During the 2019 holidays, I had a conversation with my sister about our reading habits. At this time I didn't feel like I read all that much. More than the average American, surely, but probably right around the "one book per month" goal she was considering. Consequently, I decided to spend time this year (2020) … Continue reading 2020 Reading List
The Jonstown Compendium—Chaosium's community content program for RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha—has on offer a variety of fan-produced game supplements, all in digital formats. Until now! A Rough Guide to Glamour, from Nick Brooke, Chris Gidlow, and Mike Hagen, is the first release on the storefront available in hard copy, printed on demand. Consequently, this review will … Continue reading Review — A Rough Guide to Glamour
With the rise and continued growth of services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon's Prime Video, the way in which many people consume stories has changed. Before these streaming services, film stories were presented for consumption in basically two ways: serially over television, or in a one- to three-hour block, as a movie. There were … Continue reading Binge-Streaming and the Mini-Series
Hello, Internet! My week's been swell. Got an absolute boatload of reading done (some of it not exactly on purpose), so it's obviously been a good time. I managed to get through both of my goals from last week - although they weren't particularly strenuous - and I heard back and was accepted to an … Continue reading Weekly Update – 8/30/17
Hello, Internet! Let's get to it, shall we? Writing I've been... middling productive, this week. I honestly haven't spent much time working on Rule (or any other piece, for that matter), and this upcoming week I'll be out of town for about 4 days, so it's unlikely that I'll be productive. Now, the good news is … Continue reading Weekly Update – 7/12/17
James Islington's debut novel, The Shadow of What Was Lost, begins as a deceptively stereotypical coming-of-age fantasy. However, it doesn't take long for the story to develop, and breathe fresh life into well-used tropes of the genre. Even with a slightly unsatisfying climax, I deeply enjoyed this book as a whole. It's a good fantasy, and a great adventure. 8/10.
Five years after we thought that the Harry Potter films were over, Fantastic Beasts has arrived - and it's a delight. This action-packed spectacle is filled with period music, engaging character interactions, and a well-paced story. I believe both veterans and muggles alike will find something to love. 9/10.
The Cave and the Light (by Arthur Herman) delivers an engaging and nuanced history of Western thought from its roots in Classical Greece up through the wars of the 20th century. While I in disagreement with some of the author's stylistic choices and interpretations of ancient works, overall Herman's unfolding of our intellectual history is an informative and delightful journey.
Doctor Strange is a visual masterpiece which nonetheless leaves something to be desired. The writing follows the “Marvel” formula of charismatic lead making sarcastic quips with a smooth rhythm. The climax is very well thought-out and planned, but Doctor Strange lacks an emotionally satisfying story. 7/10
