Heidi Anne Heiner's Blog, page 54

Bargain Ebook: Charming (Pax Arcana Book 1) by Elliott James for $1.99

Charming (Pax Arcana Book 1) by Elliott James has been temporarily reduced to $1.99 in ebook format in anticipation of the third full length novel in the series, Fearless (Pax Arcana Book 3), coming out in August. It is usually in the $6-7 range. The second book in the series, Daring, was released last year and is currently $9.99 in ebook format. There are also several novella prequels to the series that I shared when the series launched in 2013.

Book description:

John Charming isn't your average Prince...

He comes from a line of Charmings -- an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chain mail and crossbows to Kevlar and shotguns, John Charming was one of the best--until a curse made him one of the abominations the Knights were sworn to hunt.

That was a lifetime ago. Now, John tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. That is, until a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar...

CHARMING is the first novel in a new urban fantasy series which gives a new twist to the Prince Charming tale.

Grateful Dead in Medieval Romances, Part 2: The History of Oliver and Arthur

I mentioned yesterday in Grateful Dead in Medieval Romances, Part 1 that I had a favorite Grateful Dead themed medieval romance, The History of Oliver and Arthur.

From my introduction to The Grateful Dead Tales From Around the World (SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series):

The History of Oliver and Arthur, a 15th century prose romance, is provided in its entirety in the present volume. Olivier de Castille et Artus d’Algarbe was first published in 1482 in Geneva and traveled around Europe in a few other translations. The Spanish translation influenced a few 17th century Spanish plays to be discussed briefly later.

Now that is not much in my intro for a story I spent a few months getting to know intimately. The History of Oliver and Arthur has been translated into English and it is available for sharing. However, the English translation has only been printed once, in 1903, in a collectors edition volume. Each page of the book looks like this:


It's intended to resemble a medieval illuminated manuscript. Fine concept, but it makes for difficult reading. Very difficult reading. For over 110 pages. Try it at yourself at The History of Oliver and Arthur. So I had Grateful Dead almost finished when I decided I would transcribe the text from this book to share in my book. I spent several winter weeks, evenings mostly, transcribing and then rereading and editing the text. Which made me very intimate with it. Was it my favorite book of the year? No, of course not. But I was fascinated and I have never regretted the decision to transcribe and then share it with the readers of The Grateful Dead Tales From Around the World (SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series). And it is one of my favorite Grateful Dead tales because it is really an exciting adventure with the usual death, sex, violence, and, of course, chivalry.

Grateful Dead in Medieval Romances, Part 1

This weekend offers the much hyped series of Grateful Dead reunion concerts in Chicago. While the band has been entertaining fans for several decades, the Grateful Dead motif has been entertaining through many mediums for centuries. One of the examples of this is in the frequent appearance of the theme in medieval romances in many European countries.

From my introduction to The Grateful Dead Tales From Around the World (SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series):

The Grateful Dead motif can also be found in several chivalric romances from the Middle Ages in various European countries. All of these romances are lengthy and the Grateful Dead motif is only one element of the stories. It is not necessary to summarize each one here for Gerold takes on that task in his monograph. Additionally, each of these romances are AT 508 (now ATU 505) in which the hero, usually a prince or knight, receives help from a Grateful Dead man in winning the hand of a princess by winning a tournament. These stories are rich with moments in which the heroes hold fast to the chivalric code of honor, morality, and loyalty, as well as battlefield ethics.

With the exception of the English Sir Amadas and the French The History of Oliver and Arthur, none of these romances are readily available in English translation. Most are available online in their original languages however.

Sir Amadas, a 13th century English romance also known as Sir Amadace, may predate all of the other romances listed here. It is a metrical poem and the original is not an easy read for the casual reader. For this reason, a modern prose retelling of the story is offered in this present volume. A few versions of the original text can be found online for those seeking the challenge of reading it.

Richars li Biaus, which translates to “Richard the Handsome”, is a 13th century French romance, one of the earliest known instances of the Grateful Dead motif in that country. It was followed by Lions de Bourges, a 14th century French romance that essentially retells the story found in Richars li Biaus with a few variations.

Novella di Messer Dianese e di Messer Gigliotto, is a 14th century Italian romance. Germany has its own version, too, in Rittertriuwe (also known as Rittertreue), a 14th century romance as well.

And that's not all of the romances. I will share a few more tomorrow, especially my favorite, The History of Oliver and Arthur. After that, I will share how these romances influenced European theatre, too. While I was researching this book, I read some of these romances and read excerpts of others. And you know what? Hollywood is missing out. They would make some fun movies, especially The History of Oliver and Arthur which would need a better title but it has plenty of fodder for a fun film.

New Release: Of Enemies and Endings (The Ever Afters) by Shelby Bach

(US/UK Links)
Of Enemies and Endings (The Ever Afters) by Shelby Bach is released this week in the US and the UK, see Of Enemies and Endings (Ever Afters) (UK Link). This is the third book in the Ever Afters series, following Of Giants and Ice (The Ever Afters Book 1) and Of Witches and Wind (The Ever Afters Book 2).

Book description:

Rory and her friends are determined to stop the Snow Queen once and for all in this thrilling conclusion to the Ever After series, which Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced combination of middle school realism and fairy-tale fantasy.”

After three years at Ever After School, Rory Landon is finally getting her very own fairy tale—but it is no happily-ever-after. She discovers that she has an Unwritten Tale, one that has never been told before.

As the war with the Snow Queen escalates, Rory can’t help but be distracted by her friend Chase’s odd and disappointing behavior. Not only is he suddenly ignoring her and letting her down on missions, he’s also dating a girl he doesn’t even remember asking out!

When the Ever After School is attacked, no one can figure out how the Snow Queen got past their defenses. Her sister Rapunzel is a prime suspect, but Rory thinks Rapunzel might actually hold the key to undoing all of the Snow Queen’s terrible magic. Can Rory put the pieces together in time to save her family, friends, and the school she has come to love, or will she fail and leave her tale unfinished?

Bargain Ebook: Don't Know Much About Mythology by Kenneth C. Davis TODAY ONLY

Don't Know Much About Mythology: Everything You Need to Know About the Greatest Stories in Human History but Never Learned (Don't Know Much About Series) by Kenneth C. Davis is on sale in ebook format today only for $1.99.

Book description:

The latest installment in the New York Times bestselling Don't Know Much About® series -- a magical journey into the timeless world of mythology

It has been fifteen years since Kenneth C. Davis first dazzled audiences with his instant classic Don't Know Much About® History, vividly bringing the past to life and proving that Americans don't hate history, they just hate the dull, textbook version they were fed in school. With humor, wit, and a knack for storytelling, Davis has been bringing readers of all ages up to speed on history, geography, and science ever since. Now, in the classic traditions of Edith Hamilton and Joseph Campbell, he turns his talents to the world of myth.

Where do we come from? Why do stars shine and the seasons change? What is evil? Since the beginning of time, people have answered such questions by crafting imaginative stories that have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature. In his irreverent and popular question-and-answer style, Davis introduces and explains the great myths of the world, as well as the works of literature that have made them famous. In a single volume, he tackles Mesopotamia's Gilgamesh, the first hero in world mythology; Achilles and the Trojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Thor, the Nordic god of thunder; Chinese oracle bones; the use of peyote in ancient Native American rites; and the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha.

Ever familiar and instructive, Davis shows why the ancient tales of gods and heroes -- from Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, from ancient Rome to the icy land of the Norse -- continue to speak to us today, in our movies, art, language, and music. For mythology novices and buffs alike, and for anyone who loves a good story, Don't Know Much About® Mythology is a lively and insightful look into the greatest stories ever told.

N2 by Les Néréides Glass Slipper Cinderella Jewelry

N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CINDERELLA LONG NECKLACE - BLUE, WHITE, GOLD

Over two years ago I shared Peau du Bete by Les Néréides N2 and back in 2009 I shared Little Red Riding Hood Jewelry. I found those in Paris during various trips. I am happy to say that Les Néréides is now more readily available in the U.S. with its own site. The lines in the U.S. are different from what are available in Europe. Right now, the U.S. site is offering the Glass Slipper Cinderella line. I am sharing fourteen pieces here. There are fun and kitschy, no doubt about it. But the designs are so clever. I like the horse transformation loops and the Cinderella who is NOT Disney. 
I've planned to share these for several weeks and then found them on Amazon which made getting images and links much faster so here's the post finally. Do click through to see them larger and see the details.
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CINDERELLA SHORT NECKLACE - BLUE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CINDERELLA ON A SWING SHORT NECKLACE - BLUE, ORANGE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CASTLE LONG NECKLACE - BLUE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER MAGIC WAND LONG NECKLACE - WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER MULTI CHARM BRACELET - BLUE, ORANGE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER PUMPKIN EARRINGS - ORANGE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CINDERELLA AND CLOCK EARRINGS - BLUE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER MOUSE TO HORSE HOOP EARRINGS - Gold
N2 by Les Néréides SLIPPER PUMPKIN AND HORSE NECKLACE - BLUE, ORANGE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER MOUSE AND PUMPKIN LONG NECKLACE - ORANGE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER PUMPKIN EARRINGS - ORANGE, WHITE, GOLD
N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CANDLEABRA AND CLOCK EARRINGS - Gold

N2 by Les Néréides GLASS SLIPPER CINDERELLA BROOCH - BLUE, WHITE, GOLD

Frog Kiss by Kevin J. Anderson

Frog Kiss by Kevin J. Anderson is a short story with a twist on the Frog Prince. It is 99 cents for the 15 page short story.

Book description:

A humorous shourt fantasy tale. An evil wizard has turned the entire royal family into frogs and set them loose in the marshes, and only a kiss can restore them to their natural forms . . . but there are so many frogs, and so much swamp, who is willing to kiss them all?

Biography

Kevin J. Anderson has written more than 125 books, including 52 national or international bestsellers. He has over 23 million books in print worldwide in thirty languages. He has been nominated for the Nebula Award, Bram Stoker Award, Shamus Award, and Silver Falchion Award, and has won the SFX Readers' Choice Award, Golden Duck Award, Scribe Award, and New York Times Notable Book; in 2012 at San Diego Comic Con he received the Faust Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement.

He has written numerous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels in the Dune universe with Brian Herbert, as well as Star Wars and X-Files novels. In his original work, he is best known for his Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita trilogy, the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series, and Clockwork Angels: The Novel with Neil Peart. Find out more about Kevin J. Anderson at wordfire.com.

The Politics of Magic: DEFA Fairy-Tale Films (Series in Fairy-Tale Studies) by Qinna Shen

The Politics of Magic: DEFA Fairy-Tale Films (Series in Fairy-Tale Studies) by Qinna Shen is released this week as the newest release in Wayne State University Press's Series in Fairy-Tale Studies. I've received a review copy and it is a great resource on all of those kitschy, nostalgic films such as Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel (Three Nuts for Cinderella) and The Story of Little Mook. I wish this book had been available when I started SurLaLune and was learning about these films and knew NOTHING about them. This book definitely increased my knowledge of them and is one of the best resources I have read to date--the best really--about these politicized fairy tales. If you are interested in fairy tales in film, this is a must read.

Book description:

From Paul Verhoeven's The Cold Heart in 1950 to Konrad Petzold's The Story of the Goose Princess and Her Loyal Horse Falada in 1989, East Germany's state-sponsored film company, DEFA (Deutsche Film-Aktiengesellschaft), produced over forty feature-length, live-action fairy-tale films based on nineteenth-century folk and literary tales. While many of these films were popular successes and paved the way for the studio's other films to enter the global market, DEFA's fairy-tale corpus has not been studied in its entirety. In The Politics of Magic: DEFA Fairy-Tale Films, Qinna Shen fills this gap by analyzing the films on thematic and formal levels and examining their embedded agendas in relation to the cultural politics of the German Democratic Republic.

In five chapters, Shen compares the films with earlier print versions of the same stories and analyzes revisions made in DEFA's film adaptations. She also distinguishes the DEFA fairy-tale films from National Socialist, West German, and Disney adaptations of the same tales. Her archival work reconstitutes the cultural-historical context in which films were produced and received, and incorporates the films into the larger narrative of DEFA. For the first time, the banned DEFA fairy-tale comedy, The Robe (1961/1991), is discussed in depth. The book's title The Politics of Magic is not intended to suggest that DEFA fairy-tale films were merely mouthpieces of official ideology and propaganda. On the contrary, Shen shows that the films run the gamut from politically dogmatic to implicitly subversive, from kitschy to experimental. She argues that the fairy-tale cloak permitted them to convey ideology in a subtle, indirect manner that allowed viewers to forget Cold War politics for a while and to delve into a world of magic where politics took on an allegorical form.

The fact that some DEFA fairy-tale films developed an international audience (particularly The Story of Little Mook and Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella) not only attests to these films' universal appeal but also to the surprising marketability of this branch of GDR cinema and its impact beyond the GDR's own narrow temporal and geographic boundaries. Shen's study will be significant reading for teachers and students of folklore studies and for scholars of German, Eastern European, cultural, film, media, and gender studies.

New Book: The Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel (The Descendants) by Melissa de la Cruz

The Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel (The Descendants) by Melissa de la Cruz was released in May. It is the novel version of Disney's upcoming Descendants movie. I shared more about Descendents in an earlier post today at Disney Descendants Coming July 31st. The hardcover edition is already temporarily sold out online and the reviews are very strong. De la Cruz is an established YA author with several novels on her resume.

Book description:

Evil tree. Bad Apple?

Twenty years ago, all the evil villains were banished from the kingdom of Auradon to the Isle of the Lost--a dark and dreary place protected by a force field that makes it impossible for them to leave. Stripped of their magical powers, the villains now live in total isolation, forgotten by the world.

Mal learns from her mother, Maleficent, that the key to true darkness, the Dragon's Eye, is located inside her scepter in the forbidden fortress on the far side of the island. The eye is cursed, and whoever retrieves it will be knocked into a deep sleep for a thousand years. But Mal has a plan to capture it. She'll just need a little help from her "friends." In their quest for the Dragon's Eye, these four kids begin to realize that just because you come from an evil family tree, being good ain't so bad.

Disney Descendants Coming July 31st

Descendants will premiere on Disney Channel and be released to DVD on July 31st. The way my summer is going, I wanted to share it now before I forget about it. Certainly a musical offering to the younger set, the descendants (ha!) of ABC's Once Upon a Time fans. There are a lot of shorts and such about it at the official Descendants page that I won't share here. Just a description and the newest extended trailer here.

Movie description:

Meet the next generation of villains in Disney's DESCENDANTS! Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, home of the most infamous villains who ever lived, the kids of Maleficent (Kristen Chenoweth), the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island... until now. Sent to idyllic Auradon to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, these villainous kids must execute a plan that helps their evil parents achieve "world domination" once again! Will Maleficent's daughter (Dove Cameron) and the other rebel teens follow in their rotten parents' footsteps or will they choose to embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom? Co-starring Booboo Stewart, Cameron Boyce and introducing newcomer Sofia Carson, this wickedly cool comedy adventure is awesome to the core!

Disney Descendants | Extended Trailer