A review: I Am Legend

"I Am Legend" is a 1954 horror novel by Richard Matheson that tells the story of Robert Neville, the last surviving human in a world overrun by vampires. The novel is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre, and its influence can be seen in numerous works of popular culture.

One of the strengths of "I Am Legend" is its exploration of the psychological toll of isolation. Neville is the last living human in a world of vampires, and his loneliness and despair are palpable throughout the book. Matheson's writing is haunting and effective in conveying Neville's mental state.

The book is also notable for its portrayal of the vampires. Unlike the supernatural creatures of earlier vampire stories, Matheson's vampires are the result of a scientific pandemic. They are more akin to zombies than the elegant, aristocratic vampires of earlier fiction, and their portrayal as mindless, bloodthirsty monsters adds to the horror of the story.

Another notable aspect of "I Am Legend" is its exploration of societal norms and morality. Neville's actions are often driven by his own survival instinct, and he must grapple with the ethical implications of his choices. The novel raises important questions about what it means to be human and how we define morality in extreme situations.

Overall, "I Am Legend" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. Its exploration of isolation, societal norms, and morality is both chilling and insightful. If you're a fan of horror or science fiction, this classic novel is definitely worth a read.

CHRONICLE WORLDS: HALF WAY HOME

A long long time ago I wrote a story about a young man living alone on a distant planet. He was mutated but the only one to survive in his colony. He starts to think he’s going crazy. And he just might be…

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From Windrift Books: “In the future, distant planets are colonized by A.I.-piloted starships. Journeys take centuries, so the ships carry human embryos, to be thawed, fully-grown, and A.I.-trained with the skills to colonize their new world.

This is the universe of Hugh Howey‘s bestselling “Half Way Home”, which followed one colonial foray on a new world. But that was one world of a thousand worlds targeted by Earth’s ships. That adventure, one of a thousand…

The FUTURE CHRONICLES is proud to present CHRONICLE WORLDS: HALF WAY HOME – bringing together fifteen of the most exciting new voices in speculative fiction to explore the universe created by Hugh Howey, to chronicle the astounding unexplored worlds of HALF WAY HOME.”

I am thrilled that my short story Moon Lord is included in this anthology!

Supernatural S6:E5: Vampires can warm hearts

Season 6, episode 5 of Supernatural, titled "Live Free or Twihard," is a hilarious and action-packed episode that blends humor, horror, and pop culture references in a way that only Supernatural can. Rewatching this in 2023 brought back lots of memories of the Twilight years, books, movies, and this episode came along to make us laugh.

The episode follows Sam and Dean Winchester as they investigate a series of vampire attacks in a small town. However, these vampires are not like any they've faced before - they're obsessed with the Twilight book series and act like stereotypical teenage girls. This leads to some hilarious moments, such as when Dean dresses up like Edward Cullen to blend in with the vampire crowd.

Despite the comedic elements, the episode still manages to be suspenseful and thrilling, with some genuinely scary moments as the Winchesters confront the vampire leader. The action sequences are well-choreographed and the special effects are impressive, making for an engaging viewing experience.

One of the standout aspects of the episode is the chemistry between the actors. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles have a natural rapport that makes the banter between their characters feel genuine and adds to the overall entertainment value of the show.

Overall, season 6, episode 5 of Supernatural is a fun and enjoyable installment in the series that showcases the show's ability to seamlessly blend horror and humor. With its engaging storyline, well-executed action sequences, and hilarious pop culture references, it's definitely worth a watch for fans of the show.

Tropes in Fiction: From Negative to Exciting

 

In the world of fiction, a trope refers to a commonly used plot device or character archetype that has become well-known and frequently used within a certain genre or medium. For a long time, tropes were often viewed as a negative aspect of a novel, making the story predictable and unoriginal. However, in recent years, readers have started to embrace tropes and even look forward to seeing them used in their favorite books.

The reason for this shift is that tropes can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to readers. When we recognize a trope, we know what to expect and can settle in for an enjoyable reading experience. Tropes can also help to establish genre conventions and create a sense of community among fans of a particular genre. They allow readers to connect with one another over shared expectations and experiences.

Some popular tropes in fiction include the "chosen one" hero, the love triangle, the coming-of-age story, and the "damsel in distress" plotline. While these tropes have been criticized for being overused and cliché, they continue to appear in many popular books and media.

In fact, some authors have even started to intentionally use and subvert tropes in their writing, creating fresh takes on familiar stories. For example, Leigh Bardugo's "Six of Crows" series features a group of young criminals who must pull off an impossible heist, a trope that has been used in many heist stories before. However, Bardugo adds her own unique twists and turns to the plot, making it an exciting and fresh read.

While tropes were once viewed as a negative aspect of fiction, they have now become an exciting aspect of storytelling for many readers. Tropes provide a sense of familiarity and comfort while also allowing authors to put their own spin on familiar plot devices. So, the next time you pick up a book and notice a well-known trope, try to appreciate it for what it is – a beloved convention of the genre.

Magical Realism and Romance

Magical realism is a genre of literature that blends elements of fantasy and the supernatural with the real world. It’s a genre that is known for its vivid imagery and unique storytelling. When combined with romance, magical realism can create a truly captivating reading experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best magical realism books with romance.


What is Magical Realism?

Magical realism is a genre of literature that is characterized by the incorporation of magical or supernatural elements into the real world. It often blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a dream-like atmosphere. Magical realism is known for its vivid imagery, lyrical language, and unconventional storytelling.

What Makes Magical Realism with Romance So Captivating?

Magical realism with romance combines two genres that are known for their ability to transport readers to different worlds. It creates a unique reading experience that is both enchanting and captivating. The romantic elements in these books often add a layer of emotional depth to the story, making them much more engaging than traditional romance novels. Additionally, the magical or supernatural elements in these books often add a sense of mystery and intrigue, creating a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Top Magical Realism Books with Romance:One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: This novel is a masterpiece of magical realism. It follows the story of the Buendía family over seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. The novel weaves together magical elements with a captivating love story.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: This novel tells the story of two young magicians who are pitted against each other in a magical competition. The book is known for its enchanting prose and captivating romance.
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel: This novel is a classic example of magical realism with romance. It tells the story of Tita, a young woman who is forbidden to marry the man she loves. The book weaves together magical elements with a heart-wrenching love story.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: This novel follows the story of a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel, and his wife, who must navigate their relationship through time. The book is known for its unique blend of magical realism and romance.

Magical realism with romance is a captivating genre that creates a truly unique reading experience. The books listed above are just a few examples of the many great magical realism books with romance out there. If you’re looking for a break from traditional romance novels or fantasy books, then magical realism with romance is definitely worth checking out. These books will transport you to different worlds and leave you with a sense of wonder and enchantment.

World War Z: A modern exploration of the zombie apocalypse

World War Z is a 2006 novel by Max Brooks that presents a fictional oral history of a global zombie outbreak. The book is written as a series of interviews with survivors from all over the world, providing a unique and chilling perspective on the zombie apocalypse.

Unlike many other zombie stories, World War Z takes a more realistic approach to the genre. The book explores how the outbreak begins and spreads, and how governments and individuals respond to the crisis. It also delves into the social, economic, and political implications of a zombie apocalypse.

The book is divided into chapters that focus on different aspects of the outbreak, from the initial outbreak to the war against the zombies and the eventual rebuilding of society. Each chapter is presented as a series of interviews with survivors, giving readers a firsthand account of the events.

One of the strengths of World War Z is its attention to detail. The book is meticulously researched and contains a wealth of information about everything from military tactics to the history of the zombie genre. Brooks' writing is also praised for its realism and the way it captures the voices of the various characters.

World War Z was a critical and commercial success, winning the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel and being adapted into a feature film starring Brad Pitt in 2013. The book's influence on the zombie genre is also significant, inspiring numerous imitators and spinoffs.

The book's exploration of the social and political implications of a zombie outbreak also resonates with readers today, as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preparedness and the consequences of government mismanagement.

World War Z is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that presents a unique perspective on the zombie apocalypse. Its attention to detail, realism, and exploration of social and political issues make it a standout in the zombie genre. If you're a fan of horror or apocalyptic fiction, World War Z is definitely worth a read.

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is a stunning novel that takes readers on a magical journey through a mysterious circus. Written by Erin Morgenstern, this novel is a work of art that seamlessly blends fantasy, romance, and mystery to create a breathtaking story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.


The story follows the journey of two young magicians, Marco and Celia, who are trained from a young age to compete against each other in a game of magical skill. The game takes place within the confines of a circus that appears only at night, and the competitors must create magical illusions to impress the judges and gain the upper hand. As Marco and Celia become more entangled in the game, they begin to fall in love, which adds a new layer of complexity to their already precarious situation.

The Night Circus is a beautifully written novel that captures the imagination of the reader with its vivid descriptions of the circus, the characters, and the magic that surrounds them. Morgenstern's prose is lyrical and haunting, and she expertly weaves together the various plot threads to create a cohesive and satisfying story.

One of the standout elements of The Night Circus is the attention to detail. Morgenstern's descriptions of the circus and its various tents are so vivid that you can almost smell the popcorn and hear the sounds of the crowd. The characters are equally well-drawn, and readers will find themselves invested in their fates from the very beginning.

Overall, The Night Circus is a captivating and enchanting novel that will transport readers to a world of magic and wonder. Morgenstern's skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this book a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, romance, or just a great book to get lost in.