However, recently I decided to read a few fantasy novels written in the first person — something I’ve pretty much avoided because I have always tended to prefer those written in third person. I dug thru my stack looking for candidates and happily found Cold Magic. I cracked it open and soon became immersed into the world that Kate Elliott has built in her Spirit Walker series.

As is always the case with starting a new series, it took me a bit to acclimate myself to this new world, mostly because it’s different than anything I’ve ever read before. Kate Elliott herself describes it as an “Afro-Celtic post-Roman icepunk Regency novel with airships, Phoenician spies, and the intelligent descendants of troödons (which were a small, intelligent, and agile species of dinosaur).” I found that to be an accurate description.

I admit the first half of the book seemed a bit methodical, however, the writing was a high enough quality that I really didn’t mind. But then roughly halfway through, a few developments occurred (I won’t say what because I don’t want to spoil the surprise) that sparked my interest. I laughed out loud at the humor I found written there and plunged into the rest of the book with reckless abandon, forgetting I was reading the book to study its style.

When I turned the last page, my first emotion was sadness that I couldn’t read more. I had so much fun reading it that I didn’t want it to end. My second thought was that I really wanted to read it again. Within two hours, I couldn’t resist any longer, turned back to the beginning and started over. Soon I discovered how well Kate Elliott had brought the book full circle at the end by partially answering the dilemma posed in the beginning. And yet, there is enough of a cliff-hanger that I can’t wait to read book two (Cold Fire). But first, I’m going to finish my second read of the masterfully written Cold Magic.

If you’d like to know more about the story itself, here is the copy that appears on the back cover:

Cat Barahal was the only survivor of the flood that took her parents. Raised by her extended family, she and her cousin, Bee, are unaware of the dangers that threaten them both. It is the dawn of a new age, but ancient powers still hold sway.

Now, betrayed by her family and forced to marry a powerful cold mage, Cat will be drawn into a labyrinth of politics. There she will learn the full ruthlessness of their rule. What do the cold mages want from her? And who will help Cat in her struggle against them?

I’m not going to say more because I don’t want to ruin the nuances and twists of the story line for you. I give Cold Magic 5 out of 5 stars as (obviously) I’m not only thinking of reading the book again, I have already started to do so.

If you want more info, you can find it here from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can find an interview of her (by Peter Orullian) at Tor.com here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do you know of any good SFF contests? Please share! Leave a comment via the blue link below or by clicking on the grey comment bubble at the top right of this post.

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

• Giveaway: Tor is giving away several books on Goodreads. Entry deadline for all these is December 17, 2011. Click on the book titles for the contest links. Each of these will not be released to the general public until February 28, 1012.
• Touchstone by Melanie Rawn.
• The Scar by Sergey Dyachenko and Marina Dyachenko.
• Living Proof by Kira Peikoff.
• Cain at Gettysburg by Ralph Peters.
• Arctic Rising by Tobias S. Buckell.
• More Tor giveaways. I think these books are already out. Deadlines for these contests are also December 17.
• An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor.
• A War of Gifts (Ender’s Saga #5) by Orson Scott Card.
• Giveaway: Future Lovecraft, An anthology of scifi stories and poems inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Book was released December 6, 2012. Contest deadline is December 31, 2011.
• In fantasy art news, I’m sad to say that Darrell K. Sweet died this week. Among his many works, he created the artwork for Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. You can see several of his artwork on this Tor blog post.
• Speaking of the Wheel of Time books, you can purchase a 24k gold-plated bronze Asha’man dragon pin. If you know what this is, you have an automatic membership in the unofficial circle of geekdom.
• Just in time for Christmas, how about a gingerbread AT-AT? Amazing. I love the candy canes underfoot. <snicker>
• And finally, here’s a video, just for fun. Have you heard of The Piano Guys? These guys are amazing musicians. One of their latest pieces is a Star Wars parody entitled “Cello Wars: The Phantom Chellist.” Not all their pieces are humorous, but this one is too funny. Here you go:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I hope you’re enjoying the holidays so far.  Until next time, happy geekdom to you. May all your Christmas dreams come true.

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

• Giveaway: Win a copy of Blake Charlton’s Spellbound and a signed copy of Spellwright, courtesy of Fantasy Book Critic. Here’s the link. Deadline: October 7, 2011.
• Share a scary book. Neil Gaiman starts a new tradition: All Hallow’s Read. Tor Books celebrates with a sweepstakes and free monster stories October 24-28.
• Just for fun: Star Trek bloopers from the 1960s series.
• Sci-fi movie Robopocalypse finds a home and a director: Steven Spielberg takes it on. Release date set for Summer 2013.
• Tor puts ebook versions of three classic epic fantasies on sale for $2.99 each: The Eye of the World (Robert Jordan), Gardens of the Moon (Steven Erikson), and Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson). Here’s the link.
• How 9/11 Changed Science Fiction, according to io9.com.
• For sales of physical books, only one genre of books experienced a sales increase in 2010: Science fiction/fantasy. According to Nielsen Bookscan, this was due in great part to sales of G.R.R. Martin’s books. Whatever works, right?
• Here’s a comprehensive list of 184 sci-fi, fantasy and horror books being released in September 2011. Any look good to you?
• Nathan Fillion stars in Season 5, episode 6 of The Guild, a web series about gamers. Here’s the scoop according to GeekDad at wired.com.
• John Scalzi shows us which sci-fi and fantasy films we can expect out before year’s end.
• Giveaway on Goodreads: Vernor Vinge’s The Children of the Sky, the sequel to A Fire on the Deep that’s been 20 years in the making. Here’s the link. Hurry…the deadline’s September 15, 2011.

Do you have any favorite links or sites this week I missed? I love to hear from you. Please feel free to share. On September 30, I will have a drawing for a $5 Starbucks card. For every blog post you comment on, you will receive one entry. Leave a comment and join the fun! If you don’t want to miss a post, make sure to subscribe to my RSS or email feeds here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

• Brandon Sanderson uploaded all of the illustrations used in The Way of Kings. Ebook users rejoice!
• More Brandon Sanderson. Tor is giving away a copy of the new Mistborn Adventure Game, one ARC of The Alloy of Law, and one copy of the audio edition of The Way of Kings. Contest deadline September 6.
• Because I love great SFF artwork. Here are the 2011 Chesley Award winners.
• Giveaway: Ganymede by Cherie Priest. Link: Contest deadline September 9.
• Need something new to read? I thought about making a list of new books coming out this month, but http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com has done a much better job than I would have. Here’s the link to 42 new SFF books coming out in September.
• Giveaway: Fire Upon the Deep, by Vernor Vinge. Link: Contest deadline September 6.
• Giveaway: A signed set of Night Shade Books‘ Miserere: An Autumn Tale, Of Blood & Honey, The Whitefire Crossing, and The Winds of Khalakovo. Deadline September 30.
• Top 20 steampunk books according to The Ranting Dragon.
• A great short story by Greg Mitchell over at Avenir Eclectia: Contact.
• To celebrate Harry Connolly’s new book (Circle of Enemies), book 1 in the series, Child of Fire, is now only 99 cents on Amazon and B&N. Here’s an interview with Connolly and here’s a link to his website where you can read a sample of the book.
• Giveaway: The steampunk novel Dead Iron by Devon Monk. I can’t find a deadline, so you might want to hurry. Here’s the link.
• Just for fun: Do-It-Yourself TARDIS lollipops.
• Giveaway: The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson. Ten copies available, giveaway dates: August 29-October 7.

I think that should do it for now. Have a good weekend everyone!

I love to hear from you. Did you have a favorite link this week I missed? Please feel free to share. On September 30, I will have a drawing for a $5 Starbucks card. For every blog post you comment on, you will receive one entry. Leave a comment and join the fun! If you don’t want to miss a post, make sure to subscribe to my RSS or email feeds here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I love giveaways! I also love passing the links on to you. If you’re interested in any of these, don’t wait too long to check them out. Some of the cut-off dates are quickly approaching.

Hellhole by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

The Unremembered by Peter Orullian

The Beloved Dead by Tony Hays

The Pirate Hunters by Mack Maloney

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

http://us.macmillan.com/tor/promo/25bookprizepack

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To read the preview, go to: http://www.tor.com/wok
(Free registration is required.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Now, to give you the details promised in the headline above. Pat is offering on his website a huge prize pack being offered by Tor Books. To enter, visit Pat’s blog to get the details:
http://fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com/2009/12/tis-season-giveaway-tor-books.html

Here are the books in the pack:

- Signed copy of Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker
- Signed copy of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire
- Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s The Gathering Storm
- Three The Wheel of Time comics (Dabel Brothers)
- Steven Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon
- ARC of Steven Erikson’s Dust of Dreams
- Richard Matheson’s The Box
- Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker
- R. Scott Bakker’s Neuropath
- R.A. Salvatore’s The Ancient
- Glen Cook’s Chronicles of Black Company
- Glen Cook’s The Return of Black Company
- Glen Cook’s The Books of the South
- Charles de Lint’s Muse and Reverie
- John Brown’s Servant of a Dark God
- Ian Cameron Esslemont’s Night of Knives
- Kate Elliott’s Spirit Gate and Shadow Gate
- Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s Bones of the Dragon
- L. E. Modesitt, jr.’s Imager
- L. E. Modesitt, jr.’s Imager’s Challenge

I recommend you stop by Pat’s blog and register for this prize pack. You may never see another one this big.

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mistborn is Book 1 in Sanderson’s trilogy by the same name. Eye of the World is also Book 1 but in Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. After Robert Jordan’s untimely death, Brandon Sanderson was asked to complete the Wheel of Time series. The Gathering Storm is one of the three final books in the series.

For details on the contest, visit Tor at: http://us.macmillan.com/tor/promo/mistborneotw

Disclosure of Material Connection: At times, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”