S&L Podcast - #277 - The January No-Beer Problem

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We commend Terry Brooks' foresight, possibly convince Veronica to watch the Man in the High Castle some more, and give you important information to get the most of The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu.    

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WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Dry January!
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Alex: with a new quadrilogy, titled The Fall of Shannara, Terry Brooks is bringing the series to a close --- TERRY BROOKS: Well, my original plan was to live forever, but I’m discovering that’s probably not going to happen, and I don’t want to be one of those authors whose series, after going on such a long time, gets written by somebody else at the end. So I decided it was time to at least write the ending, because I’ve had it in mind for many, many years.  --- The Black Elfstone (out June 13, 2017)
    
Nokomis.FL: The Man in the High Castle Gets A Third Season and New Showrunner
    
Sporadic Reviews: From Galaxy's Edge magazine :
We have a new blog called Signals from the Edge managed by Lezli Robyn. Check it out...we plan to develop it as a general site for all SF/Fantasy news and to have discussion on stories published by us (with author participation). We'd love to hear your feedback on what you would like to see.
   
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
Music
 

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So to share some holiday reading, I have completed ""The Girl With Ghost Eyes"" by M.H. Boroson and I wanted to put it on your radar. It's an awesome urban fantasy set in 1800's San Francisco Chinatown. The setting felt really well researched and historical San Francisco Chinatown really comes alive in the same way historical New York comes alive in ""The Golem and the Jinni. 

A Closed and Common Orbit"" by Becky Chambers is also great. Without mentioning spoilers, it very much has the same hopeful and humanist tone of ""The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet"". The setting of these books feels really unique. It obviously draws a degree of inspiration from Star Trek and Star Wars but takes ideas from those universes and does it's own distinct thing with them.

Currently I am working on "Wake of Vultures" by Lila Bowen.

MP

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So in sync with Sword and Laser lately! I was on page 110 of The Three Body Problem when I heard the podcast and that that would be the January pick! I am planning to read the whole trilogy over my holiday break (off work until January 3rd - woo hoo!). I had The Rook on my shelf for a while to read and so when that was December's pick, I read that and liked it so much I bought the sequel on Kindle and have started that, too. Like Veronica, I am hoping more Myfawny shows up.

Robyn  

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In Episode #276, you excoriated us for not responding with our holiday reading list.  Shamefacedly, I began writing this email - and was stunned when Tom announced the book for January.  I have just finished ""The Three-Body Problem"" and I'm currently reading book #2, ""The Dark Forest.""  I had some attention deficit issues during some sections of the first book that I ascribe to the cultural differences between my background and the author's.  Nonetheless, I'm enjoying the story. The translator managed to make it understandable for Americans while still retaining some of the Chinese flavor.

Thanks for the podcast,
Gregg
---

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
January Pick: Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Book briefing

ADDENDUMS    
Tom and Veronica will be at Baycon!

Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.

Welcome to Brand new patrons Karen Turner, Paul, Peter DeCastro and more! And huge thanks to Andrew for raising his pledge!
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
    

S&L Podcast - #276 - By Hook or by Rook

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We discuss whether the central plot device (the hook!) of the Rook is a cliche or clever. Plus, how to find the best stories in SciFi and Fantasy and help authors get exposure at the same time.

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WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Irish Egg Nog    (Carolan's Irish Creme, Bulleit Bourbon, Coffee, Nutmeg)
Veronica: Red blend    
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Full trailer for The Expanse Season 2, with a new premiere date (a week earlier). Season 2 of The Expanse premieres on February 1, 2017 on Syfy.
    
Louie: Cover reveal for book #7 in The Expanse series, Persepolis Rising
    
Kenley: For the first time, Wired magazine's is all fiction written by science fiction authors. January 2017 issue. "15 fantastic tales from an uncertain future."  Available now for digital subscribers. Probably on the newsstand soon. Hat tip to Tassie Dave for the link
    
Ten of 2016's most notable African science fiction and fantasy stories
    
Shad: The first draft of Brandon Sanderson's Oathbringer (Stormlight #3) is done and set for a November 2017 release date.
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
2016 Year in Review

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Hi Tom and Veronica

You asked on episode 275 for us to write in with what we will be reading over the holidays. I'm most excited to read A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers, which I ordered from the UK. I wanted the pretty cover and to read it before March! I loved the first book (A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet) so much. And I will also read The Rook.

Happy Holidays!
Jenny Colvin (@readingenvy)

--- 
    
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
January Pick: Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
    
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley    
    
Story setup: Clever or cliched?
    
TR: Easter eggs - no plot spoilers
    
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
    
    
    

S&L Podcast - #275 - Get Hip With the Rook

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We kick off our December book, the Rook by Daniel O’Malley and we are so excited for Lin-Manuel Miranda to team up with Patrick Rothfuss.

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WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Bowmore 15-year Islay Scotch
Veronica: Water    
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Sandra: Lin-Manuel Miranda will be the creative producer for Patrick Rothfuss’ The Kingkiller Chronicle adaptions!
    
Sandra: Here's a handy list of almost every SFF adaption that's coming to TV and film, via Tor. 
    
Silvana: There will be 8 or 9 more Dunk and Egg stories, said GRRM recently in an interview in Mexico. 
Full interview here (fast forward to 3rd minute). He also recommends people to read books from Daniel Abraham, Patrick Rothfuss, Scott Lynch and Robin Hobb. And of course Tolkien and Vance. Lots of interesting questions and answers in there.
    
Alex: Found via tor.com; an interview with Brandon Sanderson at He talks about several things (writing characters, writing different genres, and more writing). But the best part for me is that the next stormlight is almost done.
And Julio adds: The first draft is 99% done, to be precise. In his website he has progress bars for his many projects.     
    
Aaron: Ann and Jeff Vandermeer have announced The Big Book of Classic Fantasy.   
    
terpkristin: Peter Vaughan, Maester Aemon in HBO's GoT, has passed away at the age of 93. 
Silvana: RIP Ron Glass
    
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
Book briefing for The Rook
    
Tassie Dave: This book has been on my radar for a few years. I hope it lives up to the wait. This is also our first ever Aussie S&L book :-) and only our 3rd ever book by a Southern Hemisphere born author (We had an alternate pick by Kiwi Adam Christopher in 2012) and Tolkien (The Hobbit) was born in South Africa. It is also the 100th book we've read for S&L (91 official picks and 9 alternates).

ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser

Welcome to new patron Keith Olson and thanks to Robin Hill who raised their pledge!   
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks

S&L Podcast - #274 - Wrap Up of Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong

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We wrap up our thoughts on the cartoon violence and snappy dialog of David Wong's dissertation on lawlessness in Tabula Rasa. We think we know what it could be a metaphor for. Whether it is or not is left as an exercise for the reader.

Download now!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Cakebread Cellars: 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Veronica: Bulleit Rye

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION

Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong

Next month: The Rook by Daniel O'Malley

S&L Podcast - #273 - Han Solo’s Big Sister

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We are optimistic for Dune, excited for The Expanse, and hopeful for Stranger in a Strange Land. But we’re certain of what we want Emilia Clarke to be in the Han Solo movie.  

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WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom:    Air
Veronica: Bulleitt Rye
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Legendary acquires Dune
    
Louie: The Expanse Season 2 premiere date announced, with teaser. 
    
Sandra: Syfy will be adapting Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
    
John (Nevets) One thing I'm not forgetting is that Worldbuilders.org annual fundraiser for heifer international is starting up again. It's a great organization to support with many cool potential prizes for donating. Heck, even Veronica had donated prizes in the past. 
    
Nokomis.FL - Analog and Asimov’s magazines go bimonthly
    
Stephen: Guess who got a role in the new Han Solo movie? Why the Mother of Dragons!! 
The makers of the great Lego Movie are in charge, so it has to be good, right?
    
BARE YOUR SWORD

Call from Sean (??)

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
Next month: The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
    
Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong
    
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.

You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
    

S&L Podcast - #272 - Best Cats and Dogs of SciFi

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We congratulate Brandon Sanderson and the World Fantasy Award winners and try to calibrate the futuristic violence for you. The fancy suits calibrate themselves.

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WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Gumption - Woodchuck Cider
Veronica: Bulleit Rye
    
QUICK BURNS
    
ladymurmur: The complete Garrett P.I. series is finally available on Kindle (and hopefully all other ebook platforms)! Red Iron Nights, #6 of 14 in the Garrett, P.I. series by Glen Cook is now available, after a very looooooong wait.
    
terpkristin: tor.com has the World Fantasy Award winners listed for 2016. In addition to the normal awards, Andrzej Sapkowski and David G. Hartwell were given Lifetime Achievement awards. The Best Novel winner, The Chimes, has me intrigued."  
    
Trike: TV Tropes comes through again with their Grand Unified Timeline. It's the exact thing I was wishing for in the earlier post. 
    
Aaron: Tor posted a new short story answering the question asked by innumerable readers of the novel All the Birds in the Sky: what happened to Patricia’s cat? 
    
Tomp: Brandon Sanderson has a movie deal for his whole Cosmere.
    
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
Best Cats in SFF?
    
Best Dogs in SFF?
    
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong
Patreon book briefing
    
By the way, Tom had the vote totals wrong on the last patreon poll, but this book still would have won.    

ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser    
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
    

S&L Podcast - #271 - Awkward Jinni Conversations

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We discover that some people's names just don't work as awards. We're excited about a site full of fictional timelines. And we ponder troubling jinni paternity questions.

Download directly here!

QUICK BURNS

Silvana: Just in case it is not yet in this thread, this is a website containing timelines of everything SFF from books, comics, movies, TV show etc.


'AllTimelines.com’ 
The website All Timelines, created by former Screen Rant writer Jason Hamilton, was recently launched. As the title suggests, it is a collection of multiple fictional universe histories, including Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Doctor Who just to name a few. When viewing a chronology, users are able to filter the timeline to show only the items they want to see (i.e. films, TV episodes, novels) for maximum convenience. It is also possible to sort by date, author, or name.

Fiona: Don't know if someone else has posted this yet.
BBC Radio 4 is doing Neil Gaimans Neverwhere story "How the Marquis got his coat back"! You can listen to it on November 4

Nokomis.FL - Deadpool director Tim Miller will not direct Deadpool 2 and will instead direct the adaptation of Daniel Suarez's novel, Influx.

Iain: Sherri Tepper, the author of Grass has died.
Grass is a really interesting SF novel with very alien aliens. Well worth reading. I strongly recommend it. See the Scalzi memorial for a good write up.

Sandra: You can now vote on the name for the YA award to be given out at Worldcon along with the Hugo Awards. You can read about the controversial topic here and vote here.

BARE YOUR SWORD

Wood Elves suggestions

Subject: Sleuths, spies & sorcerer's

Message: Hello again,

Another BBC update this time TV or iPlayer rather than radio. Andrew Marr (stalwart journalist / presenter -- had stroke recently) presenting series on genre fiction in title sleuths, spies and sorcerer's. Watching episode one of three now on sleuths. Good so far last episode of more interest but should be on iPlayer if you have access.

Regards,

Pob

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION

Next month:

Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong

Wrap Up

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Thoughts on the Jinni and the Golem (Characters)

ADDENDUMS

Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser

You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks

S&L Podcast - #270 - Be a Cat Burglar for Good!

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We don't want you to steal cats (not even books, really), just to take home the exhibit from the Museum of Science Fiction. We'll explain! Plus, you must cast your vote for the classic or the new! Will you vote against Veronica?

Download directly here!
    
WHAT ARE WE PLEDGING?

We have new levels for the Patreon!   
$10 - Knighthood level
You will now also get access to the Monthly Silliness show
Call yourself Knight of the Realm. Or a Space Marine. Whichever you like!

$20 - Now to be known as Lem’s Librarians
You will still get access to monthly silliness show
You will also get access to Lem's Library!
Details will come but essentially if you live in the US you'll get to request one book a month from a list of the advance copies we get. Shipping costs are prohibitive for outside the US for now but we're working on that.
    
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Terpkristin: Interesting statistics out from the American Association of Publishers. Audiobook sales are up, e-book sales are down. Paperback books are also up, apparently...so I guess the "artisanal analog tree-sourced reading material" is making a little bit of a comeback? I find it intriguing, because my audiobook purchases have gone up since Amazon started Whispersync for Voice, but that means I end up buying books in 2 formats...
    
Dara: Stars of the spoken word: Meet the audiobook narrators who are quietly saving book publishing.   
    
Nokomis.FL - The Dark Tower trailer got leaked AND The trailer for 'The Man in the High Castle' is out. 
    
Sandra: A movie adaptation of Peter V. Brett’s The Warded Man is in the works (option acquired by New Harlem) 
    
Dara: Wesley Chu's The Lives of Tao has been optioned by ABC. I have a feeling this could be kind of a Chuck 2.0.
    
Thane: Lost Fleet by Jack Campbell gets a comic book adaptation. Lost Fleet is some really good, straightforward military sci-fi.
    
Lauren: The Museum of Science Fiction has a new Kickstarter called 'Catalysts, Explorers & Secret Keepers: Women of Science Fiction'. It is a take-home exhibit & anthology by the Museum of Science Fiction featuring short stories and reprints by women in science fiction. It has beautiful illustrations by Julie Dillon. 
    
Nokomis.FL And the name of the next Expanse book is: "Some people seem to get angry that it's hard to make things and it takes time to do it. However, we're 2k words in Persepolis Rising now." (Babylon's Ashes comes out December 6)
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
Fan trailer for Ancillary Justice
    
So What Are Some Good Books Written In Established Universes, not by the original author?
    
The Defenders (Netflix)
    
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
Taking a Patron vote for the November book. Patrons at any level can vote.    
Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong    
Slan by A. E. Van Vogt - (which was recently given the 1940 retro Hugo Award)
    
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Patron book briefing
    
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser    
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks

S&L Podcast - #269 - Artisanal Analog Tree-Sourced Reading Material

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We look for authors who satisfy like Scalzi, find out how dirty the new dirty editions of The Magicians are and discuss an ethical question regarding library books. 

Download directly here!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Lagavulin 16yr.
Veronica: Brosé
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Terpkristin: There's a Witcher stamp! It seems based on the game, not necessarily the book, but how cool is that?  
    
Stephen: If the sheer number of characters stops you from attempting to start Steven Erikson's Malazan series, Tor.com has listed the characters of Gardens of the Moon with artist renderings. 
    
Trike: Star Trek: Discovery TV series delayed until May
    
Tamahome: NSFW version of The Magicians tv series released online: Now if they could just do the same with Avasarala and The Expanse. 
    
Nokomis.FL: If you liked The Expanse, you'll be happy to know that Allen Steele's Coyote has optioned for television.
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
I want more Scalzi
    
Library Etiquette: To Return or Not Return?
   
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
NEXT MONTH: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
    
Book Wrap up    
A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge
    
The Tines are Great
Usenet in Spaaaaace!
Pet Peeve: Alien POV
    
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser   
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.

S&L Podcast - #268 - "Underrated" is Not a Dirty Word

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We praise the underrated and print books, and we get into the dog-eat-dog world of Fire Upon the Deep!

Download directly!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Suntory Old Whisky    
Veronica: Water    
    
QUICK BURNS

Dharmakirti: Today (8/25), on his blog, R. Scott Bakker announced, "with details forthcoming..it looks like we have a deal for the television rights to The Prince of Nothing." My favorite fantasy series might become a TV series :) For those interested in philosophy of the mind or cognitive science he also announced, ""The Journal of Consciousness Studies has accepted 'On Alien Philosophy' for publication, likely, I’m told, for some time in early 2017. "
    
Mark: The Pew Research Center released their "Book Reading 2016" report this month. Note: Their analysis is US-centric. "65% of Americans have read a print book in the last year, more than double the share that has read an e-book (28%) and more than four times the share that has consumed book content via audio book (14%)" "The share of e-book readers on tablets has more than tripled since 2011 and the number of readers on phones has more than doubled over that time, while the share reading on e-book reading devices has not changed."
    
SporadicReviews: Dragon Awards are up.
    
Mark: OMNI just published an interesting article titled "Most Underrated Sci-Fi Authors". Several are on the S&L bookshelf. I don't agree that all these authors are underrated, but it's a fine group of classic science-fiction creators plus book recommendations. The photos with the article are terrific. In particular, we get to see Stanislaw Lem's expression when he heard about Veronica's struggles with Memoirs Found in a Bathtub! 
    
Misti: Audible Channels available for Amazon Prime Subscribers. Looks like most of the original content isn't going to become available till next year but there is some classic sci-fi stuff available. 
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
What's your fave source for news about genre fiction?
    
Horror Suggestions
    
Novellas/novelettes from slow writers

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am looking for ways to promote our convention and I was hoping that you might be able to help me. HonorCon is a military science fiction and fantasy convention which focuses mainly on authors and books in that genre. This year, in addition to David Weber, we will have Claudia Christian as our guest of honor. We have numerous panels dealing with publishing, writing and just about everything else a good science fiction convention requires (we have a costume contest and lots of fan panels, etc.) but what we really need is more people to come and have fun at our convention. Toward that end, I'm asking for your help. 

Thank you for your time,

Very Respectfully!

Peter J. Gordon

---

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge
Book notes for patrons here.
 
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks. 

S&L Podcast - #267 - We Pick the Best Wizard School

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The Hugos are in, for 2016 and 1941! And although the Thorn of Emberlain is delayed, we understand. We also pick our favorite wizard school and wrap up The Last Wish. 

Download directly here!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: In n Out
Veronica: Piederosso
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Rob: The Fifth Season won the Hugo! And the rest   
    
Clyde: The 1941 Worldcon did not present Hugo Awards. MidAmeriCon II elected to present Retro-Hugo Awards for works first published in 1940 that would have been eligible for the 1941 Hugo Awards had there been Awards presented in 1941.
    
Silvana: Publication date of The Thorn of Emberlain, 4th novel of the Gentlemen Bastard series, is delayed again. It is okay, Scott, we'll be waiting. And congrats for your upcoming marriage to Elizabeth Bear!
    
Mark: For Douglas Adams fans, a TV series based on Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, coproduced by Netflix and BBC America [[The show will premiere on BBC America on October 22 and all eight episodes will launch on Netflix outside the U.S. in December]]
    
Silvana: James Purefoy aka Marc Anthony has been cast in Altered Carbon adaptation. Now I may need to read the book.
    
Nick: For fans of The Clockwork Dagger, there's the release of Beth Cato's Breath of Earth. It's a steampunk alt history set in 1906 San Francisco featuring magic, geomancy and a heroine who sounds and looks truly badass.
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
Alex: I'll have you know, me and my friends still use live journal daily! So it's not only GRRMartin who's keeping the site afloat xD
     
What's your favorite Wizard School?
    
Kindle (and other ebooks!) Daily Deal  
       
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
Wrap up:     
Last Wish: The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
    
TLW More Stories, Less Filling
    
TLW: Geralt Cosplay
    
Next Month: A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge
Book notes for patrons here.
    
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
    

S&L Podcast - #266 - Are You Reading Too Much?

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This week we dive into our (non-spoilery) thoughts on the Witcher and get excited about a movie based on Ted Chiang's story and a TV series based on George R. R. Martin's Wild Cards. But Brad poses a question about how one tells if they're reading too much.

Download directly here!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Water

Veronica: Omission Lager

QUICK BURNS

Stephen and Louie: First Arrival trailer (Based on The Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang)

Mark: George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards is coming to television.

Tamahome: Help Decide Which Characters Will Be in GRRM’s Wild Cards TV Show

Robyn: StoryBundle is currently offering a space opera themed bundle

Tamahome: The Self-Published Scifi Sensation Zenith Is the Latest eBook to Make the Jump to Physical Media

Amy: Vote for DragonCon awards! Nominees

Sandra: Announcing the 2016 Aurora Awards Winners!

BARE YOUR SWORD - add time stamp!Feedback from the audience

Trouble Reading At Times

Lots of you wrote in with suggestions about the angel noir author that Rob started a few weeks ago. Well, none of us were right! Rob himself says that he was mis-remembering the whole situation... but he told us in the best way possible:

"I was back in my office by five. It'd been a case with as many turns as a lost millenial playing Pokemon Go while driving. As dangerous too. And now that it was finally closed, I wondered if it was worth it. Turns out that what I was looking for? It didn't even exist. All I'd done was proven I'd gotten old. I'd forgotten things. I'd warped them to fit my own twisted narrative. I pored myself a slug and didn't bother to taste it as it went down, then left my office again to go home. It was late.

The streets were darker with something more than night."

Rob says he can't, of course, take credit for the last line: "To be clear, that last line isn't me, it's my favorite Chandler quote"

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION

The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Polish TV series

Poland Stuff

Next episode: Thursday 8/25, then the next episode after that: Tuesday, 9/14

ADDENDUMS

Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.

You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.

S&L Podcast - #265 - Zombies and LARPers: The Nerdist Inkshares Winners!

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We talk with Dave Barrett, author of Inkshares book It's All Fun and Games and Zac Linville author of Inkshares book Welcome to Deadland. One has zombie-like inhabitants based on theme park patrons and the other finds a LARP outing becoming all too real. 

Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.

You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.

Download directly here!

 

S&L Podcast - #264 - Will the Real Witcher Please Stand Up

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We have an excellent conversation about great character names and revel in the news of rising print book sales. But the big question is, which Witcher is canon?

Download directly here!
    
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Sonoma Cider: The Anvil: Bourbon
Veronica: Water    
    
QUICK BURNS
    
eStories launches an alternative source for audiobooks
    
Surprise revival in UK printed book sales, with ebooks dipping / Boing Boing
    
Louie: Akiva Goldsman attempts to adapt Asimov's The Caves of Steel. He previously brought I, Robot to the big screen. Let's hope previous results are not a sign of future results.
    
Alex: The Economist has an interesting article on how the Discworld novels have resisted adaptation
    
Alex: Small follow up to the post on the Big Book of Science Fiction. In this interview Ann and Jeff Vandermeer mention they also want to do a Big Book of Fantasy.
    
BARE YOUR SWORD
    
Great Character Names
    
Fantasy Westerns/Weird West suggestions?
    
Please help, listeners with good memories! What was that book/author....
    
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
Kickoff:  The Last Wish: Introducing The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
    
Patron Book Notes
    
ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks

S&L Podcast - #263 - When to Judge a Book by its Cover

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We're excited about American Gods. We have mixed feelings about Time Traders. And we definitely understand why you might have to judge a book by its cover, but there's a good reason to try not to. Except in one particular case.

Download directly here!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Hacienda de Chihuahua Tequila

Veronica:  Omission Lager

QUICK BURNS

Sandra: The nominees for the 2016 World Fantasy Awards have been announced!

David: Story Bundle is offering a selection of the best Japanese Science Fiction in their "Haikasoru Japan Sci Fi"" e-book bundle. Works include Ken Liu's Hugo winning story ""Mono No Aware"" and Locus Award anthology nominee "Hanzai Japan" among others. 

Paul: Renee Elise Goldsberry, of Hamilton fame, will play Quellcrist Falconer in the upcoming Netflix series ALTERED CARBON

Rob: Admiral Thrawn is being officially re-added to Star Wars cannon! Not only is going to be making an appearance in season 3 of Star Wars Rebels, there will be a new book coming out next year by Timothy Zahn simply called Thrawn.

Alex: Ann & Jeff Vandermeer just released an 1200+ page anthology containing 97 short science fiction stories, The Big Book of Science Fiction. The stories range from 1897 (H.G. Wells - The Star) to 2002 (Johanna Sinisalo - Baby Doll). They also cover the whole breadth of the genre of science fiction, space opera, hard SF, cyberpunk, the New Wave, and more. Written by people like Ursula K. Le Guin, Cixin Liu, George R.R. Martin, Octavia Butler, Harlan Ellison, Jorge Luis Borges and so much more!

Thane: Chronicles of Amber is going to be brought to TV! I don't know if Kirkman is the right guy for it, but I'll certainly give it a shot. Roger Zelazny might just be my favorite author.

Iain: American Gods trailer wheee!

BARE YOUR SWORD

Have you ever judged something unfairly?

Membership to MidAmeriCon from Carrie!

Carrie, one of our wonderful Patreon backers, has offered to transfer her attending membership to MidAmeriCon in Kansas City, this August 17-21st. She can't make it, but wants to see another S&L member enjoy it on her behalf! 

I thought we could open it up to our Patreon backers first, so if you're a backer in good standing send us a message if you can make it! If we don't hear from anyone within the next few days, we'll make a post about it on the forums. 

Thank you for your generosity, Carrie!

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION

Mention August Book: The Last Wish: Introducing The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski

Wrap up:  Time Traders by Andre Norton

This was... slightly disappointing (Full Spoilers)

The Rules of Non-Interference?

Differences between the original version and edited 2000 version

ADDENDUMS

Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser

You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks

S&L Podcast - #261 - The Restaurant at the End of the Barnes & Noble

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Looks like your old bookstore is getting into fancy dinners, plus the rise of book-based card games and how Time Traders proves you live in the wrong time. 

Direct download here!
    
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?    
Tom: Crispin Apple Cider    
Veronica: Omission Lager    
    
QUICK BURNS
    
Lindsey: The Girl With All the Gifts trailer came out this week -- it looks really awesome and intense. The movie is premiering in September in the UK, no US distributor yet but fingers crossed!     
        
Terpkristin: Barnes & Noble is going to open what I can only imagine are going to be some reading restaurants: "Mr. Boire announced that Barnes & Noble would open four new concept stores in Fiscal 2017, complete with a new restaurant featuring an expanded menu along with a beer and wine offering. In addition to opening the first new store in Eastchester, NY, this October, the Company plans to open stores at the Edina Galleria in Edina, MN, at the Palladio in Folsom, CA, and at One Loudon in Loudon, VA."  
    
Silvana: Locus Award winners: Congrats Naomi Novik (best fantasy) and Ann Leckie (best SF)!
    
Terpkristin: There's a Kickstarter for a Mistborn board/card game. It ends July 20th, so those board game fans out there who also like Mistborn might want to check it out! 
    
Paulo: Seems that a series of books will be written about the Mass Effect universe before the next game is launched. The first one, titled Mass Effect Andromeda: Initation, will be launched next August and it was written by none other than N. K. Jemisin
    
Silvana: JK Rowling released the history of Ilvermorny magical school
Slytherin's wand! And there is a sorting quiz! I got Thunderbird (the adventurous one) 
    
Robyn: Ready Player One has started production! Yay!
       
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION    
    
July Book: Time Traders by Andre Norton
    
TTT: Differences between the original version and edited 2000 version
    
Notes on Andre Norton and Time Traders for Patrons

ADDENDUMS    
    
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.
    
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.

S&L Podcast - #259 - The Adventures of the Giant Space Hedgehog

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American Gods nails the casting, John W. Campbell Award nails the nominees, and we nail the true origin of the world of Updraft as we wrap up this month's book pick. OK, we're probably wrong about the hedgehog (but we do wrap up Updraft). 

Download directly here!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Water

Veronica: Omission Lager

QUICK BURNS

Sandra: Here's the list of finalists for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. Or as I like to call it one sci-fi book to rule them all.

Michele: Orlando Jones as Mr. Nancy in American Gods - this show's casting is blowing my mind.

These First Images From Bryan Fuller’s American Gods Will Make You Weep With Joy

Sandra: Legendary composer John Williams will score the music for Ready Player One.

Trike: Tor's Fall books released. Cover pr0n!

Nokomis.FL: Ron Howard could be reuniting with his “Apollo 13” scribe Bill Broyles on the movie “Seveneves,” which would have Howard directing and Broyles adapting the script.

BARE YOUR SWORD

How would you read if you were told you were dying?

Frankenstein 16 June 1816

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION

July Book: Time Traders by Andre Norton

Wrapup: Updraft by Fran Wilde

ADDENDUMS

Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons. Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser

You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks