Joshua Palmatier's Blog, page 24
June 3, 2014
New Releases from DAW!
I've posted the June new releases from DAW Books, Inc. (
dawbooks
)! We've got new Mercedes Lackey and Deborah J. Ross this month, plus a paperback release from E.C. Ambrose. Swing on by and check them out, then hit those bookstores!
dawbooks
)! We've got new Mercedes Lackey and Deborah J. Ross this month, plus a paperback release from E.C. Ambrose. Swing on by and check them out, then hit those bookstores!
May 29, 2014
Book Discussion
I've posted the next book discussion for the May releases from DAW Books (
dawbooks
) over at the unofficial blog. We're looking at Dragon * Princess, a humorous fantasy novel from S. Andrew Swann. Swing on by and check it out!
dawbooks
) over at the unofficial blog. We're looking at Dragon * Princess, a humorous fantasy novel from S. Andrew Swann. Swing on by and check it out!May 27, 2014
The Next Book Discussion
I've just posted the next book discussion for the DAW Books (
dawbooks
) May releases! We're talking about Alien Collective by Gini Koch, the ninth book in her Alien series. Swing on by and check it out and leave a comment if you've read the book already!
dawbooks
) May releases! We're talking about Alien Collective by Gini Koch, the ninth book in her Alien series. Swing on by and check it out and leave a comment if you've read the book already!May 22, 2014
Balticon!!!! This Weekend!!!!
Here's my schedule for Balticon this coming May 23-26, 2014, in Hunt Valley, MD. Note the Zombies Need Brains LLC launch party on Friday, May 23rd, from 9-11pm in Parlor 1026. Come for the party, stay for the convention! Snacks and drink will be free at the party, with ZNB merchandise (and copies of my own books) for sale. And you can preorder the CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE: STEAMPUNK vs ALIENS anthology (which I hope to have released to the general public by July 2014). Contributing authors Jean Marie Ward, Gail Z. Martin, and Jason Palmatier will be there to talk about the book, possibly read from their stories, etc. And check out all of the other cool panels that I'll be on:
Joshua Palmatier
• Beyond Medieval History: Fri 16:00 - 16:50, Chase
• ZOMBIES NEED BRAINS Inaugural Party: CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE: STEAMPUNK vs ALIENS Release Party: Fri 21:00 - 22:50, Parlor 1026
• Crowd Sourcing: Mon 09:00 - 09:50, Parlor 1041
• How Not to Make the Second Book of Your Trilogy a Letdown: Mon 10:00 - 10:50, Chase
• When A Dwarf Is A Midget And Other Fantasy Conundrums: Mon 13:00 - 13:50, Salon B
• The Plot is Dead! Long Live Characters!: Mon 14:00 - 14:50, Salon B
Joshua Palmatier
• Beyond Medieval History: Fri 16:00 - 16:50, Chase
• ZOMBIES NEED BRAINS Inaugural Party: CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE: STEAMPUNK vs ALIENS Release Party: Fri 21:00 - 22:50, Parlor 1026
• Crowd Sourcing: Mon 09:00 - 09:50, Parlor 1041
• How Not to Make the Second Book of Your Trilogy a Letdown: Mon 10:00 - 10:50, Chase
• When A Dwarf Is A Midget And Other Fantasy Conundrums: Mon 13:00 - 13:50, Salon B
• The Plot is Dead! Long Live Characters!: Mon 14:00 - 14:50, Salon B
The Next Book Discussion
I've posted the next book discussion at the DAW Books blog (
dawbooks
). We're looking at Seanan McGuire's newest book, Sparrow Hill Road, which I assume is the start of a new series. Swing on by and check it out! And let us all know what you think about it if you've read it already.
dawbooks
). We're looking at Seanan McGuire's newest book, Sparrow Hill Road, which I assume is the start of a new series. Swing on by and check it out! And let us all know what you think about it if you've read it already.May 21, 2014
The First May Book Discussion!
I've just posted the latest book discussion, the first one for the May releases from DAW Books (
dawbooks
)! We're talking about Kristen Britain's Mirror Sight, the fifth book in her Green Rider series. Swing on by and check it out! And leave a comment if you've read the book or read part of the series.
dawbooks
)! We're talking about Kristen Britain's Mirror Sight, the fifth book in her Green Rider series. Swing on by and check it out! And leave a comment if you've read the book or read part of the series.May 20, 2014
Publisher Weekly Review!
So, I've got the full review from Publisher's Weekly for my next novel SHATTERING THE LEY (July 2014). Here's the complete review. You can preorder the book here: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my online ZNB store.
Palmatier (the Throne of Amenkor trilogy) kicks off an epic fantasy series with this complex tale set in a world where wonders are accomplished by manipulating the magical energy of ley lines. Over several years, the city of Erenthrall--home to the miraculous Nexus at the heart of the ley system--is imperiled by the abuse of ley power and the dissident priests of the Kormanley. Caught up in the growing conflict are Kara, whose ability to manipulate the ley earns her a swift promotion through the ranks of the Wielders, and Allan, one of the ruthless Baron Arent's enforcers. As Erenthrall endures disruptions, blackouts, rebel uprisings, and political infighting, tension rises until catastrophe seems imminent. Palmatier lets the story build slowly, introducing a sprawling cast and fascinating setting, before explosively upsetting the status quo. This initial installment feels like build up for the rest of the story, but still delivers a compelling adventure. --Publisher's Weekly
Palmatier (the Throne of Amenkor trilogy) kicks off an epic fantasy series with this complex tale set in a world where wonders are accomplished by manipulating the magical energy of ley lines. Over several years, the city of Erenthrall--home to the miraculous Nexus at the heart of the ley system--is imperiled by the abuse of ley power and the dissident priests of the Kormanley. Caught up in the growing conflict are Kara, whose ability to manipulate the ley earns her a swift promotion through the ranks of the Wielders, and Allan, one of the ruthless Baron Arent's enforcers. As Erenthrall endures disruptions, blackouts, rebel uprisings, and political infighting, tension rises until catastrophe seems imminent. Palmatier lets the story build slowly, introducing a sprawling cast and fascinating setting, before explosively upsetting the status quo. This initial installment feels like build up for the rest of the story, but still delivers a compelling adventure. --Publisher's Weekly
May 19, 2014
The Latest DAW Book Discussion
I've just posted the latest DAW Book discussion at the DAW Books blog (
dawbooks
). We're looking at C.J. Cherryh's Protector, the fourteenth book in her Foreigner series. Swing on by and check it out!
dawbooks
). We're looking at C.J. Cherryh's Protector, the fourteenth book in her Foreigner series. Swing on by and check it out!May 17, 2014
Summer/Fall Appearance Schedule
Here's my schedule for the next few months. A bunch of conventions, signings, a little mini book tour through the Northeast, etc. If I'm going to be near you at some point, stop on by and say hi!
Balticon: May 23-26th
AP Calculus Grading: June 10-18th
New York City Vacation: June 20-23rd
Reddit AMA for SHATTERING THE LEY: July 1st
Riveread Signing in Binghamton, NY: July 1st, (Time TBA)
Barnes & Noble Signing in Vestal, NY: July 2nd, 7-8pm
First Friday Artwalk in Binghamton, NY: July 4th, 5-9pm
Green Toad Bookstore Signing in Oneonta, NY: July 5th, 1-3pm
Flights of Fantasy Signing in Troy, NY: July 5th, 5-7pm
Books-a-Million Signing in Lebanon, NH: July 6th, (Time TBA)
Toadstool Bookstore Signing in Milford, NH: July 7th, (Time TBA)
Pandemonium Bookstore Signing in Cambridge, MA: July 8th, 7-9pm
Lost Dog Release Party in Binghamton, NY: July 11th, 5-9pm
Confluence in Pittsburgh, PA: July 25-27th
Shore Leave in Hunt Valley, MD: August 1-3rd
World Science Fiction Convention/Loncon 3 in London, UK: August 12-19th
Robercon in Binghamton, NY: September 27-28th
Starfleet Region 7 Conference in Binghamton, NY: October 3-5th
New York Comic Con in New York City (tentative): October 9-13th
World Fantasy Convention in Washington, DC: November 6-9th
Will I see any of you at any of these events? Hmmm . . . ???
Balticon: May 23-26th
AP Calculus Grading: June 10-18th
New York City Vacation: June 20-23rd
Reddit AMA for SHATTERING THE LEY: July 1st
Riveread Signing in Binghamton, NY: July 1st, (Time TBA)
Barnes & Noble Signing in Vestal, NY: July 2nd, 7-8pm
First Friday Artwalk in Binghamton, NY: July 4th, 5-9pm
Green Toad Bookstore Signing in Oneonta, NY: July 5th, 1-3pm
Flights of Fantasy Signing in Troy, NY: July 5th, 5-7pm
Books-a-Million Signing in Lebanon, NH: July 6th, (Time TBA)
Toadstool Bookstore Signing in Milford, NH: July 7th, (Time TBA)
Pandemonium Bookstore Signing in Cambridge, MA: July 8th, 7-9pm
Lost Dog Release Party in Binghamton, NY: July 11th, 5-9pm
Confluence in Pittsburgh, PA: July 25-27th
Shore Leave in Hunt Valley, MD: August 1-3rd
World Science Fiction Convention/Loncon 3 in London, UK: August 12-19th
Robercon in Binghamton, NY: September 27-28th
Starfleet Region 7 Conference in Binghamton, NY: October 3-5th
New York Comic Con in New York City (tentative): October 9-13th
World Fantasy Convention in Washington, DC: November 6-9th
Will I see any of you at any of these events? Hmmm . . . ???
Book Review: THE LOST FLEET: FEARLESS by Jack Campbell
This is the second book in Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series, which is military sci-fi but with a decided "hard" bent to it. The situations and battles are realistic, taking into account time lags in communication and the huge distances involved in a massive fleet traveling through solar systems.
In this book, Captain John "Black Jack" Geary has managed to get the fleet he inherited in the first book to a relatively safe system. They encounter a few problems when they arrive--the Syndics were obviously warned about them and are reacting in intelligent ways--but it's nothing the fleet can't handle. But where do they go from here? Geary realizes that the Syndics will be anticipating their actions, and the signs in this system are that they're planning ahead, even if they don't have enough manpower to cover all of Geary's potential escape routes. But even as he contemplates what most would consider an insane next jump--one that the Syndics can't possibly anticipate but will give the fleet an opportunity to hurt the Syndics in a significant way--they discover Alliance prisoners on the planet below. And one of those prisoners is Captain Falco, a charismatic leader who may be devious enough to take command of the fleet from Geary's hands.
Again, I'm really enjoying this series. I'm not generally a sci-fi fan, especially the hard military sci-fi, but this series has caught my attention. The situation in which Geary finds himself--trapped deep in Syndic space after being awakened from a hundred years of hibernation sleep, forced to take control of a fleet and get it back home--is compelling and immediately draws you in as a reader. Here, we see some of the personal problems between fleet commanders that reared their heads in the first book finally play out. Geary learns who is behind him after his stunning defeat of the Syndic force that found them in the first book . . . and who still thinks he should be relieved of command. All is brought to the fore when he proposes his insane plan--one that takes the fleet farther from Alliance space instead of closer, while at the same time gives them an opportunity to hurt the Syndics and open up a wider range of options for the future.
Again, the Syndics aren't the driving antagonists in this series. Not really. They're there and pose a significant problem, but it's the politics and interactions among the fleet leaders that cause Geary the real problems. And his plan causes those he thought were allies to turn against him, and give his enemies a rallying point. This is what makes the story compelling. If the fleet were simply jumping from system to system, dealing with whatever the Syndics threw at them, I don't think the series would be interesting at all. But the focus isn't on the Syndics, and so I want to read more.
Like the first book, I was riveted by the story and situation here. By the end of the book, I have to admit I'm beginning to worry that perhaps Geary is "too perfect." I keep expecting him to make a serious mistake, and so far it hasn't happened. I assume it will eventually, otherwise Geary becomes too perfect to be believable, no matter how many times he doubts himself. Things have been going rather well for the fleet since Geary took over, even if there have been losses. We'll see how things develop though. I'll reserve final judgment on this issue until I'm a few more books into the series.
For now, the books are definite must reads for those into sci-fi, both military and hard SF.
In this book, Captain John "Black Jack" Geary has managed to get the fleet he inherited in the first book to a relatively safe system. They encounter a few problems when they arrive--the Syndics were obviously warned about them and are reacting in intelligent ways--but it's nothing the fleet can't handle. But where do they go from here? Geary realizes that the Syndics will be anticipating their actions, and the signs in this system are that they're planning ahead, even if they don't have enough manpower to cover all of Geary's potential escape routes. But even as he contemplates what most would consider an insane next jump--one that the Syndics can't possibly anticipate but will give the fleet an opportunity to hurt the Syndics in a significant way--they discover Alliance prisoners on the planet below. And one of those prisoners is Captain Falco, a charismatic leader who may be devious enough to take command of the fleet from Geary's hands.
Again, I'm really enjoying this series. I'm not generally a sci-fi fan, especially the hard military sci-fi, but this series has caught my attention. The situation in which Geary finds himself--trapped deep in Syndic space after being awakened from a hundred years of hibernation sleep, forced to take control of a fleet and get it back home--is compelling and immediately draws you in as a reader. Here, we see some of the personal problems between fleet commanders that reared their heads in the first book finally play out. Geary learns who is behind him after his stunning defeat of the Syndic force that found them in the first book . . . and who still thinks he should be relieved of command. All is brought to the fore when he proposes his insane plan--one that takes the fleet farther from Alliance space instead of closer, while at the same time gives them an opportunity to hurt the Syndics and open up a wider range of options for the future.
Again, the Syndics aren't the driving antagonists in this series. Not really. They're there and pose a significant problem, but it's the politics and interactions among the fleet leaders that cause Geary the real problems. And his plan causes those he thought were allies to turn against him, and give his enemies a rallying point. This is what makes the story compelling. If the fleet were simply jumping from system to system, dealing with whatever the Syndics threw at them, I don't think the series would be interesting at all. But the focus isn't on the Syndics, and so I want to read more.
Like the first book, I was riveted by the story and situation here. By the end of the book, I have to admit I'm beginning to worry that perhaps Geary is "too perfect." I keep expecting him to make a serious mistake, and so far it hasn't happened. I assume it will eventually, otherwise Geary becomes too perfect to be believable, no matter how many times he doubts himself. Things have been going rather well for the fleet since Geary took over, even if there have been losses. We'll see how things develop though. I'll reserve final judgment on this issue until I'm a few more books into the series.
For now, the books are definite must reads for those into sci-fi, both military and hard SF.
