Forget about the ‘Dead Ever After’ spoiler May 5, 2013
Posted by Diana McCabe in Authors, News.Tags: charlaine harris, Dead Ever After, Sookie
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That’s right. Forget it. Who cares if someone in Germany got a hold of DEAD EVER AFTER and spoiled the ending on Amazon.com. (I won’t post it because you can easily google it. And yes — I read the spoiler.)
One scientist even says that spoilers don’t spoil a story. (In full disclosure this report on the scientist was written by my husband — a science writer!)
But I’m mostly ticked off at the number of fans who have been trashing Charlaine Harris — the creator of the Southern Vampire series and who has given us these wonderful characters. (Just go check out her FB page and see some of the nasty comments. Be warned — you’ll see the spoiler.) They don’t like the ending. Cry me a river. You try writing a series and ending it so that everyone is happy. It’s her story. Let her tell it.
Here’s what Charlaine posted on her Facebook page:
“By now some of you know that a reader in Germany obtained a copy of DEAD EVER AFTER and decided to post the ending online. While this is unfortunate, I wanted to say this to all of you: Even if you *personally* are unhappy with the ending, please don’t spoil it for other readers. DEAD EVER AFTER goes on sale on May 7th; after that date, you are more that welcome to come here and tell me how much you like – or don’t like – the choices I’ve made for Sookie. But from one Sookie fan to another, I’m asking you all to please not spoil the book for other readers. Thank you so much for your continued support.”
We can all cite books and series of books in which we didn’t like how the story unfolded or we were disappointed at the ending. We talk about it a lot. I blog about books I like and don’t like. But this is different. Folks have been downright rude and threatening. Maybe you should read the book first to see how the story unfolds before declaring you aren’t going to buy it. Of course, that’s your choice as a reader. But have some respect for this wonderful author.
I find it sad that Charlaine Harris isn’t going to tour with this last book because she’s concerned about her fans’ reaction to the ending. Personally, I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to talk to a bunch of ungrateful, whiny readers, either. I certainly wouldn’t mind hearing why she ended the book the way she did, but I don’t think we’ll be getting that interview right away. I think Charlaine Harris will just want to keep out of the spotlight and work on her next creation. In the meantime, I am very excited about the May 7 release and will be reading it as soon as it hits my iPad!
Sneak peek of ‘Dead Ever After’! April 23, 2013
Posted by Diana McCabe in Authors, News, Vampires.Tags: charlaine harris, Dead Ever After, Sookie Stackhouse
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Interested in how the last Sookie book – DEAD EVER AFTER — begins? Penguin has released the prologue. CLICK HERE to read. Hummmmmm — what do you think?
In other Sookie news: Charlaine Harris told SciFiNow that there would be devils in this book: “
The plot will also feature the Devil. “Well, there’s a Devil, not the Devil,” Harris clarifies, “If I have the fae, some of whom are trying to become Angels, I think by implication it can be assumed that there are Devils, too.” To read the entire article — check out her comments on a HEA — CLICK HERE.
KMM’s ‘Iced’ not as hot as ‘Fever’ series but a page turner February 10, 2013
Posted by Diana McCabe in News.add a comment
The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.
ICED is intriguing but I will say there is a kind of “ick” factor to it that I hope will smooth out as Dani grows up.
Dani’s story takes place right after SHADOWFEVER and so we know:
- Cruce is imprisoned under the Abbey.
- Mac has found out Dani’s part in her sister Alina’s murder.
- Christian is turning into an Unseelie Prince.
- The walls between the human world and the Fae have come down.
Dani is still as fearless as ever. She carries the Sword of Light, one of the only two weapons that can kill the Fae. And she’s still a super fast sidhe-seer. None of this goes unnoticed by Ryodan, the owner of Chester’s. Yes, he is one of Barron’s men — or whatever they are. Ryodan forces Dani to work for him after a hoarfrost monster “ices” part of his club. The same monster is icing parts of the city, killing both humans and Fae. And that forms the basis for the plot — who or what is freezing the hell out of everything — that brings Dani. Ryo and Christian together.
In the Fever books, Dani annoyed me because she — well — just seemed to always be bugging Mac. Here she sort of still bugs me with her constant jabbering and eating — to keep up her super fast speed — but I like her a lot better because she just tries so hard to do the right thing and protect not just humans but those she loves.
One thing that is throwing me for a loop? Dani’s age. She’s 14. But she’s got two older beings after her. Both Ryodan and Christian see her potential and know she’ll grow up to be an amazing woman. And it’s kind of creepy to see them either directly going after her (Christian) or making weird comments that obviously have a double meaning (Ryodan). And Ryodan’s extracurricular behavior — even if he really does care about Dani — is gross. Blech. Won’t even go there. (Suffice to say I feel really sorry for Jo.) Dani seems kind of clueless right now about these affections. She knows somethings going on but because she’s a confused teen can’t figure it out. It would work better if she weren’t confused about guys — whatever they are — who are tons older than she is. (Thank goodness for Dancer. He balances things out but does he stand a chance?)
Mac and Barrons are definitely in the book. And if you’re like me and usually turn to the last page of the book first — don’t do it. (I actually didn’t do it this time so avoided what I kind of figured was coming!)
Fever fans will want to pick this up to keep up with the weird world KMM continues to create.
I also want to see where KMM takes Dancer. He’s always there for Dani and is the sexy smart nerd boy who might grow up to be something else?
The next book in the Dani trilogy is titled BURNED. No clue on when that’s due out. Hoping this fall.
(Sorry this has taken me so long to post. Been swamped with the day job but am back vamp blogging now! — Diana)
‘Dead Ever After’ description revealed November 20, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in News.Tags: charlaine harris, Dead Ever After, Sookie
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The description of the final Sookie Stackhouse novel, DEAD EVER AFTER, has been posted at Amazon:
THE FINAL SOOKIE STACKHOUSE NOVEL
There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie — and could destroy her heart….
Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated. Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime. But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…
What do you think ‘Dead Ever After’ cover means?! October 20, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in Authors, News.Tags: charlaine harris, Dead Ever After, Sookie Stackhouse
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Here it is. The cover for the last book in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series. Charlaine Harris revealed the new cover earlier in the week to USA TODAY. The 13th and final book in the series will be published May 7.
When asked why she was ending the series, Harris told USA TODAY:
“I felt that I’d told the story I set out to tell. I thought continuing it, which I could have done, would have been a disservice to readers who have stuck with me this long.”
Thoughts on the cover? I think it is bright. The colors pop more than on any other cover. All of her friends are on it — her shifter friends. She’s looking back at them. For support? To bid farewell? Is that a sunrise or a sunset? I think Sookie is wearing a lot of red — Eric’s fave color. Is she following the bats or saying goodbye to them? Are the bats leading her somewhere or fly off? And what the heck does a rose, tomato and purple daisy signify? I’ll have to look those up for another post, but if you have any thoughts on this — post below!!
Latest ‘Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2′ trailer …. September 10, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in Entertainment, News.Tags: Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2
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Here is part 2 of the latest “Twilight” trailer. Movie is out Nov. 16. (There is a rambling review at the end of this which some folks might find amusing. But you can watch the video clip first and skip the talking, talking, talking at the end!) But for TwiHard fans this clip looks interesting.
Hugo Award winners announced …. any of your faves on here? September 3, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in News.Tags: Among Others, Hugo Awards
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Chicon 7, the 70th World Science Fiction Convention, announced the 2012 Hugo Award winners on Sept. 2 in Chicago. Here’s the list:
BEST NOVEL
Among Others by Jo Walton (Tor)
Description from Amazon.com
Startling, unusual, and yet irresistably readable, Among Others is at once the compelling story of a young woman struggling to escape a troubled childhood, a brilliant diary of first encounters with the great novels of modern fantasy and SF, and a spellbinding tale of escape from ancient enchantment.
Raised by a half-mad mother who dabbled in magic, Morwenna Phelps found refuge in two worlds. As a child growing up in Wales, she played among the spirits who made their homes in industrial ruins. But her mind found freedom and promise in the science fiction novels that were her closest companions. Then her mother tried to bend the spirits to dark ends, and Mori was forced to confront her in a magical battle that left her crippled–and her twin sister dead.
Fleeing to her father whom she barely knew, Mori was sent to boarding school in England–a place all but devoid of true magic. There, outcast and alone, she tempted fate by doing magic herself, in an attempt to find a circle of like-minded friends. But her magic also drew the attention of her mother, bringing about a reckoning that could no longer be put off…
BEST NOVELLA
“The Man Who Bridged the Mist” by Kij Johnson (Asimov’s, September/October 2011)
You can read some of the novella at the link above. Johnson’s story is about an alien planet and the humans who try to tame it.
BEST NOVELETTE
“Six Months, Three Days” by Charlie Jane Anders (Tor.com)
Description from Amazon.com:
Doug and Judy have both had a secret power all their life. Judy can see every possible future, branching out from each moment like infinite trees. Doug can also see the future, but for him, it’s a single, locked-in, inexorable sequence of foreordained events. They can’t both be right, but over and over again, they are. Obviously these are the last two people in the world who should date. So, naturally, they do.
BEST SHORT STORY
“The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu (The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, March/April 2011)
Above is the link to Liu’s PDF of the short story — which is about 15 pages. It’s been called a gentle fantasy and is about culture clash, love, paper tigers and a mail-order bride.
BEST RELATED WORK
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, Third Edition edited by John Clute, David Langford, Peter Nicholls, and Graham Sleight (Gollancz)
BEST GRAPHIC STORY
Digger by Ursula Vernon (Sofawolf Press)
Digger is the story about a wombat. Link takes you to author’s site.
BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, LONG FORM
Game of Thrones (Season 1) (HBO)
BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, SHORT FORM
“The Doctor’s Wife” (Doctor Who) (BBC Wales)
BEST EDITOR, SHORT FORM
Sheila Williams
She is the editor of Asimov’s Science Fiction magazine.
BEST EDITOR, LONG FORM
Betsy Wollheim
Runs DAWS books
BEST PROFESSIONAL ARTIST
John Picacio
He is the artist of the “A Song of Fire and Ice” calendar. Here is my interview with him at Comic-Con 2011.
BEST SEMIPROZINE
Locus, edited by Liza Groen Trombi, Kirsten Gong-Wong, et al.
BEST FANZINE
SF Signal, edited by John DeNardo
BEST FAN WRITER
Jim C. Hines
BEST FAN ARTIST
Maurine Starkey
BEST FANCAST
SF Squeecast, Lynne M. Thomas, Seanan McGuire, Paul Cornell, Elizabeth Bear, and Catherynne M. Valente
True Blood season No. 5 finale — love it or hate it? August 26, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in Entertainment, HBO, News.Tags: Bill, bonus scene, Eric, Season 5 finale, Sookie, true blood
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Loved parts of it and totally hated other scenes. The worst? That birthing scene. Totally annoying. The best? Bill. What the heck is he now? And who looks like the hero? Eric. The storyline on the HBO show is so different from the books that I can’t even begin to think where they are going to take this in Season No. 6, especially because before that season begins, we’ll already have Charlaine Harris’ ending to her series.
Some links to good recaps/commentary of the finale:
EOnline.com: Bill’s Religious Fanaticism Explodes
WSJ’s recap from SpeakEasy blog
TVLine.com: Tales from the Dark Side
And here is the bonus scene from the finale that was on HBO GO on the iPad app. Note what is said at the end!
‘Dragon Bound’ grabs top romance writers’ award August 4, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in Authors, News, RITA Awards.Tags: Ann Aguirre, Dragon Bound, Enclave, Thea Harrison
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The Romance Writers of America recently announced its writing awards and Thea Harrison snagged the top paranormal romance RITA honor for DRAGON BOUND.
I have not read DRAGON BOUND — which I just ordered for my iPad — but here’s the description from Harrison’s website:
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.
As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.
Ann Aguirre took top honors in the Young Adult Romance with ENCLAVE.
New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20s. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.
And Lorenda Christensen wins the 2012 Golden Heart for best manuscript with NEVER DEAL WITH DRAGONS by Lorenda Christensen won the 2012 Golden Heart for best manuscript. What’s it about? Here’s what Christensen posted on her website about the manuscript:
Myrna Banks is a lowly assistant in the Tulsa branch of DRACIM , an organization created to provide a reliable liaison between humans and the new race of genetically spawned creatures colloquially dubbed “dragons”. Her job is to do anything necessary to keep humans from being eaten by angry dragons while damage claims are negotiated on their behalf. But her usual schedule of muck boots and pig buffets is interrupted by a visit from Trian Chobardan, an old flame who sneaked out of her bed two years ago with a fist full of classified documents and more than a little piece of her heart.
Myrna would love to show Trian the door – and the bottom of her foot – but he’s at DRACIM by the request of Lord Relobu, North America’s reigning dragon lord. Relobu needs a neutral party to preside over upcoming negotiations between himself and the Chinese dragon court. If the talks fail, war between the dragon nations is certain – an outcome that would be devastating for the human population caught in the middle.
When DRACIM top brass turn down the job, citing employee safety issues, Myrna decides she has no choice but to offer herself as token referee in the high stakes dragon showdown. But the players aren’t all what they seem and Myrna has to learn who she can trust before she loses not only her heart, but her life.
And here’s the list of the rest of the RITA award winners — because we all need a great romance once in a while, eh?! (Did any of your faves get left off the list this year? If so, let me know in the comments section! Happy reading!)
