March 29, 2013

SF&F Literati Announce April-July Book Selections

Zombies, Time Travel, Finishing School, and What Happens After the Apocalypse (not necessarily in that order)
The SF&F Literati always serve up highly varied fare, and the latest selections are no exception.  After the March 25 meeting, the group has released a list of Next Reads.  In case you need to begin placing orders or holds at the Library, here's what's coming.

As ever, meetings are scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month (NOTE: except May!) at 7:00 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, KS.

First, the Zombies:
WW Z the book
WW Z movie poster
April 22, 2013 selection
Max Brooks' 2006 novel World War Z may have been out for a while, but it is gaining new buzz because the motion picture based on it is set to be released this June.  Here's your chance to read the book, before the movie comes out!

The novel was written as a series of "survivor narratives" from various places around the world (inspired by Studs Terkel's book of World War II narratives, The Good War and the zombie movies of George Romero).

Order from Barnes & Noble or other fine book sellers.


Next comes Time Travel:
May 20 (THIRD Monday!), 2013 selection
Into the Storm by Taylor Anderson: Speaking of inspirations from World War II, here's a variation on the Bermuda Triangle legend set at the beginning of that war.

The USS Walker is a holdover from the first world war, that goes from being an aging rust-bucket to state-of-the-art, when a storm lands it in an alternate world of catlike and lizardlike intelligent species who are at war with each other.

This is the first book in the 4-book "Destroyermen" series.  Order from Barnes & Noble or other fine book sellers.

What Happens After the Apocalypse:
June 24, 2013 selection
In Wool, by Hugh Howey, the story begins after the apocalypse has already happened.  The characters live in an underground silo, while outside the world has been reduced to toxic destruction.

No one goes outside.  It just isn't done.  It's the number-one rule, and the whole world lives by the rules designed to keep them alive.  But then one day things begin to change.  The Sheriff asks to go outside, and his replacement makes a dismaying discovery.

Hugh Howey made an appearance in Kansas City on March 13, 2013, as part of an ongoing series of author events sponsored by local bookseller Rainy Day Books. He also was featured on the front page of the Kansas City Star's "FYI" section in March.

Order Wool from Barnes & Noble or other fine book sellers, or "steal" it as a free Kindle download. (If you didn't get that reference about "stealing" the book, see the KC Star article).

And we can't forget Finishing School:
July 22, 2013 Selection
Etiquette and Espionage, by Gail Carriger is a fast-moving, humorous YA series-opening novel based on an unusual juxtaposition of ideas: finishing school as a Victorian young ladies' equivalent of the CIA's "The Farm" at Camp Peary.


As the Barnes & Noble overview puts it: "
-->It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.  New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger makes her young adult debut with Ettiquette & Espionage, the first book in the Finishing School series.

Order Etiquette and Espionage from Barnes & Noble or other fine book sellers. And if you have ideas for the next round of selections, be sure to attend the July meeting!

IMAGE CREDITS: Many thanks to Max Brooks's website for the World War Z book cover, and to IMDB for the movie poster.  Many thanks to Taylor Anderson's website for the Into the Storm cover.  And as ever, many thanks to Barnes & Noble Booksellers for the cover art for Wool and Etiquette and Espionage.

March 25, 2013

Cindy N. Reviews "Star Trek" (2009 movie)

Taking the 50-Word Challenge!

The movie: Star Trek 
The director: J.J. Abrams
The stars: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana
The reviewer: Cindy N.
Available from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Star Trek Movie (2009): I saw it in Feb 2012. I feel the movie is a complete story and explained how the Romulan ship was different. It was from the future!  How that single action changed the history I grew up with. I loved and still watch reruns of the show.  Bones and Scotty were my favorite and still are. The actors brought enough of the original characters into their roles, yet made the character their own. I feel there is a new universe to boldly explore where no writer has gone before, and can’t wait for the ride to start.


Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think! 

More reviews are coming soon!  But only if you submit them!
 If you would like to contribute a review, please send it as an inline email to Jan S. Gephardt.  If you wish to read the original post about the 50-Word Review Challenge, including the rules, please click here.

 POSTER IMAGE: Courtesy of Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB).  What would we do without it?!

March 24, 2013

Laser Rangers SPECIAL Game of Thrones 2 Part 2

pecial Event!!!!


The Laser Rangers of Kansas City are proud to present a special Blu-Ray High Definition screening of HBO's Game of Thrones Season 2 in two parts by the graciousness and providence of Ser Kennos of Kayce.



Date: On the 30th day of the third month in the year of our Lord two thousandth thirteen. (March 30th, 2013)  
Time: Pre-show: 3:30pm, Showtime: 4pm sharp! 
Place: House Sooby of Castle Robbins. Wherein a viewing mirror of 51 inches span surrounded by the mæsters's greatest speaking stones imbued with modern magic will accommodate 15 persons in comfort and warmth. (a 51-inch Samsung HDTV, a 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby Digital sound system, a full set of audiophile-grade speakers, and upgraded seating for about 15 people without crowding).
Lord Laser: Ser Kennos of Kayce
Fōda of the Realm: Soups, bread, and refreshments. Please query Inn at the Crossroads for ideas and suggestions. Pot Luck. 
Costumes of the Realm: Medieval, query: L.A. Times for ideas.

ews of the Realm

Send a raven to our Facebook Group


dditional Announcement


[Less than] *one week* [until] we show the final 5 episodes of "Game of Thrones" Season 2 (*Blackwater* is coming...). We will assemble just before 3:45 p.m. at our usual venue, and the program will start *promptly* at 4:00 p.m. (no exceptions).

The dinner break will be after episode 6 or 7 by consensus of the group; the food theme will be a Pot Luck, since no foods of Westeros have appeared at these special screenings (yet).

For our final GoT session this year, on display . . . will be Longclaw, the sword of Jon Snow; a stunning 14" tall reproduction of the Iron Throne of Westeros; many examples of the coinage of the 7 Kingdoms of Westeros (and the Dothraki); plus a very special coin of significance that has a minor role near the end of Season 2; plus other items from the series.

Please plan your upcoming schedules accordingly, as there will be *no repeats* of this season by the Laser Rangers! [Edited and Reposted from the Laser Rangers Facebook Group. Written by Ken K.]


laylist


#6. The Old Gods and the New
#7. A Man Without Honor
#8. The Prince of Winterfell
#9. Blackwater
#10. Valar Morghulis.


ame of Thrones Season 3 - "Princess Bride Promo"




THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THIS LASER RANGER'S SPECIAL BLU-RAY HIGH DEFINITION SCREENING!

IMAGE CREDITS: The illuminated letters come from Background Pictures. The "Reyne Rebellion" image is © HBO/George R.R. Martin and are used here from the reference found at A Wiki of Ice and Fire. "Game of Thrones Season 3 - "Princess Bride Promo" is © HBO, CinestirTV & 20th Century Fox via YouTube.
 

The home of the Laser Rangers is located about four miles north of the Kansas Speedway, NW of the intersection of I-70 and I-435 on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City area.

The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!

March 21, 2013

We Have a Contested Election!

Self-Nominations are Final
The self-nominations for KaCSFFS Board officers are now closed.  At the March meeting we had some adjustments (two people removed themselves from consideration, and three self-nominated) from the lineup announced after the February meeting, and we officially have a run-off election for the office of President.

3-time incumbent Diana J. Bailey
Self-nominations were as follows:
President: Diana J. Bailey v. Tyrell Gephardt
Secretary: Kristina Hiner
Treasurer: Cindy Norton
Communications Officer: Jan Gephardt
ConQuesT Chairperson: Jesi Pershing (for ConQuesT 45)

KaCSFFS History in the Making:
If Diana Bailey wins a fourth term, she will be the first-ever Director/President of KaCSFFS to do so.  If Ty Gephardt wins, he will be the first-ever second-generation KaCSFFan to hold the top office (his parents have both been KaCSFFS members; his mother is the current Communications Director).

Challenger Tyrell E. Gephardt
Balloting Options:
Voting this year will be conducted for the office of President only.  Because self-nominations are required, there can be no write-in votes, and none of the other offices are contested.

The balloting options in the 2012 Bylaws include advance voting (Article III, Section 3).  This may prove to be especially important this year, because we had to move the meeting from its regular third-Saturday-of-the-month date to the fourth Saturday, because of a scheduling conflict at The Writers Place.

For this election, all active dues-paid, voting-eligible members (that is, those who are General Members with memberships paid in full through March 2014, or Life Members) may vote ONE time, by any of the three methods listed below.

Voting members may choose one of three ways to cast a ballot:
In-Person voting: During the regular business meeting scheduled for April 27, 2013 at The Writers Place.
Via Online Poll: Go to the poll on the members-only KAXFEN list to cast an online vote between March 21-April 26, 2013.
Via Paper Ballot: Print, mark, sign and date the ballot on the "Absentee Ballot" Page on this blog (top of the sidebar at right), or request a copy from the Treasurer.  Paper ballots must arrive in the KaCSFFS Post Office Box (see ballot for full address) BY April 20, 2013 to be counted.

PHOTOS: Photos of both candidates for KaCSFFS President are courtesy of William Tienken, via Facebook.  Many thanks, William!

March 20, 2013

SF&F Literati meet March 25

A Look inside the heart of a thief/mage
Who: The SF&F Literati 
Where: on the 2nd floor of the Barnes & Nobles Booksellers at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park
When: Monday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.

You've had an extra month to read and think about this month's selection, which is ConQuesT 44 GoH Patrick Rothfuss' series opener, The Name of the WindIt is available from Barnes & Noble.

The group also will decide on selections for the upcoming months. If you have ideas about good books to read, please come prepared to defend your choices!

Please also note that the KaCSFFS Blog's Reviews and Commentary page always welcomes book reviews! Take our 50-word Review Challenge today!


The Name of the Wind
Kingkiller Chronicles Series, Book #1
Overview from Barnes & Noble:
"I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

"You may have heard of me."

So begins the tale of Kvothe: from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe as a notorious magician, an accomplished thief, a masterful musician, and an infamous assassin. The Name Of The Wind . . . reveals the truth behind Kvothe's legend.

The riveting first-person narrative of a young man who grows to be the most notorious magician his world has ever seen. 

The Name of the Wind . . . transports readers into the body and mind of a wizard. It is a high-action novel written with a poet's hand, a powerful coming-of-age story of a magically gifted young man, told through his eyes.

COVER IMAGE: Many thanks to Barnes & Noble Booksellers, for the cover image for the March book selection. The image for The Name of the Wind is from its sale page.



March 19, 2013

Jon Moss Reviews The Sound of Rebellion

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The book: The Sound of Rebellion
The author:  John Scalzi
The reviewer: Jon Moss
Available from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

-->The eighth episode of Scalzi's Human Division delivered a bit more action and suspense, and a return of Lt. Lee (first appeared in the third episode, We Only Need the Heads). My only quibble came from the ending and the rather abrupt silence of Lee's thoughts.
Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!
COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of GoodReads.

March 17, 2013

Jon Moss Reviews "Among Thieves"

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The book: Among Thieves (Tales of the Kin #1)
The author: Douglas Hulick
The reviewer: Jon Moss
Available from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

-->
Probably closer to a 3.5 (mostly because I didn't completely connect with the characters) but I'll balance that with a 4.5 for excellent sword fight scenes and nearly non-stop action and intrigue. Reminded me of watching the series 24 sort of mashed up with the mini-series Pillars of the Earth through the lens of underworld organized crime and a dash of dark magic. Hard to put down and stayed up late to finish.

Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!
COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of GoodReads.

March 16, 2013

Jan Gephardt Reviews "Inception"

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The movie: Inception
The director/screenwriter:  Christopher Nolan
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page
The reviewer: Jan Gephardt
Available from: Barnes & Noble Books

I enjoyed Inception a lot more than I expected to: interesting characters, brisk pacing, the ambitious screenplay tightly written—with eye-popping SFX.

I’d heard it described as confusing, but the basic premise and the cues to show which “dream level” we’re in seemed clear (dreams are like floors in an apartment building: start on the “roof” and go down or up a level via sedation or receiving a “kick” to send the dreamer back).

My quibble: we never learn how the “Jedi mind-meld” mcguffin machine puts everyone in a shared dream reliably.  But it’s a nice, meaty movie to provoke discussions!

Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!

IMAGE: The poster for Inception is from Collider.com.

March 15, 2013

KaCSFFS Meeting March 16, 2013

Of Little Green Men and other Matters
March is the Month of Mars
(Our President Diana Bailey contributed a meditation upon the month):

March is named for Mars, the Roman God
of War and for the planet Mars. That leads naturally to thinking about little green men from Mars and maybe even leprechauns. 

Now, I am not suggesting that leprechauns came from Mars or that they are an alien race or anything. But don't you think that celebrating all these little green men in March is more than a mere accident? I wonder what type of green card they carry with them. 

What: KaCSFFS Monthly Meeting
When: Saturday, March 16, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. (Board meets 5:30)
Where: The Writers Place, 3607 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111

Food Fit for Little Green Men and Friends?
Food theme for the Month: Show us what you should feed these little green men that may or may not be from Mars? Categories will be: 
Best Creative Dish
 Food that Best Fits the Theme (that is, Mars, Martians, or Leprechauns)
Best Green Food

Decision 2013 Looms!
We need additional self-nominations for the Executive Board.  As you may know, KaCSFFS Board Members must nominate themselves.  Currently we have the following self-nominations from February:

President: Cindy Norton (contingent upon Diana Bailey's self-nomination for Treasurer)
Treasurer: (none so far)
Secretary: (none so far)
Communications Officer: Jan S. Gephardt
ConQuesT Con Chair: Jesi Pershing

Balloting will be held online via Absentee Ballot, or in person at the April Meeting (dues-paid members may vote ONCE, by either means).

This is Membership Month!
Diana Bailey and Cindy Norton processed memberships at the February meeting.
If you have not paid your 2013 membership dues, your membership expires this month.  

If you allow your membership to expire, you will stop receiving information via the KAXFEN Yahoo Group, and you will no longer be eligible to vote on official KaCSFFS business questions, elections, etc.

You also will no longer continue to receive discounts with our cooperating merchants, just when we have gotten a new one!  See below!

Renew online (see PayPal button at right on this blog), or via cash or check (made payable to KaCSFFS) at the meeting.  Cindy and Diana, our Membership Mavens, will make sure you receive a laminated membership card when you pay your dues.

Return of a Popular Panel
Ken Keller and  associates will present a panel discussion of Kansas City's science fiction and fantasy authors.  There have been a lot of them, and the stories are often colorful.

Food Bank Items and Pet Food Coupons
We will also be doing the quarterly collection of canned and dry goods for food banks, along with a new pet food coupon exchange for some members who have four-legged furry family members.

Fund-Raiser for Jerry Gelb
Jerry Gelb was the Special Guest at ConQuesT a few years ago (2009).  You may remember his performances on blues harp at RoomCon on two occasions, as well.

We have learned that Jerry is in need of surgery to relieve pressure on his spine, which is causing random paralysis, among other issues. A fundraiser has been started to help him cover the expenses (and time off afterward). There will be a get well card to sign and a jar for donations. 

KaCSFFS Discounts Expand!
Sosa's 39th Street Diner is our newest source of discounts in midtown Kansas City! All card carrying KaCSFFS members in good standing need only show their membership card to receive  a 10% discount!

THANKS FOR THE IMAGES: We first used the beautiful image of Mars (titled "mars-planet-water-nasa") for the March 2011 meeting preview.  The webpage from which we retrieved it is no longer available, and neither TinEye nor a manual search revealed the original source.  It shall have to remain as mysterious as the Red Planet itself, at least for now.  The Ballot Box image is from the blog, “The Nev Filter." The photo of Diana and Cindy is by Jan S. Gephardt, and may be used without alteration for the price of a link back and attribution.  The Food Bank Graphic is from the New Haven Food Bank web page. The photo of the banner in front of Sosa's is from the Midtown KC Post.
-->

March 09, 2013

Jan Gephardt reviews Captain Vorpatril's Alliance"

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The book: Captain Vorpatril's Alliance
The author: Lois McMaster Bujold
The reviewer: Jan Gephardt
Available from: Barnes & Noble Books

I am a total fan of Bujold's "Vorkosigan" books, and of course I've "known" Cousin Ivan for a long time, through the checquered career of his cousin Miles--so I was pre-sold on liking this book. That said, I've been pre-sold on other stories that turned out to be a disappointment.

This one was emphatically NOT a disappointment. It's a lovely blending of rom-com and drama which I think will be especially delicious for long-time fans of the series, but which should stand alone quite well for anyone who is new to this world/universe.

Bujold's old magic came through strongly, pulling us irresistibly from one predicament to the next, and finally allowing Ivan to "shine" in his own right. This is the most reading fun I've had in at least a year.


Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!
COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

March 07, 2013

Laser Rangers SPECIAL Game of Thrones 2 Part I


pecial Event!!!!


The Laser Rangers of Kansas City are proud to present a special screening of HBO's Game of Thrones Season 2 in two parts by the graciousness and providence of Sir Kenneth of Casey.

roclamation of the Realm



Date: On the ninth day of the third month in the year of our Lord two thousandth thirteen. (March 9th, 2013)
Time: Pre-show: 3:45pm, Showtime: 4pm sharp! 
Place: House Sooby of Castle Robbins. Wherein a viewing mirror of 51 inches span surrounded by the mæsters's greatest speaking stones imbued with modern magic will accommodate 15 persons in comfort and warmth. (a 51-inch Samsung HDTV, a 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby Digital sound system, a full set of audiophile-grade speakers, and upgraded seating for about 15 people without crowding).
Lord Laser: Sir Kenneth of Casey
Fōda of the Realm: Soups, bread, and refreshments. Please query Inn at the Crossroads for ideas and suggestions.
Costumes of the Realm: Medieval, query: L.A. Times for ideas.


ews of the Realm

Send a raven to our Facebook Group

dditional Information



Part I will show the first five episodes of season 2 with accompanying shorts in the form of behind-the-scenes specials, YouTube clips, and film notes. Dinner break will fall between the second or third episodes. During which bountiful conversation will be had amongst friend and stranger alike. Bring something to share!

laylist



#1. The North Remembers
#2. The Night Lands
#3. What is Dead May Never Die
#4. Garden of Bones
#5. The Ghost of Harrenhal.


eason 1 Recap






PART 2 WILL HAPPEN ON MARCH 30th, 2013!



IMAGE CREDITS: The illuminated letters come from Retrokat. The house banners of Lannister, Stark, Targaryen, and Baratheon are © HBO/George R.R. Martin and are used here from the reference found at A Wiki of Ice and Fire. The "Game Of Thrones: Comic-Con Trailer" is © HBO via YouTube.
 

The home of the Laser Rangers is located about four miles north of the Kansas Speedway, NW of the intersection of I-70 and I-435 on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City area.

The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!

March 04, 2013

Jon Moss Reviews "Hounded"

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The book: Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles #1)
The author: Kevin Hearne
The reviewer: Jon Moss
Available from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

3.5 stars

This type of urban fantasy could easily grow on me. Absolutely no zombies and only one token cameo vampire. I didn't mind the pack of werewolves. All the rest of the 'paranormals' hailed from Celtic mythology. Oberon the Irish wolfhound got the best lines, often at the expense of our hero, the Iron Druid. A fun fast read.

Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!
COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of GoodReads.

March 03, 2013

Jon Moss Reviews "The Memory Coder"

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The short fiction e-pub: The Memory Coder
The author: Jessica Brody
The reviewer: Jon Moss
Available from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Extremely concise short story. I would guess it's dystopia but not enough world building or back story to confirm that theory. Not convinced of guys obsession with violet eyes or why said behavior would necessitate a complete memory excision. Quick but somewhat disappointing read.

Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!
COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Goodreads.

March 02, 2013

Jon Moss Reviews "A Memory of Light"

Taking the 50-Word Review Challenge!

The book: A Memory of Light
The authors: Robert  Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
The reviewer: Jon Moss
Available from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

4.5 out of 5 stars -

I finished something on the Ides of January that I started nearly two dozen years ago, literally half a lifetime for me, or two turns of the Wheel of Time as respects the Year of the Dragon. I give an unreserved five stars specifically to scenes containing Bela, Tam, Egwene and Lan. And I also adore the relatively recent additions of Androl and Pevara and their unique relationship.

To the question of ‘Was it worth the wait?’ I am still unsure.  Despite the bright shining stars mentioned above, much of the final book annoyed me.  The questions I wanted answered remain unanswered.  The resolutions I hoped for did not occur, save perhaps in some oblique off-hand hinted at way. I should, perchance, take to heart the final words of the author(s) and let go, for ‘… it was not the ending.  There are no endings, and never will be endings, to the turning of the Wheel of Time.  But it was an ending.’

Readers, Please Comment: Did you enjoy this review? Dislike it? Agree? Disagree? Please share what you think!
More reviews coming soon!
COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Jon's Misty Midwest Mossiness blog.