Histrel

Born and bred in the UK, created two life forms (though uncertain what species sometimes) and married to a third. I'm a bit of a rock hen (not young enough to be a chick) who enjoys slaying dragons when not working as a freelance web designer or writing. I have a long-time passion for sci-fi/fantasy books, tv and films. 42 is my favourite number. I know where my towel is. I remember life before the internet, I don't know how I survived.

Novella Review : My Sanctuary

Reviews No Responses »

Apr 182012

Sarah-Jane Lehoux is the author of one of my favourite series of fantasy books so when I heard she had a YA novella being released I was excited to say the least.

My Sanctuary, however, is not fantasy; it’s a heart-rending depiction of life for unwanted children living in a fictional 1960s orphanage, St Jerome’s. Dot, the young orphan girl who narrates the story, is believable in her matter-of-fact resigned acceptance of the situation coupled with yearning dreams of a better life in her future.

This novella is very different from Sarah-Jane’s fantasy novels, even so her writing ability shines through yet again in creating believable characters and settings that evoke grief, despair, hope and anger. While the subject matter could be termed ‘uncomfortable’ it is also thought-provoking and honest in its depiction. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, I hope you do too.

My Sanctuary will be released by Vagabondage Press in May 2012.

The Author

Sarah-Jane resides in Southern Ontario with her husband, and her ever growing horde of Machiavellian cats. For more information, please visit www.sarah-janelehoux.com.

Popularity: 1%

Conclave : first impressions from a n00b

Role Playing Games No Responses »

Apr 052012

This was written as I played, just tidied it up a little otherwise as is.

Easy to get started, guidance notes plus recommendations for type of character needed. You should probably have some idea of characters and classes but possibly OK if you don’t.

Faced with a map screen, two other characters already there plus two menacing-looking wolves across the clearing. Waiting to see if any suggests what I do as I don’t want to mess up anyone’s game play.

Bottom left is the chat box, I just said hi and where I was from – and that I had never played a table top RPG before. Hope that don’t scare everyone off.

Oh, I got a welcome :-)

Obvious first question from me – how do we play?

Really helpful players, talking me through what I have to do and actions I can take.

Finally remembered it’s turn based play – so I make two moves and then another player does. Also, great that not time based so I can get called away and not feel too guilty.

Slowly getting the hang of it – the wolves have now made their move so it’s round two.

Very very nice players helping me along.

Part of the reason for building was to allow those with families to be able to play without being tied down plus distance – ability to play with friends.

I made an attack and wounded a wolf!

I defeated him – yay!

Oh this could be fun – and distracting, best not start a game while I am working.

Completed one task, now it’s decision time. I click ‘onward’ and the choices pop up on the screen. Voting boxes underneath. Each player gets a vote. The other players guided me through what the choices might entail.

Box on the bottom right has the moves/choices in it. Can skip through moves or go through one at a time.

Learning about flanking manoeuvres now.

Clicking on an ally will bring up info about them, there is not so much information available about your enemies.

At the end of a quest you get an email updating you on your stats etc. Also receive an email when you start a new quest.

So there it is, my very first table-top style in browser RPG game. There’s lots more to learn but once you have the basics it makes for an entertaining game. I will certainly be playing again. Many thanks to the other two players for their patience.

—————-

Conclave – here’s what the developers had to say.

You can guess that’s it’s tricky to come up with a snappy video that shows
off a turn-based game like ours, but we did our best. You can see it, and the
game itself, on the front page of our site:

http://playconclave.com

Or you can download the video here:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/conclave/Conclave+Gameplay+Video.mp4

*image sourced from their Google+ page

Popularity: 1%

Review : Demons of Oblivion series (books 1-3)

Literature No Responses »

Feb 262012

I recently wrote about the third book in this series and did an interview with Skyla Dawn Cameron, the author. Seeing as I realised I hadn’t actually reviewed the books on here I though I would correct my oversight.

So, let’s start from the very beginning as I have heard it’s a very good place to start …

Now, I don’t like to spoil books for future readers so there’s no need to worry. I just want to give you an idea of how I feel about them.

Bloodlines (book one) introduces us to Zara Lain, a sassy vampire assassin. I am so disappointed in myself as I wrote a great review for this when Ms Cameron re-wrote and added to her original novel before re-released it last year – and now I can’t find it. The only remnant I have is this.

This is a newly revamped (giggle, yeah I made a pun) edition with extra scenes, more description and a feast of sassiness from the yummily bloodthirsty Zara. The original certainly didn’t feel ‘lacking’ in any way but this new version is like biting into a regular cupcake and finding an unexpected centre of caramelly-chocolate…If I ever got turned I want to be Zara when I wake up.

Sigh.

Anyways, Bloodlines was told from Zara’s point of view but the second book, Hunter, was narrated by a totally different character – Ryann David, the demon hunting nun.

In Hunter I found myself completely turned around. From championing Zara in the first book, in this one I found myself wanting her staked and beheaded which I think shows the talents of Ms Cameron’s wordsmithing. Of course, things are never as they seem so be prepared for conflicting emotions as well as psychic shenanigans and surprising betrayals.

And now on to Lineage, book three and just released.

Told by Peri Takata, a quarter demon with a hunger for annihilating vengeance followed by a suicide dessert, this could be one of the most uncomfortable characters a reader may ever meet. Yet, through Ms Cameron’s skilful words you do find a modicum of empathy for this very angry & damaged woman. Zara and Ryann naturally get involved, with death and demon possession quickly chasing them through the tale.

This being the third in the series, readers discover more of the over-arching story that will encompass the complete series. By using different characters to narrate each book Ms Cameron brings a fresh perspective, making the reading experience more exciting. I found it interesting how I reacted to each one depending on the narrator; I feel I get a more well-rounded view of the main characters as you see their motives and actions in different lights.

The fourth book, Exhumed, is tentatively due out in July – I suggest that, if you like a good tale filled with demons, nuns, blood, betrayal and sassy vampires that never sparkle, you get hold of the first three before then.

Download or get the dead-tree version from Mundania Press. Also available on Amazon, and if your local bookstore hasn’t got them then I suggest you point out their obvious error.

Popularity: 1%

Interview with Skyla Dawn Cameron (author)

Literature 13 Responses »

Feb 152012

I recently conducted an email interview with one of my favourite authors Skyla Dawn Cameron. Her new book Lineage is due out 21st February 2012, third in the Demons of Oblivion series. Having enjoyed Bloodlines and Hunter I am eagerly awaiting Lineage. Many thanks Skyla for your thoughtful, informative and fun answers.

Your theory on how vampires are created is really interesting, how did you arrive at the idea?

It was many years ago, so I’m not sure I can come up with the exact reason, but I know I’ve always had issues with the explanation that “magic” is responsible for everything. My brain has trouble with that. I need fairly logical explanations behind things, even in a fantasy setting.

My vampires are created with a demonic parasite in their bodies, as that gave me a chance to explain—for myself, not even readers—why the person’s body changed when becoming a vampire and how everything held together.

For years I’ve had an interest in the occult and how there are more contemporary theories about magic that are based in pseudo-science, and threads of that often appear in my work. “A wizard did it” (thank you, The Simpsons) rarely satisfies me.

Popularity: 2%

A Nun in an urban fantasy? Whatever next?

Literature 1 Response »

Feb 022012

Family reunions suck.

What’s a woman to do when her dad’s the antichrist, her grandma’s the devil, the end of the world is at her doorstep, and she’s out to avenge the murders of her husband and kids?

Kill everything in her way.

Quarter-demon Peri Takata exists with but one goal in mind: annihilate everyone responsible for the death of her family. Then—her need for vengeance quelled—she plans to take her own life.

Her mission brings her to vampire Zara Lain, the only known survivor of the event that destroyed Peri’s family five years ago. Hunting down a secret society of those who don’t want to be found has its challenges, however, especially when forces are working to keep the antichrist’s daughter very much alive. The apocalypse is closing in and Peri may be playing a role in it whether she wants to or not.

And when a heart long-thought dead begins to beat again with love for another, she’s not so sure about anything anymore.

This is the third book in the series “Demons of Oblivion”, an urban fantasy involving demons, vampires, psychics, magic users, and, uh, a nun, with alternating main characters. Book one was Bloodlines (Zara), book two was Hunter (Ryann), book four, Exhumed (Zara), will be out in July. I will be interviewing Skyla sometime in the next week about her life, characters and cats. Watch this space.

Release date 21st Feb 2012

Popularity: 1%

Discworld in graphic form (discovery)

Comics 2 Responses »

Jan 092012

My brother is a fan of Terry Pratchett and has attempted to convert me on occasion however, as much as I am interested in the stories, for some reason I could never get to grips with Mr Pratchett’s writing style. I was sad, but resigned to never knowing the beauty and humour of Discworld.

The other month I was in my local bookstore chain, browsing their (limited) shelves of graphic novels, and came across books one and two of the Discworld series nicely bound in graphic novel form. “Aha”, I thought to myself gleefully, “perhaps I can enter Discworld after all.”

Sadly the book is still on my to-read pile due to pesky things like housework and workwork but I see a vague area of free time ahead and I am going to sit and read that book. I’ll let you know what I think.

Popularity: 1%

Comics on medication

Comics No Responses »

Jan 042012

Well, tablets to be exact – the electronic kind.

Since I started reading comic books I realised that my local bookstore was sadly bereft of much more than very popular graphic novels. I also realised I did not want a load of flimsy comics cluttering my life, where the heck would I store them?

So where do I get my newly awakened comic fix? Online you geeky idiot!

Discovering comics online

I asked on Twitter and found two great apps for my Android tablet. I believe they also work on that thing called an iP*d for those unfortunate enough to own one. Twitter was also great for advising me on comics to try – never mind the Almighty Google, Terrific Twitter can answer anything now too.

The first one I tried was Comixology (@comixology on Twitter) who have

partnerships with top comic book publishers including Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics and Marvel Comics

…so pretty wide ranging. Their Android app works great and you can browse & purchase through it – oops, I spent more money. There’s plenty of freebies too so you can try various genres. Of course, if you have more than one device you can log in and read from any of them.

The second one I used was Dark Horse Digital (@DarkHorseComics on Twitter), I started with this one because they provided different comics (such as The Umbrella Academy) and variety is the something of life isn’t it?

As with Comixology there are freebies and you can read from different devices with your log in. Unfortunately the Android app doesn’t allow direct purchase yet, you have to do that through the online store in your browser. But things are synched pretty quickly so it’s not such a big deal.

Using comic apps on your tablet

The experience is pretty much the same for both, you can view either the full page or pane by pane (tap the screen to move along). I like this as you can see the overall page and get the gist of things then zoom in to see the details – it also helps us noobs who aren’t quite sure which way to read a comic book yet.

Viewing the images on the screen is great, mine’s 8″ and I cannot find fault even after seeing them on a 10″ screen. I like the way I can expand the image as opposed to holding a paper comic up closer to my eyes. Oh, you youngsters don’t have that problem? Hmmm.

Of course, all the comics you download are indexed so you can easily find the next one you want to read.

There are a few of cons to viewing on the screen (and this applies to books as well as comics).

it’s not as easy to leaf back through to re-read a section
while there’s a great range of choice not all are available (older ones mainly)
no way to share what you’re reading

Final diagnosis

Comics entering the digital age has enabled those like myself with little or no access to physical comic book stores to discover their wonderful worlds. The apps (and there are others) for devices like tablets make the experience easy and enjoyable. Although I still get the dead tree versions of ones I really like, for sheer portability and scope of choice I would totally recommend you at least try them.

Popularity: 1%

Graphic Novels : A journey (pt 2)

Comics, Literature 3 Responses »

Oct 252011

The n00b transforms

I quickly realized, when looking around the graphic novel section of my local bookshop, that there were all these different versions of Batman, Superman and so on written by different people. How could that be? I had no idea of the history behind comics and that made it difficult to choose where to start.

Then I heard about the new book by Grant Morrison “Supergods”. It sounded interesting and just what I may be looking for – being a history buff I do like learning about the past of all sorts of subjects. I am only half way through but it has helped a lot, not only with my understanding of the comic industry, but also for choosing what comics I might like to pick up next. I have a selection of camera shots on my phone of various pages from the book to remind me what to look for. Hmm, may upload them to a public album on Google+ so anyone can see and make suggestions.

Apparently writers can take a well-known comic book character and re-write the whole story to bring it up-to-date and make it enticing to new eyes. It explains why there’s so many different Batman thank goodness – was getting extremely confused there. Re-writing (or re-imagining) characters seems to be the way things are often done in the industry. With Morrison’s explanations of the (as he puts it) different ages of comics I can see how it was necessary.

Another source for recommendations was Twitter. I put it out there that I was a new reader and what did people suggest and received a multitude of responses. In fact I made a new Twitter friend because of a resulting conversation. I was also directed to the Comixology app for my Android which has been brilliant. Lots of free issues to try out.

Somewhere along the journey I picked up “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman. I think I was in Waterstones looking for new authors & picked up “Neverwhere” then found “The Sandman” among the graphic novels, or maybe it was a review on Amazon … hmm, whatever way I found him my happiness levels increased by at least +10. I am currently halfway through the second book (note I am picking up the book-y versions rather than individual issues because they are easier for me to find and look/feel nicer).

On my “to read” list (graphic novels only) are:-

The Sandman (book 2)
Batman : Arkham Asylum
Discworld (books one and two)*
Blankets**
Morning Glories (#2 onwards)^
Lucid #2^

And that’s just the ones I have bought! Hoping to pick up the rest of “The Sandman” series soon.

*I always loved the idea of Discworld but for some reason never quite got on with Terry’s writing style so never read any of them. I am hoping reading the graphic novel versions will satisfy my curiosity.

**Blankets (Craig Thompson) was sent to me as a gift. Not a clue what it’s like but looking forward to finding out.

^via the Comixology app (there’s also a rake load of free issues but too many to list)

Someone also said I should read Peanuts. Yes, I know, I must have had a deprived (depraved?) childhood to have never read Charlie Brown. A good friend also lent me a Nemi book which I subsequently went out and bought for myself. Adventures of a Goth/Rock chick :-)

I really want to review some of the graphic novels I have been writing about here but still feel unsure of the genre – will I be forgiven if I make a glaring ass of myself I wonder? I am no longer a n00b I suppose, transformed into the pupal stage perhaps, but I am definitely enjoying the experience and want to share.

Popularity: 2%

Graphic Novels : A journey (pt 1)

Comics, Literature No Responses »

Oct 242011

The n00b (or a short introduction as to how I got into comics)

I used to read comics as a kid – Bunty, Debbie, the occasional Beano but that was it. I never even saw Superman or Batman I don’t think. Comics in that form only invaded my consciousness when I got into geek stuff at an older age and even then I just ‘knew’ of them, I never really thought of reading them, although I did briefly try out the comics made available on the PSP.

A few years ago I began listening to more rock music, including the band My Chemical Romance who I became a big fan of. The fan base talked about the singer’s graphic novel (comic) “The Umbrella Academy” so much that one day, when I had some spare coins, I bought it off Amazon. Oh dear – I discovered a whole new genre of reading to spend my gold on.

The first time I read it was extremely confusing for me. I had voraciously devoured books from a young age, but graphic novels need a totally different mindset to read them. I was missing the narrative until I realized I had to look at the pictures as well as the words to understand the story. Once I grasped that concept I was away.

I am learning that each pairing of writer & artist is not only important to the telling of the story but also creates different feelings in the reader – whether the art is finely drawn, full of hidden meanings or is it strong outlines and ‘in your face’ concepts for instance. The artist uses their art to create the mood just as the writer of a conventional novel uses words.

I read “The Umbrella Academy : Apocalypse Suite” and its follow up “Dallas” and thoroughly enjoyed them. Not because I was a fan of the band but because it was fun & exciting & well-written & (possibly more importantly) well-drawn. For those who may have not tried graphic novels let me tell you – they ain’t for kids anymore. Pick one up, download an app to try out free ones, borrow one from a friend. Try it out, you never know, you may enjoy it.

my journey continues in Pt 2 : The n00b transforms (coming soon to a blog post near you)

Popularity: 2%

Thief : a book review

Literature 1 Response »

Aug 082010

*Disclaimer. I know the author online but I bought my own copy of this book and she did not request a review

I was warned that the main character, Sevy, was a bitch – and she is – but she is that way for a reason, several in fact and though you may abhor her lack of morals and her mercurial temper you come to care for her in a strange, if slightly warped, way. Jarro is the swooningly handsome thief with a heart, oh dear that makes him sound terribly clichéd yet he has that pinch of spice that makes him much more. Then there’s Revik, a dark elf with fire-red eyes and the terror of the bogey-man trailing him through the dank, crime-ridden streets of Eloria.

Ms Lehoux’s style of writing is akin to a celtic knot; well designed lines of prose curving into a beautifully wrought tale taking you within itself and twining around the corners of your mind. I enjoyed the way her story unfolded through the eyes and minds of her characters as one by one you were told the tale through the differing perspectives of woman, man and dark elf. This literary device gave you glimpses of their backgrounds and insights into their personal lives, thoughts and feelings. You saw Eloria in its depravity and yet discovered there were slivers of hope and love lurking beneath the dross. You learned about the homelands and lore of the dark elves, shunned by humans as being below even the lowest guttersnipe in the city.

I don’t want to give away too much (well anything really) but suffice it to say that you are going to be horrified, surprised, saddened and left wanting more when the tale reaches its last page. Yet fear not, there are more delectable tales just peeking over the horizon.

Order the book (as pdf or dead tree version) at Mundania Press or through Amazon, Waterstones and other good outlets.

Check out Sarah-Jane Lehoux’s own website for more information.

Popularity: 6%

Older Entries

Histrel

Novella Review : My Sanctuary

The Author

Conclave : first impressions from a n00b

Review : Demons of Oblivion series (books 1-3)

Interview with Skyla Dawn Cameron (author)

A Nun in an urban fantasy? Whatever next?

Discworld in graphic form (discovery)

Comics on medication

Discovering comics online

Using comic apps on your tablet

Final diagnosis

Graphic Novels : A journey (pt 2)

The n00b transforms

Graphic Novels : A journey (pt 1)

The n00b (or a short introduction as to how I got into comics)

Thief : a book review

TitC Publications at DriveThruRPG!

Subscribe to Troll in the Corner

Argyle & Crew on Amazon.com

Self Made Scoundrel

Enter the Shadowside

School Daze

Wargaming Recon

The Wayne Foundation

Drive Thru RPG

Please buy us beer

Deniath

Meta

A member of the RPG Bloggers Network

Member: RPG Blog Alliance