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Heliotrope Issue 4 is released.

Mon, 12 May 2008 19:13:01 -0400

Heliotrope Issue 04 is released! Go check it out at http://www.heliotropemag.com you can also comment on the articles, stories, and poetry at Fantasybookspot Forum. Thanks to everyone that made this happen and our new designer.

Fiction - G-O-O-D-B-Y-E by Nick Mamatas
Poetry - Succession At Quandon Creek by Anna Tambour
Article -The Shadow Cabinet:Spotlight on Dedalus by Jeff Vandermeer
Article -A Virtual Anthology:Weinachtabend by Ian R. MacLeod
Article -The Devil and Mr. V by Catherynne M. Valente
Excerpt - What Burns Within (excerpt) by Sandra Ruttan
Cover Art - Teemu Vedenoja

Happy Mother's Day - May 11, 2008

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:01:39 -0400

For starters, I want to hope that all the mothers out there had a wonderful Mother's Day. There are so many great individuals that fall into the "mother" category and I know for a fact that many of us would not be here today without at least one. Thank you for all the awesome things you have done and shall continue to do in our lives.

If you have yet to read FBS's most recent exclusive...well, what are you waiting for? Check out the third chapter of R. A. Salvatore's newest release of the Saga of the First King series, The Ancient. Also, if you are interested, find out where the series started by reading Medsin's review of the the first book, The Highwayman.

The thread of the week this week falls back to an old favorite of mine that has brought around some interest: Lawrence's "I just bought" thread. I have always said that you can learn a lot about a person by seeing how they invest their money. Well, as the title infers, one can do just that! People are posting about new and fancy books that they bought, but I enjoy hearing about the great deals that people are finding on some old and new classics! Feel free to look around and drop some of your own purchases here.

Damon's book contest for some of the stash that he acquired from this year's New York Comic Con is still running. There is not much time left, but best of all, all you have to do is e-mail the admin to qualify! How much easier can it be?! For more details on the path that Damon took to get these books, click here for his 2008 New York Comic Con article. If you want to learn more about the contest, click here.

Mother's day is now in the past, but right around the corner is Father's Day! Make sure to not wait until the last minute to purchase that gift that will make all the dad's out there feel special. When doing so, why not buy them through FBS's affiliates? The site gets a kick-back, which aids us in running the site and offering you more goodies!

Val brings us another Robert Jordan and The Wheel of Time review, while a few new reviewers (JeffSullins and Medora) intermingle their reviews with some of our seasoned vets (Brian, dragonwomant, and Kiss Starling). Enjoy!

-Patrick

*Brian Reviews:* Scalped: Casino Boogie by Jason Aaron	*dragonwomant Reviews:* Alien Nation DVD
*JeffSullins Reviews:* The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams	*Kissa Starling Reviews:* Her Husband's Christmas Bargain by Margaret Mayo
*Medora Reviews:* The Golden Rose by Kathleen Bryan	*Valashain Reviews:* A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

RA Salvatore Excerpt of The Ancient and Reviews! - May 4, 2008

Sun, 04 May 2008 23:29:59 -0400

Jay (The Bodhisattva) was able to pull an awesome FBS exclusive score: A third-chapter excerpt of R. A. Salvatore's most recent release, The Ancient. It is the second book in Salvatore's Saga of the First King Series. If you would like to learn a little bit more about this series, check out Medsin's review of the the first book, The Highwayman.

The yearly FBS New York Comic Con article: Damon's bread and butter. If you have yet to check it out, I would give it a run as it is an interesting read. Damon delves into all sorts of things. Plus, he has lots of pictures! Another of which I have posted this week. I think I am going to continue to do so for the next several updates. That is unless some more intriguing pictures surface. If you think you have something that can top Damon's pics, e-mail me. Check out Damon's article here. Also, Damon has a ton of goodies in a NYC Comic Con contest. All you have to do is e-mail the admin. Be sure not to miss out!

:HELPFUL REMINDER: Mother's day is one week away (It falls on Sunday, May 11, 2008). Do you know what you are going to get her yet? Whether it is flowers or a perdy watch or that diamond-studded, special edition Martha Stewart wok she has had her eyes on, purchase it through FBS's affiliates and help us out in the process! We get a kick-back that helps us run the site.

Do you think you might have what it takes to reviews books for a website? Well, we have openings for mystery, horror, and romance books at the moment. If you are interested, please review our new F.A.Q. aptly titled "So You Want to be a Reviewer". If you feel you are still interested - maybe even more interested - after reading the F.A.Q., then please write-up a review for a book that you have read and e-mail it to Damon.

There are some great reviews this week. Be sure to check them out below!

-Patrick

*Craig_Gidney Reviews:* The Magician and the Fool by Barth Anderson The Truth About Celia by Kevin Brockmeier	*direach_barimen Reviews:* Procession of the Dead by Darren Shan
*Dragonwomant Reviews:* Unquiet Dreams by Mark Del Franco	*valashain Reviews:* The Last King by Michael Curtis Ford The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett

New York Comic Con 2008 Contest

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:59:19 -0400

You could not make the New York Comic Con in 2008? That is ok, Fantasybookspot has the contest for you. We got some signed books, a comic, lanyard, and some stickers for you from the con! What is different about these books, is we saw them being signed, plus you get a map of the comic con, what more could you ask. The package contains the following signed books...Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon, and a signed poster of the book - Tigerheart by Peter David - The Youngest Templar by Michael P. Spradlin - Thunderer by Felix Gilman - and Outrageous Fortune by Tim Scott which is unsigned. You get the first issue of Spectra Pulse Magazine and the comic exclusive of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files by Dabel Brothers Publishing. Contest limited to US residents and ends May 20th 2008, to enter please send an email with Comic Con in the title to Admin.

2008 New York Comic Con and FBS Exclusive Playback - April 27, 2008

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:31:53 -0400

The past few months FBS has been lucky enough to get some awesome exclusives, and exclusives are best not wasted. Therefore, if you missed them or want to enjoy them again, check them out below:

- Crimson Orgy Exclusive by Austin Williams (The Review of Crimson Orgy can be found here); and
- Neuropath Exclusive by R. Scott Bakker

Damon also recently released his yearly piece on the most recent New York Comic Con. I think he does a great job every year, but I think he did an exceptional job this year. If you have some time, I would definitely check it out (You can read his article here). He also took a lot of great pictures. You can view those pictures here and discuss them here.

Please keep in mind that you can purchase pretty much whatever you want through FBS's affiliates. When you do so, FBS gets a kick back (a.k.a. funds to aid in running the site), which makes Damon really happy. One thing to remember is that you need to keep the Internet window open after you select one of the affiliates. If you close out of the window and do not go back into that screen through the FBS affiliates page, we do not partake in the spoils.

Have you ever kicked around the idea of being a book reviewer for a website? Well, we have openings for mystery, horror, and romance books. If you are interested, please review our new F.A.Q. aptly titled "So You Want to be a Reviewer". If you feel you are still interested - maybe even more interested - after reading the F.A.Q., then please write-up a review for a book that you have read and e-mail it to Damon.

Not quite as many reviews as normal, but regardless, be sure to check them out!

-Patrick

*Craig_Gidney Reviews:* Piratica by Tanith Lee	*dragonwomant Reviews:* Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn
*valashain Reviews:* Leerling Tovenaar Vader & Zoon by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

New York Comic Con 2008 Review

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:42:51 -0400

Finally here is my review of this years New York Comic Con New York 2008 Comic Con Review. To sum it up in a word: Awesome.

Plenty of interviews this week! - April 23, 2008

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:15:37 -0400

My very first FBS update (because Patrick is slacking but let's not mention that part), a big moment in my FBS career. Unfortunately I have no idea whatsoever how to go about it and Damon only delegated this to me an hour ago. So bear with me and pray I don't break the site.

The dust has not quite settled from our FBS Second Annual Book Tournament and we're of the the next big event. Check out Damon's pictures of his visit to the New York Comic Con 2008. He has also promised us an article on a fascinating group of Comic Con visitors, one he swears will finally beat the traffic stats of the infamous node 451. What a relief that will be for us poor Associate Reviewers!

In the mean time check out this initiative by Brian and give us your comments on recently read short stories. Collections are awfully difficult to review so short fiction is perhaps a bit under represented in out database. Let us hear what you think.

Whether looking for a collection of short stories or a ten volume epic fantasy series, please keep in mind that you can purchase pretty much whatever you want through FBS's affiliates. When you do so, FBS gets a kick back (a.k.a. funds to aid in running the site), which makes Damon really happy. Rumor has it his family has been living on macaroni with cheese for three weeks now. One thing to remember is that you need to keep the Internet window open after you select one of the affiliates. If you close out of the window and do not go back into that screen through the FBS affiliates page, we do not partake in the spoils. Unsure what to get? Check out BestFantasyBook.com for some great suggestions.

Some fine reviews this week, as well as three great interviews. Enjoy!

Val

*Amberdrake Reviews:* Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews	*Brian Reviews:* The Open Curtain by Brian Evenson
*Craig_Gidney Interviews:* Ekaterina Sedia	*Damon Interviews:* Shamron Moore
*dragonwomant Reviews:* Surviving Behind Enemy Lines by Clayton L. McNally Mech Warrior Dark Age: To Ride the Chimera by Kevin Killiany	*Lawrence Interviews:* Alistair Rennie
*Roxy Reviews:* Pebble in the Sky by Isaac Asimov	*valashain Reviews:* The Dragon in the Sea by Frank Herbert Cartomancy by Mary Gentle

New York Comic Con 2008 Pictures and Photos from Fantasybookspot

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:06:40 -0400

Phew, New York Comic Con 2008 is over and it was great! We are not done with our articles, but you can at least check out the photo galleries for a start. Figure the articles should be up by Tuesday night. It was one of my favorite cons and we had a real photographer this year! Click on the middle text to see the galleries or each picture to be taken to that gallery.

You can comment on the pictures at our forum here

General New York Comic Con 2008 Pictures	Comic Book Artists, Authors, and Others at New York Comic Con 2008 Pictures	Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Panel Pictures
Battlestar Galactica New York Comic Con 2008 Panel Pictures	New York Comic Con 2008 Pictures	Girls of New York Comic Con Pictures

Zombie Strippers star Shamron Moore Interview

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:41:33 -0400

I was excited to be able to get an interview with Shamron Moore from Zombie Strippers fame (coming to theaters April 18th). Thanks to Shamron for taking the time out to talk with us. You can read the interview here.

FBS Second Annual Book Tournament Champions! - April 14, 2008

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:40:11 -0400

The exciting and awe-inspiring ride that was the FBS Second Annual Book Tournament has come to a conclusion. In the end, only one piece could rest upon the championship pillars for the 2007 Tournament and All-Time Tournament.

Shadowstorm by Paul S. Kemp was able to thwart off some early, blood filled matches to eventually gain momentum in the final rounds and take its opponents by storm for the victory of the 2007 Tournament. However, do not look for this trend to carry over to the MLB and Paul's beloved Yankees.

The All-Time Tournament championship round had a much closer match as an extra period was necessary to crown a victor. I am pleased to announced that Watchmen took the title for the All-Time Tournament this year.

Stay tuned next week as a special tournament article is released to breakdown the action for this year!

With summer right around the corner and many individuals taking time off to hang out with the kids and relax, I thought it would be a good idea to get back to some basics: recommending some AWESOME reads! That is why this week's "Thread of the Week" is that gem "*Recommend a Recently Read Fantasy Book*" that Jay started almost two years ago. There are some amazing suggestions in this thread, so be sure to check them out and leave some recommendations of your own!

If you have yet to check out the FBS exclusive excerpt of R. Scott Bakker's upcoming novel Neuropath, I would definitely recommend you do so. He is an awesome writer and always leaves you wanting more! You can check it out here!

The renovation of Spinetingler continues! Be sure to check it out. Plus, big news is brewing behind the scenes. Be sure to read the first few posts at SpinetinglerMag.com to get the skinny.

Please remember to check out BestFantasyBook.com for lists of the best fantasy, mystery, and science fiction books out there. Furthermore, we are always looking for additional book lists to add, so if you would like to see your list potentially grace BestFantasyBook.com, post your list here.

There are not quite as many reviews as last week, but there are some good ones. (RIP RJ)

-Patrick

*Brian Reviews:* Arkansas by John Brandon	*Jeremy Reviews:* Set the Seas on Fire by Chris Roberson
*Roxy Reviews:* The 13th Reality:The Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner	*Valashain Reviews* Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

Championship FBS Tournament Bouts and Reviews! - April 7, 2008

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:28:16 -0400

Well, the final match-ups for the FBS Second Annual Book Tournament have finally been set (The covers of which are littered throughout this update). The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate by Ted Chiang is battling Shadowstorm by Paul S. Kemp while Watchmen by Alan Moore attempts to stymie The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Who will win? That is up to you! The battles have already started and I must admit that a lot of blood has already been let loose on the stained wood of the FBS tournament ring, but you can still make a difference. Vote for the 2007 Tournament here and for the All-Time Tournament here.

The "Thread of the Week" this week comes from an ole' faithful: Brian. It is entitled "A Positive Account of Genre Fiction" and points out a piece written by Curt Purcell in the defense of genre fiction. Brian further points out that while the original posts were made regarding the horror genre, it reaches a broader audience as it spans all genres. Furthermore, by understanding what discussions are taking place in other online communities we as a whole can gain as the potential for great discussion and deliberation between individuals over a broader landscape can unite the front for a more genre fiction friendly world. You know, like Voltron, except we are combating against the public and suits instead of King Zarkon from Planet Doom. You can join the conversation here.

The renovation of Spinetingler is almost at an end. Be sure to check it out. Plus, big news is brewing behind the scenes. Be sure to read the first few posts at SpinetinglerMag.com to get the skinny.

Interested in getting the word out about an article, book, or website? Then advertise on FantasyBookSpot.com! For additional information, please review our advertising packages. If I were you, I would take into consideration the mass of viewers who will see your ad while the FantasyBookSpot Best Of Tournaments is taking place. For further information, please E-Mail Damon.

There are some amazing reviews this week! Be sure to check them out below!

-Patrick

*Brian Reviews:* Kockroach by Tyler Knox Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow	*Craig_Gidney Reviews:* Scar Night by Alan Campbell
*Damon Reviews:* Unicorn Races by Stephen J. Brooks	*Jeremy Reviews* Counting Heads by David Marusek
*Sandra_Ruttan Reviews:* THE COLD SPOT by Tom Piccirilli	*Trinalor Reviews* Sorceress by Lisa Jackson
*Valashain Reviews:* Dying of the Light by George R.R. Martin Wrath of a Mad God by Raymond E. Feist

FBS Exclusive of R. Scott Bakker's Neuropath, the FBS Book Tournament Final Four, and a Neal Asher Interview - March 30, 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:58:36 -0400

Jay dropped the exclusive earlier this week, but it has to be highlighted once again. Exclusive to FBS is an excerpt of R. Scott Bakker's upcoming novel Neuropath. R. Scott Bakker is most well known for his Prince of Nothing series that has been garnering a lot of attention with recent releases. Be sure to check out the first chapter of Neuropath here!

The FBS Second Annual Book Tournament has the final four set for both tournaments. However, unlike the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, it would be safe to say that not all of the remaining competitors were top seeds in their divisions. For example, who would have believed that Dark Harvest and Shadowstorm would have vanquished their prominent opponents? Well, some have claimed to, but their brackets have mysteriously disappeared like bigfoot does when someone has a high quality camera. The All-Time Tournament had a more expected route to the final four with Gormenghast, The Lord of the Rings, The Master & Margarita, and Watchmen advancing to the next to final round. Be sure to get your vote in to determine which tale will be fighting for fame in the championship game! One can vote at the following links: 2007 Tournament and All Time Tournament, 2007.

We have a special treat this week as Neal Asher sat down with FBS reviewer John Markley for a chat. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Asher, I will let him explain what his books are like:

"First and foremost: entertainment. I’ve stated before that I come from the Arnold Schwartzenneger school of SF. My aim is to tell you an enjoyable story that keeps you reading until the last page, then wanting more. It’s violent stuff, packed with ‘technology indistinguishable from magic’, massive spaceships, superhumans and super androids, lethal alien technology, lethal aliens, high-tech weaponry and some decidedly odd characters. This is not to say that it doesn’t deal with some ‘deeper’ issues, but I don’t let that get in the way of story. Oh, and explosions, mustn’t forget the explosions.

What you won’t find in my books is navel-gazing introspection, stunning (or rambling) prose for its own sake, didactic political bullshit, the ad nauseum over-development of a character’s history and that meandering slide into the arty-farty-literarty spectrum of the SF world. Everything first bows to entertainment and story."

Wow.

Spinetingler has some new kicks, so be sure to check them out. Plus, big news is brewing behind the scenes. Be sure to read the first few posts at SpinetinglerMag.com to get the skinny.

We have some pretty good reviews this week, one of which is the book of the recently released movie adaption Jumper.

-Patrick

*lifeinmoments Reviews:* The Undead Kama Sutra by Mario Acevedo	*Maria Reviews:* Poltergeist by Kat Richardson
*Roxy Reviews:* Jumper by Stephen Gould	*Valashain Reviews* The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling

Neuropath by R. Scott Bakker - First Chapter Online (FBS exclusive)

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:00:38 -0400

This was one bit of news that could not be contained by the News Area it needs to be front page.

Exclusive to FBS check out the first chapter of R. Scott Bakker's forthcoming Neuropath

Read and Enjoy!

FBS Book Tournament Elite 8 and Reviews, Including Enchanted from Walt Disney Pictures - March 24, 2008

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:26:45 -0400

The FBS Second Annual Book Tournament is spiraling towards the final match-ups, but before we get that far, the Elite 8 have to become a Final Four. To get your vote in, and to check out all the action so far, click on the following links: 2007 Tournament and All Time Tournament, 2007. The match-ups are really starting to become doozies as the competition rises. Be sure to not miss out on any of the fun!

The "Thread of the Week" goes to Lawrence's Favorite short fiction writers. Lawrence has recently ordered some Jeffrey Ford books and wanted to get some feedback from the rest of the land, and boy did the masses speak! Some household names (Jeff Vandemeer and Catherine Valente) are right in the thick of things, but some more obscure names (Brian Evenson and Alan DeNiro) have surfaced. If you have an author in mind, be sure to drop his name; you never know when you can recommend a great read to a fellow fan!

As usual, we have some great looking reviews below. Plus, Damon reviewed FBS's first DVD review of Enchanted - A Walt Disney Production. Be sure to check them out below!

-Patrick

*Amberdrake Reviews:* Shadowplay by Tad Williams Small Favor by Jim Butcher	*Damon Reviews:* Enchanted - Walt Disney Pictures
*Lawrence Reviews:* Dune by Frank Herbert	*lifeinmoments Reviews* Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
*Roxy Reviews:* Marseguro by Edward Willett	*Valashain Reviews* Rage of a Demon King by Raymond E Feist Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson

Fantasybookspot Tournament Elite 8

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:45:53 -0400

New Page 1

Fantasybookspot March Madness Book Tournament Elite 8 starts now...ends March 29th

2007 Tournament

One for Sorrow VS The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate	Under My Roof VS Shadowstorm
The Traitor VS The Metatemporal Detective	Dark Harvest VS Territory

All Time Tournament

Gormenghast VS Fahrenheit 451	Lord of the Rings VS Replay
Sandman VS Watchmen	Master & Margarita VS Lord of the Light