Fireblood by Jeff Wheeler is a nice new fantasy find for me.
It's the first in a series, and is clearly written as such. This book does not stand alone, so if you're someone who needs instant gratification, I would wait until the rest are available before you pick this one up. Mr. Wheeler does an excellent job of continuing the tradition of Tolkien and his like by crafting a well fleshed out world and telling an epic tale without taking any shortcuts or rushing through a plot. The thoroughness may feel too slow for some; here's a hint: If Lord of the Rings was too slow of a read for you, don't attempt this one.
This book focuses on the formation of an elite expedition by Tyrus of Kenatos. Tyrus intends to defy the Arch Ryke and venture into the Scourgelands to find the source of the recurring plagues that have been a constant source of agony and death over multiple generations. Two of his "recruits" are his alleged niece and nephew who were separated at birth and who have no idea of the other's existence until the events in the book begin taking place.
I'm excited to see where the next installment takes them.
- Peanut Butter Bourbon-filled Doughnuts? Yes, please.
- I know this is slightly old news now (sorry, jeez, I was moving...), but in case you missed it: Watch this adorable interview with the interracial Cheerios girl who proved so controversial.
- An oldie but a goodie (and mostly for my friend Jess): The power of sedatives used during wisdom teeth surgery makes one girl very remorseful about murdering her beloved teeth. "They were just tryin' to help me chew!"
- Life measured out in jelly beans. Seriously, watch this video. It will really make you stop and think about how you spend your days.
- I'm easily amused, but I think these famous pictures redone as selfies are very interesting.
- A fourteen year old girl is raped and then her community (adults and teens) slut-shames her instead of standing behind her. This kind of behavior has got to stop people. It's never the victims fault, no matter what she chose to drink or wear. NEVER!
- I've often joked that my improbably high heels could double as a weapon, but I never thought I'd actually see it as a real headline.
- Glenn Arthur's Forever Fabled series is my ideal blend of rockabilly, pinup, and classic fairy tales.
- For all of you fellow Sherlock Holmes fans: Interesting breakdown of the current suit between the Conan Doyle estate and several authors (including one of my faves, Laurie R. King) over the copyright for Sherlock Holmes. Is he public domain or not?
- Everything in the Out of Print store is now on my Christmas list. I want all of the bookish stuff!
- Neil Gaiman is one of the most prominent writerly voices in social media. Here's why he's planning to unplug and take a sabbatical from all his blogging, tweeting, and updating.
- Human-powered helicopter. Yep, da Vinci would be proud.
- Edible flowers fascinate me. I would love to learn to use them. They seem so ethereal and somehow very British to me.
- Get ready to go "awwww": Parent's compiled this video of their son featuring one second from each day of the first year of his life.
- Fat Heroes. I kind of want this framed.
