DRAGONMOUNT

I liked the first novella in this series, The Fireborne Blade, and hoped to see more adventures with our two heroines. I did not suspect I would get my wish quite so soon!   Saralene is now the High Mage, but the former holder of the title (recently deceased) has other plans for her. With her trusted companion, the brave knight Sir Maddileh, she must travel to the domain of the eponymous princes and find some way to prevent her imminent demise. Along the journey, the two will also face a perhaps greater challenge—their feelings for each other. Instead of the faux academic papers about dragons we had last time, this book breaks up the narrative with some short folk tales from the perspectives of both the humans and the dragons. The same events are seen quite differently, and the fun juxtaposition of the two feeds neatly into the story.   Despite the high stakes, this book feels slightly lighter in tone to the first one, particularly with the running commentary of their new feline companion. Which is not a complaint by any means!    If this is all we get with these characters, the book provides a satisfying conclusion to the tale, but I certainly wouldn’t complain if we got more of these bite-sized tales every now and again, much like a fantasy equivalent of the Murderbot novellas by Martha Wells.   Recommended, alongside the first one.   Thanks to Tor Publishing for the early review copy.

While the first book by Rebecca Thorne shared a certain amount of DNA with Travis Baldree’s cozy fantasy Legends & Lattes, this one takes Reyna and Kianthe’s story deeper into uncharted waters.   As we discovered last time, Reyna is a former guard to a murderous queen, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage around, but they have both made a quiet life together in the village of Tawney, running a tea shop. There is the small matter of some missing dragon eggs they need to locate before said dragons decide to turn the whole place to ash, plus the continuing threat of Queen Tilaine, but other than that life is good, if perhaps a little too quiet.   A year on, and the search for the eggs has taken our couple far west to Shepara, the home of the Nacean river. They have come to see the lord of the area, Diarn Arlon, who says he will happily help them in their quest, with one small condition—first they have to deal with an annoying pirate problem for him. That problem mainly takes the form of Serina, a Robin Hood-esque pirate who is stealing grain from Diarn Arlon to feed the poor along the length of the river. She is being pursued by Bobbie, who (in a clear case of nominative determinism) is the constable charged with bringing her to justice. Did I mention the two of them used to be friends, and perhaps, something more? And who is the Dastardly Pirate Dreggs?   The generally light-hearted tone of the first story continues here. Bobbie crochets small animals when stressed, and is clearly under a lot of pressure by the number of these that litter the place. Reyna is helping to raise a chaotic baby griffin, and Kianthe’s puns remain truly under-appreciated. All in all, it’s an enjoyable romp and I was glad to spend more time with the existing characters, and meet the new ones. I look forward to reading the next book soon.   Also, a tip of the hat to any fantasy book that makes such a blatant Mass Effect reference that I laughed out loud.   Both books are highly recommended, thanks to Tor for the review copy.

The City in Glass begins with three vengeful angels razing the city of Azril to the ground in fire and fury. Our protagonist—a demon named Vitrine who has spent generations of human lives creating the city by influencing and inspiring its people—dies along with the citizens of Azril. But demons are not welcome in the afterlife, and Vitrine returns to pick up the pieces of herself and her shattered city.   This dreamlike book follows Vitrine as she starts over, rebuilding her Azril piece by piece and person by person. The narrative jumps back and forth between the original Azril and the new Azril, and we get to see Vitrine realize that, although she can use the infinite time afforded to an immortal to grow a city from the ruins of the old, it will never be the original city. Some things are lost forever.   Grief and resilience are major themes in this book. Of course, the perspective of an immortal demon guiding a city into existence over a millennium may not be relatable to most of us. But the emotion of stark loss is, and Vo’s writing brings this mercilessly home. Vitrine, reeling, takes stock of her ruined works and wonders how the world can keep going on as if nothing has changed: "The sky is still blue," Vitrine thought, looking up. "I am not sure that the sky should still be allowed to be blue."   The prose is stunning throughout this book: beautiful and raw and honest. Many of us have experienced grief in the form of the loss of a loved one, through death or separation. Although Vitrine’s loss is of a city and its history and people, it is also the loss of the time spent developing and cherishing that city. The realization that all she has left of it are memories, and that there is no future to dream of with those people, is the same crushing realization that brings the raw grief in all of us.   Despite the impression that you may have at this point, this is not a book that will make you sad! I loved reading this book, and Vo’s biblical “and it was so” way of describing this fantasy world of demons and angels. As Vitrine sets about developing a new city, I was reminded of the mechanics of a civilization-building strategy game. She influences the course of history by encouraging this person to study astronomy, and that person to study commerce. She selects those people who show initiative and guides them into positions of power. She teaches her people to dance, and to read, and to have ambitions and goals. With a few exceptions though, Vitrine is not attached to the people. She is immortal and they are brief, and her project and passion is the city itself.   I could not put this book down and I highly recommend it.

Raquel Petra has everything she could ever want - her wife Marlena, their daughter Atalanta, and a job working alongside Marlena as researchers for the Institute. Specifically, the Global Institute for the Scientific and Humanistic Study of Pocket Worlds, which investigates little bubbles of parallel reality, and the elusive points that connect them to our own. Then, with one tiny mistake, Raquel loses everything in an instant.   Time runs fast in some of these worlds, slow in others. This leads to a wide variety of imaginative uses for time dilation, which is one of my favourite things in the story. Grow crops very quickly in a fast world, then store them in a slow world so they don’t go off. Calculating how old somebody is requires keeping track of all the worlds they’ve been in.    Because the points where you enter a world can be attached to a movable physical object, which can itself be brought inside another world, you end up with worlds within worlds, and all the complexities that might imply. It’s a great science fiction concept to build the tale around, but all the other aspects here shine just as much.   This is a story anchored in the Dominican Republic. Raquel works as an archeologist, exploring the pocket worlds for evidence of the indigenous Taíno people of the Caribbean, something that becomes more relevant as things progress.   On a broader view, it is very much about colonialism, capitalism, environmental disaster, and war. But, primarily it’s about one person’s sadness, grief, and complete self-destructive refusal to let go of what she lost. Those are the parts that really stuck with me after I had finished reading. Ultimately, it’s also about hope, something I am personally very glad for, and you will be too. This story hurts in all the right ways.   Highly recommended.   Thanks to Tor for the early review copy.

When I think about what makes our Wheel of Time (WoT) community "statistically the best," people like Jordan Rannells come to mind.   Having been a part of the WoT community for over 20 years, I've witnessed first-hand the incredible creations born from the joy and love we all share for the world that James Oliver Rigney, better known as Robert Jordan, has given us.   Our community's creativity knows no bounds. From fun ribbons, games, ajah-colored bracelets, stickers, tiny knitted horns hidden around conventions, to fan websites that have been running for nearly three decades, we thrive on our love for WoT, despite the scarcity of official merchandise (looking at you, Sony & Amazon). The lack of merchandise has only driven us to be more inventive!   This brings us to the latest exciting new beginning: the 'Soundscapes' created by Jordan Rannells. After his successful project for Lord of the Rings, he initially thought he wouldn't have the time or energy for another. Thankfully, he was wrong. We are now on the brink of experiencing this incredible new addition to The Wheel of Time literary universe. Don’t just take my word for it- Michael Kramer & Kate Reading, our beloved audiobook narrators, are all about it! Jordan Rannell's passion project features professional voice acting and original scores, immersing listeners in the WoT story in an unprecedented way. I've had the privilege of listening to several samples at various stages of completion, along with those available online, and they are simply astounding. Imagine the rhythmic sound of hammers ringing against steel, lightning sizzling into Shadowspawn, or tanning on the beaches of Tanchico alongside the crashes waves- all while our favorite narrators breathe life into the pages, bringing the weaves of The Wheel of Time to life in a captivating new way.   Now, to the point! This Kickstarter project is not yet fully funded and needs our support. Even a donation of $1 can make a significant impact if enough of us contribute, and there are plenty of us. Let’s show our love for passionate creators like Jordan and help fund this amazing project!   The most exciting aspect of these Kickstarter rewards is that not only can you enjoy immersive soundscapes to accompany your audiobooks, but Jordan is also providing unique opportunities to actively participate in bringing this world to life. YOU can help decide what saidin sounds like or even lend your voice to one of the countless creatures and characters that populate these lands. This level of involvement offers a rare chance to influence and be a part of the rich, dynamic universe you love. Anyone who backs the project or increases their pledge between the posting of this article and August 11th, 2024, will have a chance to win numerous fabulous prizes submitted by Dragonmount, along with a Grand Prize from Jordan Rannells himself! Prizes will be announced Monday, August 5th during Dragonmount’s weekly Live #reWoTch stream. The drawing will take place the following Monday, August 12th, also during #reWoTch.   Let’s gooo, #TwitterofTime, and best of luck to all who contribute! The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills!  

WoTCon 2024 kicked off with a bang headed by the Master of Ceremonies, Matt Hatch from The Dusty Wheel, and WoTCon’s Operations Director, Nae’blis. Opening Ceremonies featured the esteemed Guy Roberts as this year’s Guest of Honor.   With a stellar lineup, including Michael Livingston, Maria Simons, and the talented audiobook duo Michael Kramer and Kate Redding, the stage was set for a remarkable gathering.     Throughout the event, the blend of serious discussion, creative exploration, and WoT knowledge created an atmosphere that was inviting and fun.   The convention was structured into panel sessions, which were categorized into tracks like Main, TV Show, Games & Fun, Book, and Creative. The track names are a bit clunky, but I appreciated the clarity. Each session was rated for spoilers, ensuring all participants could enjoy without fear of unexpected reveals, a thoughtful touch that highlighted the organizers' commitment to inclusivity for all fans.   Panels at WoTCon were a core highlight, offering a variety of topics ranging from in-depth character analyses to speculative discussions about the series’ future. The panels offered a chance to delve deeper into the aspects of The Wheel of Time and encouraged active participation from the audience, making discussions a dynamic exchange. The printed program clearly described each panel, ensuring that attendees could easily follow their interests and engage fully with the content most relevant to them.    One of the most anticipated sessions was the Season 3 Speculation & Adaptation panel, where fans shared their hopes and concerns for the upcoming television adaptation. Another fan-favorite was the WoT Ones panel- a Wheel of Timey twist on the viral Hot Ones spicy wing-eating game show. Speaking of favorites and spice- the relationSHIP panel explored potential romantic pairings within the series, allowing attendees to flex their looney theories in a spicy new way. The WoT IRL- Heroes of the Horn panelists speculated which real-life figures might be tied to the Wheel as Heroes, encouraging interesting discussions.     The WoT Fantasy Draft turned character analysis into an engaging sport, where participants chose characters as if picking a fantasy sports team, leading to lively debates and strategic thinking.    Guests imparted their wisdom with Michael Livingston providing his expert analysis of the Last Battle and content creators providing valuable advice in the Content Creation & How to Do It panel. These were just some highlights, there were plenty more- you can find the full schedule on their website.   Panels aren’t the only thing on the program for WoTCon. The con’s nightlife was definitely kicking!  Friday night's featured a special dinner for content creators, guests and those who purchased the all-inclusive event ticket. The giant sing-along and all the games in the atrium set the tone for a weekend of celebration and connection.    Throughout the weekend, cosplayers showcased their incredible talents, culminating in a vibrant cosplay parade on Saturday.   I saw Bear Elayne and also watched Shael give birth right on stage! Visit our WoTCon 2024 Photo Gallery to see more costumes in action.      The banquet (this time for everyone) on Saturday evening was a highlight, with Matt and Nae'blis providing entertainment by reading anonymous notes from attendees that ranged from heartfelt thanks to delightfully cringy WoT-themed dad jokes and even a donation challenge. We were also treated to Kate Redding & Michael Kramer's reading of "The Grave is No Bar to My Call" from The Great Hunt. It was easy to see the experience was deeply appreciated by all who attended.   Post-dinner, the room transformed into a lively dance party (with a bar!) that lasted all night. We danced so much, we would have made the Tinkers proud. For those less inclined to dance, the atrium hosted a Trivia game and plenty of people to chat with, ensuring there was something for everyone.   It wouldn’t be a Wheel of Time convention without badge ribbons and shenanigans. There were badge ribbons (and stickers!) aplenty. Maria was giving out star stickers, which is so appropriate since she is an absolute star. Creator Salts designed some adorable stickers- a sister of each Ajah, Rand, Matt, Perrin, Valda, some other guys and the cutest Mydraal you've ever seen. Callie handed out amazing Ajah-colored bracelets that everyone rocked all weekend.     Koala Sedai presented a giant-sized Uno card from her Cards of Time game to Guy Roberts, but not before she got all the backers of her Kickstarter to sign it!   The Black Tower held a pinning ceremony where they raised members to Dedicated and Asha’man, including Penny "The Cake Lady" Laspina & Guy Roberts!      Roofmistress Leigh-a presided over a ceremony where two Internet besties meeting in person for the first time became first sisters!    The con closed with an improv session that perfectly displayed the spirit of community and fun among our fandom.  This was a gathering of friends, both old and new, united by their love for The Wheel of Time.   As the convention wrapped up, the sense of community lingered. Plans were already being made for next year, with many—including myself—planning to arrive a day early to partake in the pre-con fun. WoTCon was a vibrant celebration of The Wheel of Time, its fans, and the bonds that tie us together.   I left Columbus with a heart full of memories and a renewed excitement for the series we all hold dear. WoTCon 2024 was an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to see what next year holds!   I’m going to leave you with my favorite photo of the weekend. Sparkles, bubbles, coffee, Maria, Michael, rubber ducks, cocktails, cameras, and smiles all around. It sums us right up!

This novella has quite a different setting from Aliette de Bodard’s recent Xuya books, but it’s an equally fascinating place.   Việt Nhi is a lowly member of the Rooster clan, one of the four opposed navigator clans who help guide ships through the Hollows; another space entirely that is used as a shortcut to achieve faster-than-light travel. As with many shortcuts, there is a slight catch. The Hollows are also home to a form of life known as the Tanglers; large unknowable creatures with deadly intangible tendrils that love to feed on the travellers who cross through their realm.   The navigators are not defenceless however—they can project their life energy into a form known as their Shadow; a force that can tear open holes in the universe and protect their ships from harm. Sometimes though, Nhi just uses it to give herself a nice hug when she is feeling stressed out by life.   And Nhi is certainly stressed. Not only has one of these eldritch horrors escaped from the Hollows intent on devouring everything in its path, not only is she being sent to find and catch it, but she will have to work with delegates of the other three clans to do so, accompanied by an aloof imperial envoy intent on keeping everybody in line.   Nhi does not do well with people. They do not always make sense to her, and she finds social interactions particularly wearing. Plus, all the clans barely tolerate each other at the best of times, so this will be quite the challenge of teamwork. To complicate matters even further, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to another member of the team…   With a queer and neurodivergent main protagonist, and a band of lovably broken outcasts, this is a fun tale inspired by xianxia-style martial arts, but rooted in science fiction with an undercurrent of romance. It does a lot of world building despite the short length, and I hope we will get to see these characters again, or at least have more stories set in the same universe.   Definitely worth your time.   Thanks to Tor Publishing for the early review copy.