, dogs Girton’s heels. The place he knew no longer exists.
War rages across Maniyadoc, with three kings claiming the same crown – and one of them is Girton’s old friend Rufra. Girton finds himself hurrying to uncover a plot to murder Rufra on what should be the day of the king’s greatest victory. But while Girton deals with threats inside and outside Rufra’s war encampment, he can’t help wondering if his greatest enemy hides beneath his own skin. 

[ I really loved the first book in the series and reviewed it for fantasy-faction (review link). Very strong characters and original magic system. This sequel should be even better than the original, I hope. ]

"The Armored Saint (The Sacred Throne #1)"
Author - Myke Cole
Publisher - Tor.com Publishing

In a world where any act of magic could open a portal to hell, the Order insures that no wizard will live to summon devils, and will kill as many innocent people as they must to prevent that greater horror. After witnessing a horrendous slaughter, the village girl Heloise opposes the Order, and risks bringing their wrath down on herself, her family, and her village.

[ Ah, if you know me, you know I am a huge fan of 'Myke Cole', I loved all I read from him and have bought physical copies of several books by him as well. This new series is definitely something I really have high hopes for. ]

New Comic Review - Justice League: No Justice #3

Name - Justice League: No Justice #3 (of 4)
Published by - DC Comics
Written by - Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV & Joshua Williamson
Art by - Riley Rossmo & Marcus To  
Coloring by - Hi-Fi
Letters by - AndWorld Design
Release Date: May 23, 2018
 
The third issue of 'Justice League: No Justice #3', is another solid issue regarding the story as the heroes continue with their struggle of saving the planet of Colu from the 'Omega Titans'. But the art suffers from the hectic schedule, as the changed artists fail to convey the massive scope of the conflict unlike 'Manapul' did in the past two issues.

Promising Sci-fi & Fantasy - January 2018

Let's finally start this new year in fiction, it's already May and I know I am horribly late once again. But at least the first month of the current year had some very promising releases.

"The Only Harmless Great Thing"
Author - Brooke Bolander
Publisher - Tor.com Publishing

In the early years of the 20th century, a group of female factory workers in Newark, New Jersey slowly died of radiation poisoning. Around the same time, an Indian elephant was deliberately put to death by electricity in Coney Island.
These are the facts.
Now these two tragedies are intertwined in a dark alternate history of rage, radioactivity, and injustice crying out to be righted. Prepare yourself for a wrenching journey that crosses eras, chronicling histories of cruelty both grand and petty in search of meaning and justice.

[ I loved the short 'Our Talons Can Crush Galaxies' by Brooke Bolander, so when I read about her this one I was interested. And after reading the blurb I found it so intriguing that I searched and read about the elephant. Really, this should be a blast. ]

"The Night Masquerade (Binti #3)"
Author - Nnedi Okorafor
Publisher - Tor.com Publishing

The concluding part of the highly-acclaimed science fiction trilogy that began with Nnedi Okorafor's Hugo- and Nebula Award-winning BINTI.
Binti has returned to her home planet, believing that the violence of the Meduse has been left behind. Unfortunately, although her people are peaceful on the whole, the same cannot be said for the Khoush, who fan the flames of their ancient rivalry with the Meduse.
Far from her village when the conflicts start, Binti hurries home, but anger and resentment has already claimed the lives of many close to her.
Once again it is up to Binti, and her intriguing new friend Mwinyi, to intervene--though the elders of her people do not entirely trust her motives--and try to prevent a war that could wipe out her people, once and for all.
Don't miss this essential concluding volume in the Binti trilogy.

[ I have yet to read the second one of this series, but here is the end of the trilogy it seems. ]

"A Time Of Dread (Of Blood and Bone #1)"
Author - John Gwynne
Publisher - Orbit

The Ben-Elim, a fierce race of warrior-angels, burst into the Banished Lands over a hundred and thirty years ago. They were in pursuit of their eternal enemy, the Kadoshim demon-horde. On that day a great battle was fought, the Ben-Elim and Kadoshim joined by allies from the races of both men and giants, and a great victory was won.
Now much of the Banished Lands is ruled by the Ben-Elim, who have made this world their home, extending their influence and power as they swallow ancient kingdoms into the protective grasp of their ever-extending borders. But peace is fragile within the realm and the Kadoshim that remain are now amassing on the edges of the empire....
Threats long in the shadows are about to strike. 

[ I have read so many good things about 'John Gwynne' and his first series 'The Faithful and the Fallen'. I know I should binge read him. ]

"Beneath The Sugar Sky (The Wayward Children #3)"
Author - Seanan McGuire
Publisher - Tor.com Publishing

Beneath the Sugar Sky returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the "real" world.
Sumi died years before her prophesied daughter Rini could be born. Rini was born anyway, and now she’s trying to bring her mother back from a world without magic. 

[ Another very highly praised series from Seanan McGuire, who I have high hopes for from my past experiences. And yet another book on this list from tor.com. They do have top-notch quality, it seems. ]

"The Infernal Battalion (The Shadow Campaigns #5)"
Author - Django Wexler
Publisher - Ace 

Military might and arcane power clash in Django Wexler’s thrilling new Shadow Campaigns novel.
The Beast, the ancient demon imprisoned beneath the fortress-city of Elysium for a thousand years, has been loosed on the world. It absorbs mind after mind, spreading like a plague through the north. The fell army it has raised threatens the heart of Vordan, and it is under the command of the Beast’s greatest prize: legendary general Janus bet Vhalnich.
As Queen Raesinia Orboan and soldiers Marcus D’Ivoire and Winter Ihernglass grapple with the aftermath of a hard-fought military campaign, they soon discover a betrayal they never could have foreseen. The news arrives like a thunderbolt: Janus has declared himself the rightful Emperor of Vordan. Chaos grips the city as officers and regiments are forced to declare for queen or emperor.
Raesinia must struggle to keep her country under control and risks becoming everything she fought against. Marcus must take the field against his old commander, a man who has seemed an unbeatable strategist. And as Winter recovers from her injuries and mourns her losses, she knows the demon she carries inside her might be the only thing standing between the Beast and the destruction of everything in its path....

[ I had my eyes on this series for a while now. Quite an interesting setting which seems like a mashup of military fiction and epic fantasy and now it had reached its end. May be its time I finally start reading this series. ]  

New Comic Review - A Walk Through Hell #1

Name - A Walk Through Hell #1
Published by - Aftershock Comics
Written by - Garth Ennis
Art by - Goran Sudzuka
Colors by - Ive Svorcina
Letters by - Rob Steen
Release Date: May 16, 2018
 
A comic that takes the modern day reality of the horror of mass shooting and the thoughtless volatility of social media and turn it into something else. 'Garth Ennis' does great work here creating an atmosphere of the cold reality of modern life, then injecting interesting techniques of storytelling, forcing the readers to slowly divulge the details and throws in an ending that will have you pulling at your hairs for the next issue.

New Comic Review - Justice League: No Justice #2

Name - Justice League: No Justice #2 (of 4)
Published by - DC Comics
Written by - Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV & Joshua Williamson
Art by - Francis Manapul & Marcus To
Coloring by - Hi-Fi
Letters by - AndWorld Design
Release Date: May 16, 2018
 
Despite liking the first issue quite a lot and having the surprise twist at the end, making me quite interested in the series, I was still a bit skeptical regarding how it's gonna pan out in the upcoming issues. But the second issue of 'Justice League: No Justice' is even better than the first one it seems. It has fast-paced action, enjoyable dialogues among the unlikely allies and the art somehow seems even better than the first issue.

February 2018 New Video Games To Watch For

So, now it's time for the list of video games from February that I find interesting. With the inclusion of all releases these lists seem more colorful this year.

"Shadow Of The Colossus"
Genre - Action-Adventure
Platform - PlayStation 4

Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game developed by Bluepoint Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. It is a remake of the original game for the PlayStation 2 using ultra-high definition art assets. The remake was led by Bluepoint, who developed the earlier PlayStation 3 remaster, with assistance from SIE Japan Studio. The developers remade all the game's assets from the ground up, but the game retains the same gameplay from the original title aside from the introduction of a new control scheme.Progression through Shadow of the Colossus occurs in cycles. Beginning at a central point in a landscape, the player seeks out and defeats a colossus, and is then returned to the central point to repeat the process. Most colossi are located in remote areas, such as atop cliffs or within ancient structures. It was released of February 6, 2018 in North America.

"Dandara"
Genre - Platform, Metroidvania
Platform - Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Dandara is a 2D platformer and Metroidvania game. Players take control of the eponymous protagonist who traverses the game's world by warping between white surfaces. The game is based on the Brazilian figure Dandara.Dandara was developed by Brazilian studio Long Hat House and published by Raw Fury. The game was released for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on 6 February 2018.

"A Case Of Distrust"
Genre - Adventure, Indie
Platform - macOS, Windows

A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game. Explore underground speakeasies, smoke-filled billiard halls, classic barber shops, and more. Catch suspects in lies by using evidence, statements, and your wits. Intrinsic challenges face our heroine, as she struggles against a pushback on emancipation, leading to many doubts, both internal and external. Uncover the truth in a mystery full of deception! It was released on February 8, 2018.

"Kingdom Come: Deliverance"
Genre - Action role-playing
Platform - Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an action role-playing video game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It is set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia, an Imperial State of the Holy Roman Empire, with a focus on historically accurate content. Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an action role-playing game set in an open world environment and played from a first-person perspective which utilizes a classless RPG system, allowing the player to customize their skills to take on roles such as a warrior, bard, thief or their hybrids. Abilities and stats grow depending on what the player does and says through branched dialogue trees. During conversations, the time a player takes to make a decision is limited and will have an effect on their relationships with others. Reputation is based on player choices and therefore can bring consequences. It was released worldwide on 13 February 2018.
 

"Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology"
Genre - Role-playing
Platform - Nintendo 3DS

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, an expanded remake of the original game for Nintendo 3DS, began development in 2016 following the completion of Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE, which Hirata directed.The character art was redrawn by Masaki Hirooka, whose previous work includes Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. The new anime opening was created by A-1 Pictures. Hirata's main goals were to update the game so that it would appeal to a modern gaming audience, with these involving increasing gameplay speed and adjusting the user interface. After that he decided to create a new scenario, discussing with staff how to implement it. Haduki, who had worked as the scenario writer on the original release, returned to write the new scenario based on Hirata's original concept. Hirata's original idea was bringing back the original game's two discarded story routes, but he instead opted for preserving the established scenario. A new gameplay mechanic was the "Support Skill" system, where characters could perform follow-up attacks, a system inspired by a similar mechanic in Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE. The remake was released in Japan on June 29, 2017. It released February 13, 2018 in North America, published by Atlus, and February 16, 2018 in Europe, published by Deep Silver.

"Secret Of Mana (HD Remake)"
Genre - Action role-playing
Platform - Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita

Secret of Mana, originally released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 2, is a 1993 action role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the sequel to the 1991 game Seiken Densetsu, released in North America as Final Fantasy Adventure and in Europe as Mystic Quest, and it was the first Seiken Densetsu title to be marketed as part of the Mana series rather than the Final Fantasy series. Set in a high fantasy universe, the game follows three heroes as they attempt to prevent an empire from conquering the world with the power of an ancient flying fortress. A full 3D remake was released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Microsoft Windows in February 15, 2018.

"Fe"
Genre - Action-Adventure
Platform - Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Fe (pronounced fee-uh) is an action-adventure video game developed by Zoink and published by Electronic Arts under its EA Originals program. It was released on February 16, 2018 for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. In it, the player controls Fe, a fox-like creature in a forest setting, attempting to defend it from hostile entities called the Silent Ones, gaining help from other forest creatures by guiding them to complete tasks and learning new abilities from those it helps.

[ February is quite a varied month both in terms of content and platforms. I am definitely very interested in the 'Shadow of the Colossus' and 'Secret of Mana' remake, as well as 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance'. ]
 

Graphic Novel Review - Black Bolt Vol.1: Hard Time

Name - Black Bolt Vol.1: Hard Time
Published by - Marvel
Writer - Saladin Ahmed
Artist - Christian Ward
Letterer - VC's Clayton Cowles
 
Well, I have been waiting for something by 'Saladin Ahmed' for almost six years now, since my reading of his excellent novel 'Throne of the Crescent Moon'. So, I was quite excited when I heard about this new Marvel series by him. Then again, I was a bit skeptical regarding the small amount I knew about Black Bolt, as to me he always felt nothing more than just someone created to give the Inhumans an edge in the power gamble with his ability. But my fears were for nothing actually, cause this was remarkable storytelling using some small time characters and some new ones from the Marvel universe.

New Novella Review - 'All Systems Red' by Martha Wells

Novella - All Systems Red  
Writer - Martha Wells    
Series - The Murderbot Diaries #1     
Published By - Tor.com
 
This tells a story from the point-of-view of a robot or A.I. who has hacked into its governor software and has free will although it keeps the pretense of maintaining cover as a SecUnit for a planetary survey team for fear of being destroyed. But their mission doesn't go as planned and the team gets caught up in a conspiracy and finds out the truth about the planet they are in while trying to survive.

New Metal Review - "In The Passing Light of Day" by Pain of Salvation

Album Name - In The Passing Light of Day
Band Name - Pain of Salvation
Genre - Progressive Metal
Label - InsideOut Music
Release Date - January 13th, 2017
Line Up -
  Daniel Gildenlöw - Vocals (lead), Guitars, Lute, Bass (additional), Keyboards (additional), Drums (additional), Percussion (additional), Accordion (additional), Zither
  Léo Margarit - Drums, Percussion, Vocals (backing)
  Daniel "D2" Karlsson - Keyboards, Grand Piano, Vocals (backing)
  Gustaf Hielm - Bass, Vocals (backing) 
  Ragnar Zolberg - Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards (additional), Accordion, Zither

Near death experience has always been a great catalyst for the creation of great music. And the latest by 'Pain of Salvation' is another example of this fact. 'Daniel Gildenlöw' wrote beautiful lyrics depicting grief and sadness regarding the closeness of death among other such concepts. The progressive aspect of the band's instrumentation augmented by the exquisite transition between aggressive heaviness and emotional slower bits complement the lyrics making the whole experience rather poetic.

New Comic Review - Justice League: No Justice #1

Name - Justice League: No Justice #1 (of 4)
Published by - DC Comics
Written by - Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV & Joshua Williamson
Art by - Francis Manapul 
Coloring by - Hi-Fi
Letters by - AndWorld Design
Release Date: May 9, 2018
 
Events piling up on each other can be a bit tiring at times in case of the big two publishers in comics these days. This issue starts with this impending danger along with its promises. And while not totally original in its plot it does deliver with gorgeous eye catching art that keeps the reader engaged and an unexpected twist keeps them guessing what to expect in the future issues.

January 2018 New Video Games To Watch For

It's well into May now and I am finally starting my monthly lists. First off, starting with video games and I will change the format a bit this time. I will be listing overall video games instead of just those released on PC as I now have three platforms for gaming (PC, 3DS & PS4).

"Street Fighter V Arcade Edition"
Genre - Fighting
Platform - Microsoft Windows, PS4

Street Fighter V is a fighting video game developed by Capcom and Dimps. The game was released in February 2016 for the PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows; a Linux version was announced for release in Spring 2016, but has not emerged. The game features cross-platform play between the PlayStation 4 and Windows versions.
Similar to the previous games in the Street Fighter series, Street Fighter V features a side-scrolling fighting gameplay system. The game also introduces the "V-Gauge", which builds as the player receives attacks and adds three new skills. The game features 16 characters at launch, with four of them being new to the series. A story mode and additional characters were added through updates and downloadable content.
On October 5, 2017, Capcom announced Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, for release on January 16, 2018 in United States and Japan and on 19 January 2018 in Europe. The game includes codes for all of the DLC characters from seasons 1 and 2, as well as new interface graphics, two new gameplay modes (Arcade Mode and Extra Battle Mode), one additional V-Trigger per character, and an new CG opening cinematic. The game is available both as a free downloadable update for owners of the original game, and a standalone retail game sold at a reduced price.

"Iconoclasts"
Genre - Action, Platformer
Platform - PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, macOS, Linux

Iconoclasts is an action platformer video game by the developer Joakim "Konjak" Sandberg and published by Bifrost Entertainment. Iconoclasts is a 2D platformer with Metroidvania elements. Gameplay involves a mixture of exploring, fighting enemies, and solving environmental puzzles using Robin's tools. The game has a plot that plays out as the player completes levels. The game places a lot of emphasis on boss battles, and there are well over twenty different bosses in the game.The game was released on January 23, 2018.

"Lost Sphear"
Genre - Role-Playing
Platform - Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Lost Sphear is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Tokyo RPG Factory and published by Square Enix. The game is the second to be developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, and considered a spiritual successor to their first title, I Am Setsuna. The game features a retooled variant of the Active Time Battle system found in I Am Setsuna, Chrono Trigger, and older Final Fantasy titles. It released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows in Japan in October 2017, and worldwide in January 2018.

"Subnautica"
Genre - Survival, Adventure
Platform - Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox One

Subnautica is a survival adventure game developed and published by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. It allows the player to freely explore the ocean on an alien planet, known as planet 4546B, collecting resources to survive. Subnautica was first released in early access for Microsoft Windows in December 2014, Mac OS X in June 2015, and for Xbox One in May 2016. The full release out of early access was in January 23, 2018 Exclusive for PC on Steam, with a version for the PlayStation 4 also planned for a later date.

"Celeste"
Genre - Platformer
Platform -  Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux

Celeste is a platforming video game by Canadian video game developers Matt Thorson and Noel Berry. The game was originally created as a prototype in four days during a game jam, and later expanded into a full release. Celeste is a platform game in which players control a girl named Madeline as she makes her way up a mountain while avoiding various deadly obstacles. Along with jumping and climbing up walls for a limited amount of time, Madeline has the ability to perform a mid-air dash in any direction. Celeste was released in January 25, 2018.

"Dragon Ball FighterZ"
Genre - Fighting
Platform - Microsoft Windows, PS4, Xbox One

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Based on the Dragon Ball franchise, it was released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows in most regions in January 26, 2018, and in Japan the following month. The gameplay is inspired by concepts from several other fighting games, namely the control scheme and team mechanics. Players each select three characters to form a team, from an initial roster of 24. One character is controlled and can be switched with one of the other characters at any time. Players can also call one of their other characters to perform an "Assist" move, allowing simultaneous attacks and combos with the entire team. All three of the opponent's characters must be defeated to win the game. 

"Monster Hunter: World"
Genre - Action Role-playing
Platform - PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows (to be released)

Monster Hunter: World is an action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom. A part of the Monster Hunter series, it was released worldwide for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in January 26, 2018, with a Microsoft Windows version being scheduled later in the year. In the game, the player takes the role of a Hunter, tasked to hunt down and either kill or trap monsters that roam in one of several environmental spaces. If successful, the player is rewarded through loot consisting of parts from the monster and other elements that are used to craft weapons and armor, amongst other equipment. The game's core loop has the player crafting appropriate gear to be able to hunt down more difficult monsters, which in turn provide parts that lead to more powerful gear. Players may hunt alone, or can hunt in cooperative groups of up to four players via the game's online services.

[ Wow, January was a huge month for fighting games, it seems. The much anticipated 'Arcade Edition' of Street Fighter V was released in January as well as 'Dragon Ball FighterZ', the fighting game for which the fans of 'Dragon Ball Franchise' have been waiting for a long time. It also features another big name in 'Monster Hunter: World' and also a few small scale yet quite enjoyable games too. ]   

Best Fiction I Read On 2017

This is a different kind of 'best of' list. The idea to make such a post has been in the back of mind for quite a long while now.

This is a list identifying my best read among the books/short stories/graphic novels I read last year. I will try to add stuff that gave me more enjoyment or made me think for a long time after I was done.

I know I should have done this a lot sooner than now. But here goes -

[PS: Once again, this is done in no particular order of rating or any other system at all. ]

"Tome of the Undergates (Aeons' Gate #1)" 
Writer - Sam Sykes
Publisher - Gollancz / Pyr

The debut novel from an extraordinarily talented twenty-five-year-old author. Fantasy's next global star has arrived.
Lenk can barely keep control of his mismatched adventurer band at the best of times (Gariath the dragon man sees humans as little more than prey, Kataria the Shict despises most humans, and the humans in the band are little better). When they're not insulting each other's religions they're arguing about pay and conditions.
So when the ship they are travelling on is attacked by pirates things don't go very well. They go a whole lot worse when an invincible demon joins the fray. The demon steals the Tome of the Undergates - a manuscript that contains all you need to open the undergates. And whichever god you believe in you don't want the undergates open. On the other side are countless more invincible demons, the manifestation of all the evil of the gods, and they want out.
Full of razor-sharp wit, characters who leap off the page (and into trouble) and plunging the reader into a vivid world of adventure this is a fantasy that kicks off a series that could dominate the second decade of the century.

[ Mr. 'Sam Sykes' is a unique guy. This is his unique and humorous take on the Epic Fantasy genre. I loved the shit out of this one. Here is my review. ]

"Kings of the Wyld (The Band #1)"
Writer - Nicolas Eames
Publisher - Orbit

Clay Cooper and his band were once the best of the best -- the meanest, dirtiest, most feared crew of mercenaries this side of the Heartwyld.
Their glory days long past, the mercs have grown apart and grown old, fat, drunk - or a combination of the three. Then an ex-bandmate turns up at Clay's door with a plea for help. His daughter Rose is trapped in a city besieged by an enemy one hundred thousand strong and hungry for blood. Rescuing Rose is the kind of mission that only the very brave or the very stupid would sign up for.
It's time to get the band back together for one last tour across the Wyld.

[ This my opinion is not only the best book I read last year but also the best book published in 2017. This is a love-letter to 'hard rock / heavy metal' disguised as epic fantasy. I loved this and recently reviewed it for fantasy-faction - review link. ] 

"Agents of Dreamland"
Writer - Caitlin R. Kiernan
Publisher - Tor.com

A government special agent known only as the Signalman gets off a train on a stunningly hot morning in Winslow, Arizona. Later that day he meets a woman in a diner to exchange information about an event that happened a week earlier for which neither has an explanation, but which haunts the Signalman.
In a ranch house near the shore of the Salton Sea a cult leader gathers up the weak and susceptible—the Children of the Next Level—and offers them something to believe in and a chance for transcendence. The future is coming and they will help to usher it in.
A day after the events at the ranch house which disturbed the Signalman so deeply that he and his government sought out help from ‘other’ sources, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory abruptly loses contact with NASA’s interplanetary probe New Horizons. Something out beyond the orbit of Pluto has made contact.
And a woman floating outside of time looks to the future and the past for answers to what can save humanity.

[ This just suddenly punched out the air out of my lungs. I immediately started reading 'Lovecraft' after my recovery. Here is my attempt at reviewing this - review link. ]  

"Doctor Strange, Vol 1, 2 & 3"
Writer - Jason Aaron
Artist - Chris Bachalo
Publisher - Marvel Comics

Only Doctor Strange can protect our world from the darkness beyond -- now, witness the full toll that constant struggle takes on Earth's Sorcerer Supreme! Every spell cast comes at a cost, but what happens when Strange falls behind on his tab? Find out as the good doctor wakes up somewhere very odd, nearly naked -- with no spell books, no weapons and no memory of how he got there...or why all the monsters are chasing him! And as a new visitor to Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum learns one wrong door can lead to oblivion, a magic circle of Strange's friends and allies are about to face their greatest threat. Dark forces are destroying everything mystical in the multiverse, and their sights are set on this dimension. Magic's days are numbered, and Doctor Strange is not ready! 

[ I really loved the first three 'Doctor Strange' volume by Jason Aaron. Aaron described the nature of magic in the world of Marvel Comics quite brilliantly, and the characters, both old and new that he used were handled masterfully as well. ]

"Infernal"
Writer - Mark de Jager
Publisher - Del Rey

Stratus wakes in an unfamiliar place, with nothing but the knowledge that he is not human, with no memories of his past but possessing great strength, a powerful sorcery and the burning instinct to survive at any cost.
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, he sets out across a landscape torn apart by the ten year war between the Kingdoms of Krandin and Penullin, now reaching new levels of savagery as a dark magic drives the world to the brink of destruction.
As his personality grows with each step he slowly uncovers the truth of what he has become and the unquenchable thirst for vengeance that has led him there.
A bold new voice in fantasy and a revolutionary new character.   

[ A book with a very questionable protagonist, fast paced action and some interesting twists and turns thrown in between. This is a lovely debut, which really explored a new level of grimdark in fantasy fiction. ]

"Dark Night: A True Batman Story"
Writer - Paul Dini
Artist - Eduardo Risso
Publisher - DC Comics

This is a Batman story like no other-the harrowing and eloquent autobiographical tale of writer Paul Dini’s courageous struggle to overcome a desperate situation.
The Caped Crusader has been the all-abiding icon of justice and authority for generations. But in this surprising original graphic novel, we see Batman in a new light-as the savior who helps a discouraged man recover from a brutal attack that left him unable to face the world.
In the 1990s, legendary writer Paul Dini had a flourishing career writing the hugely popular BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES and TINY TOON ADVENTURES. Walking home one evening, he was jumped and viciously beaten within an inch of his life. His recovery process was arduous, hampered by the imagined antics of the villains he was writing for television including the Joker, Harley Quinn and the Penguin. But despite how bleak his circumstances were, or perhaps because of it, Dini also always imagined the Batman at his side, chivvying him along during his darkest moments.
A gripping graphic memoir of one writer’s traumatic experience and his deep connection with his creative material, DARK NIGHT: A TRUE BATMAN STORY is an original graphic novel that will resonate profoundly with fans. Art by the incredible and talented Eduardo Risso (100 BULLETS, TRANSMETROPOLITAN).

[ This is an original graphic novel based on the true story of a writer, which is a brilliant example of how fictional heroes can influence people with real life problems. An impressionable tale that left me jarred for some time. ]

"The Last Sacrifice (The Tides Of War #1)"
Writer - James A Moore
Publisher - Angry Robots

Since time began, the Grakhul – immortal servants of the gods – have taken human sacrifices to keep the world in balance and the gods appeased. When the choose the family of warrior Brogan McTyre, everything changes.
Brogan begins the toughest battle of his life to free his family from their terrible fate. But when you challenge the gods, you challenge the very fabric of society. Declared an outcast, Brogan and his kin are hunted like criminals – but nothing will stand in his way.  

[ Another interesting take on grimdark, this was another highlight from my 2017 reads. I reviewed it for fantasy-faction - review link. ]

"City of Blades (The Divine Cities #2)"
Writer - Robert Jackson Bennett
Publisher - Jo Fletcher / Broadway Books

A generation ago, the city of Voortyashtan was the stronghold of the god of war and death, the birthplace of fearsome supernatural sentinels who killed and subjugated millions.
Now, the city’s god is dead. The city itself lies in ruins. And to its new military occupiers, the once-powerful capital is a wasteland of sectarian violence and bloody uprisings.
So it makes perfect sense that General Turyin Mulaghesh — foul-mouthed hero of the battle of Bulikov, rumored war criminal, ally of an embattled Prime Minister — has been exiled there to count down the days until she can draw her pension and be forgotten.
At least, it makes the perfect cover story.
The truth is that the general has been pressed into service one last time, dispatched to investigate a discovery. For while the city’s god is most certainly dead, something is awakening in Voortyashtan. And someone is determined to make the world tremble at the the city’s awful power again. 

[ 'RJ Bennett' is one of the authors I admire most presently. This is a perfect example of why he is such a master of world-building and creating incredible characters. This book is a realistic picture of the impact of war on all who are part of it and in a world that is such a treat to explore. ]

"The Vagrant (The Vagrant #1)"
Writer - Peter Newman
Publisher - Harper Voyager

The Vagrant is his name. He has no other. Friendless and alone he walks across a desolate, war-torn landscape, carrying nothing but a kit-bag, a legendary sword and a baby. His purpose is to reach the Shining City, last bastion of the human race, and deliver the sword, the only weapon that may make a difference in the ongoing war. But the Shining City is far away and the world is a very dangerous place.

[ Due to its overuse, it has become almost impossible to make a post-apocalyptic setting resonate with the readers, but this novel managed to do so for me with its interesting and original approach. Do check my review for this. ]

"The Last Place You Look (Roxane Weary #1)"
Writer - Kristen Lepionka
Publisher - Minotaur Books / Faber & Faber

Sarah Cook, a beautiful blonde teenager disappeared fifteen years ago, the same night her parents were brutally murdered in their suburban Ohio home. Her boyfriend Brad Stockton - black and from the wrong side of the tracks - was convicted of the murders and sits on death row, though he always maintained his innocence. With his execution only weeks away, his devoted sister, insisting she has spotted Sarah at a local gas station, hires PI Roxane Weary to look again at the case.
Reeling from the recent death of her cop father, Roxane finds herself drawn to the story of Sarah's vanishing act, especially when she thinks she's linked Sarah's disappearance to one of her father's unsolved murder cases involving another teen girl. Despite her self-destructive tendencies, Roxane starts to hope that maybe she can save Brad's life and her own.
With echoes of Sue Grafton, Dennis Lehane and the hit podcast Serial, The Last Place You Look is the gripping debut of both a bold new voice and character.  

[ A modern mystery/thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat even after I was done. Really strong characters here. An author to definitely keep an eye out for me. ]

"A Human Stain"
Writer - Kelly Robson
Publisher - Tor.com

A disturbing horror novelette about a British expatriate at loose ends who is hired by her friend to temporarily care for his young, orphaned nephew in a remote castle-like structure in Germany.

[ A creepy little horror short that still makes me shiver and uncomfortable when I think about it. Top-notch stuff. ]  

These are my highlights from my fiction reads of last year. Now the only list left to publish is the best fantasy / science fiction books from '17. I probable will that post close to the end of the month as I still have a few last minute decisions to make.