Do You?

At this time of year, it's fitting to remember why it is we have the freedom to live and express ourselves as we do. Sometimes, the younger generation forgets how much they owe to those they often ridicule. 

Those of us who are older know better.

If I may, I'd like to share a little something I wrote some years back following a reunion.
I hope you like it:

***********

Never Forget

The trumpet wails,

Its solitary lament reminding me,

Of duty, of sacrifice,

But most of all, of deep abiding loss.

A wreath of encircled heads fly at half mast about me.

Lowering in respect, they set like a flag, with the setting of the sun…

We shan’t forget.

I don’t need a flower or a monument of stone.

For the scars of war are threaded deep,

Wounds that pierce through the generations of my family,

Stitching grief within my heart, grafting pain to my memories.

Fields of green, crosses of white, roots stained ruby red,

This is my heritage…

And I can’t forget.

How many of my family never knew kith and kin,

Except through faded photo or by crumbling citation?

I look at history, now, as I write,

Framed there–in pride of place–upon my wall.

Six generations worth of gaily colored ribbon and shiny metal,

Masking the worth of the blood that was spilt, and the true poignant cost of war…

I won’t forget.

Did my Great-grandfather, William, ever get to kiss his wife goodbye?

Or Granddad Fred, tussle the hair of his own precious son?

How many actually left, promising sincerely they would return?

All of them, I’m sure.

With a stiff upper lip and a brave farewell, they concealed their heavy hearts.

All marched away…But, oh so few came back…

I mustn’t forget.

Because who will remain to tell their story?

Remember! The pages of history turn more quickly than we know,

And squander the harvest of such hard won labors.

A freedom to assemble, to riot and protest,

Condemning the sacrifices of the brave to the gutter...

Well not I!

Nor those in my family, either, who like me, leapt into the breach, time and time again…

We will never forget.

©

(A constant reminder to myself...No matter what uniform I wear.

From little boy to man, our legacy continues.)

***********

Hell Hounds
Yours For The Price of Your Soul

Heroes in Hell is a series of shared world fantasy books, within the genre Bangsian horror/fantasy, created and edited by Janet Morris and written by her, Chris Morris, C. J. Cherryh and others. The first 12 novels in the saga were published by Baen Books between 1986 and 1989, and stories from the series include both Hugo Award winners and Nebula Award nominees. The series was resurrected in 2011 by Janet Morris with the thirteenth book and eighth anthology in the series, Lawyers in Hell, followed by six more anthologies and three novels between 2012 and 2017.

So, how does it work?

The shared world premise of Heroes in Hell (also called The Damned Saga) is that all the despicable despots and vilest vagabonds from history – and some of the more notable fictional horrors – wind up in Hell together after death, where they set out to continue their dastardly ways. The Encyclopedia of Fantasy states "In the long series of shared world adventures begun with Heroes in Hell, Hell becomes an arena in which all the interesting villains in history can come together to continue the relentless pursuit of their various ends.” Brian Stableford commented that the series "adapted the backcloth of Dantean fantasy as a stage for violent adventures with ironic echoes of infernal comedy.

Does that make you hanker for more?

It should do. Imagine the scope of what you can do with such a formula, for it gives you a crucible in which your most abhorrent aspirations and contemptible cravings can be stirred into a frenzy and unleashed on your imagination.
It’s little wonder the series continues to go from strength to strength:

And do you know what, the Heroes in Hell Universe just got bigger.

If you remember, Doctors in Hell, published in 2015, introduced us to Satan’s go-to genocidal guy in times of trouble, the Goth of Goth’s, Daemon Grim – who just so happens to be none other than the Reaper himself. Fans of the series were delighted when Grim went on to star in his very own Heroes in Hell adventure – Hell Bound.

In Hell Bound, we met some of the slimiest, most duplicitous scum ever to have tarnished the pages of literature, and the book went on to become an international #1 hit. So much so, that fans have clamored for more ever since.

Well, you’ll be glad to know the sequel has arrived.

Entitled, Hell Hounds, it’s a dog eat dog – hunt you down – chew you up and spit you out rollercoaster ride of mishap, misery and mayhem. A quest in which you get to journey throughout some of the topsiest-turviest realms imaginable, and a place with so much action that you’ll learn that Grim’s bite can be far, far worse than his bark.

But don’t take my word for it.

***Hell Hounds***

Press the link to get your very own copy and immerse yourself in some of the bloodiest atrocities this side of perdition.

Hell Hounds
Cover Reveal

Well, the day of the cover reveal has finally arrived and as you can see, it encompasses the action you will find between the covers, perfectly. Though Grim and his team of Hell Hounds pursue their quarry through many levels of the underworld, several epic scenes take place in hell’s dark version of Paris – or as the damned say – Perish.

Thus the epic panorama introducing you to the book itself.

I really love it!

All credit and respect to Roy Mauritsen
who once again worked his magic to produce a marvelous first impression.
(Much appreciated, Roy. A fantastic job!)

And of course, a special “thank you” goes to Janet & Chris Morris
and the team at Perseid Press who toiled so hard to ensure we have an amazing treat in store for you this coming Halloween.

Here’s the blurb:
*************

Feared throughout the many circles of the underworld, Satan’s Reaper – and chief bounty hunter – Daemon Grim, is known as a true force to be reckoned with.

Having eliminated a major player in the uprising eating its way like a cancer through the underbelly of hell, Grim is stunned to discover he cannot afford to rest on his laurels, for the rebellion runs far deeper than was ever imagined. New players have emerged – denizens with uncanny abilities – who seem determined to support Chopin and Tesla’s revolutionary agenda.

Ever keen to test their mettle, the Sibitti – personified weapons of the ancient Babylonian plague god, Erra – also appear eager to capitalize on the growing unrest, and set about maneuvering events in order to place themselves in direct opposition to Grim’s investigation.

And if that was not cause for concern enough, there’s an insane angel on the loose, a creature as hell-bent on creating havoc as he is to return home.

How do Grim and his rabid pack of bounty hunters respond?

Baying for blood – doesn’t even begin to describe it.

******************
Buy Link to follow soon

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For those of you who want to find out more about the release itself, Daemon Grim, or Heroes in Hell, I’ve devised a little schedule up until Halloween that should fit the bill.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, A Reaper in Hell Blog will provide a brief rundown of Daemon Grim’s exploits so far:

Daemon Grim - A Reaper in Hell

Tuesday’s – The blurb for each adventure Grim has appeared in;

Thursday’s – An excerpt from the same featured story.

Through these tasters, you’ll be reminded how the Reaper’s story has evolved toward what you get to read in Hell Hounds.

*************

Daemon Grim’s Facebook Page will do something slightly different:

Daemon Grim - Facebook Page

Wednesday’s – a brief clip from that week’s highlighted story;

Friday’s – A promoted post featuring a themed article about Hell Hounds itself

By following along, you’ll get an accurate idea of the mood and flavor you will experience on the spookiest night of the year when the Hell Hounds are unleashed upon the public.

Enjoy…

In Memoriam: 

Jerry Pournelle (b.1933) died on September 8.

I only ever communicated briefly with Jerry prior to his death after the guys over at Black Gate Fantasy compared The IX – to “King David’s Spaceship” – an honor I’ll never forget, as I’d read some of Jerry’s work growing up and knew him to be something of a legend in sci-fi circles.

Think of some of his achievements for a moment: the long running A Spaceship for the King series; The Mote in God’s Eye; Inferno; Lucifer’s Hammer, to name a few.

He was a John W. Campbell Award – Prometheus Award – Seiun Award and Heinlein Society Award winner for all sorts of contributions during his lifetime.

Although by the time we spoke Jerry was in poor health, I found him a charming and witty man who was only too ready to offer an aspiring author the benefits of his wisdom, (One of only several legends who have freely done so).

Though he’s no longer with us, his legacy lives on.

If you’re in mind to treat yourself, try and get your handsome of his work. You won’t regret it.

Are YOU Looking Forward To October?

Ask any fan of quality science fiction what the best month of 2017 will be, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you – October!

Why? Because that’s when Blade Runner 2049 comes out.

Do you remember Blade Runner? It’s hard to believe it first came out in 1982 isn’t it. I’ve never forgotten how much I was enthralled by the story of near-future ex cop, Rick Deckard  – a blade runner – whose job was to track down bioengineered superbeings known as replicants and "retire" (a euphemism for killing) them.

Unmatched in skill, Deckard is called on by his ex boss, Bryant, and told that four dangerous replicants have managed to reach Earth, illegally. As Tyrell Corporation Nexus-6 models, they have only a four-year lifespan and it is suspected they have returned to try and extend their lives.

Deckard watches a video of a blade runner named Holden administering the "Voight-Kampff" test designed to distinguish replicants from humans based on their emotional response to questions. The test subject, Leon, shoots the investigating officer and makes off. Bryant wants Deckard to retire Leon and the other three replicants: Roy Batty, Zhora, and Pris. Deckard initially refuses, but after Bryant ambiguously threatens him, he reluctantly agrees.

What follows is a dark and haunting story of Deckard’s investigation, during which he is followed by another officer – Gaff – and discovers the creator of the replicants - Eldon Tyrell – has advanced the production of his artificial humans to such an extent that they don’t realize they aren’t human. Enter Tyrell’s assistant, Rachael, an experimental replicant who believes herself to be a real woman. Rachael has been given false memories to provide an "emotional cushion". As a result, a more extensive test is required to determine whether she is a replicant.

Events are then set into motion that pit Deckard's search for the replicants against their search for Tyrell to force him to extend their lives. Excellent stuff. It’s earthy, gritty, and you can almost taste how downright depressing it would be to live in a world like that.

The film culminates in a high-rise apartment where Deckard is ambushed by Pris. After a fierce struggle, he manages to kill her just as Roy – a combat expert – returns. As Roy starts to die, he chases Deckard through the building, and they end up on the roof. Deckard tries to escape by jumping to an adjacent rooftop. Misjudging the distance, he misses and is left hanging precariously between buildings. Roy makes the same jump with ease, and as Deckard's grip loosens, Roy surprises him by catching his arm and hoisting him to safety.

As Roy's life at last runs out, he delivers a now famous monologue about how his memories "will be lost in time, like tears in rain." Roy dies in front of Deckard, who, exhausted, looks on silently. Gaff arrives and shouts across to Deckard, "It's too bad she won't live, but then again, who does?" When Deckard returns to his apartment, he finds the door ajar, but Rachael is safe, asleep in his bed. As they leave together, Deckard notices a small tin-foil origami unicorn on the floor, a familiar calling card that brings back to him Gaff's final words. Deckard and Rachael quickly leave the apartment block.

Macabre; disturbing; provocative. Solid; thoughtful; insightful of human nature. Blade Runner was all of these things and I loved it.

But that was thirty-five years ago.

And Now?

Blade Runner 2049 is set thirty years after the events of the first film. A new blade runner, LAPD officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing all this time.

We can only guess what’s coming. But if this new rendering possesses only half the atmosphere of the original, it’ll be an outstanding film.

Roll on October...

The IX Series

Prelude to Sorrow

Fight or Die

The task force dispatched to eradicate the Horde menace on far Exordium has failed, and for those left alive, that axiom resounds as never before.

Now marooned – out of time and out of place – the survivors lick their wounds and struggle to recover while the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. But fate, it seems, isn’t done with the Ninth, and our heroes find themselves forced to mount a last-ditch attempt to end the threat once and for all.

But just how much will they have to sacrifice and what implications might this entail? Will the darkness be vanquished, or will our heroes’ efforts finally signal the beginning of the end of their adventure?

Find out soon in – Prelude to Sorrow – the stunning conclusion to the IX saga.

Watch this space for the forthcoming cover reveal

Taboo

Last week I had the rather delightful experience of delving into a dark and macabre BBC drama entitled, Taboo.

I knew I’d be onto a winner as it involved collaboration between “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, Ridley Scott of “Alien – Blade Runner – Gladiator – and a shedload of other hits” fame, and Tom Hardy (in the title role), to name a few.

Here’s the scenario:

It’s 1814. James Keziah Delaney is a man who has been to the ends of the earth and comes back irrevocably changed. Believed to be long dead, he returns home to London from Africa to inherit what’s left of his father’s shipping empire and rebuild a life for himself. But his father’s legacy is a poisoned chalice. Enemies – especially among the “all-knowing & all-powerful” East India Company – lurk in every shadow and under every rock.

A man with ungodly, terrible secrets, Delaney is forced to navigate increasingly complex waters to avoid a death that just about everyone seems to lust after. Why?

Ah, that begins to emerge in this sinister, brooding, slow burning and gritty drama that shows you the depths some will plunge to in order to protect their interests.

******

Often brutal, sometimes poignant and always gritty, Taboo is utterly original, packed with a stellar cast who blend together perfectly, and the perfect murder mystery to watch...so long as you’re not easily shocked.

As Oliver Twist might say: “Please sir, can I have some more?”

The Clue Is In The Title

I’ve spent rather an entertaining week – courtesy of Netflix – watching one of the most enjoyable series I’ve seen in a long time.

The show? The Santa Clarita Diet.

Now, I’m never one to give the plot of a film or series away, so I’ll promise not to do that, but you know you’re onto a winner with this little gem from the start.

Imagine the scenario:  Husband and wife realtors Joel and Sheila (Timothy Olyphant & Drew Barrymore) are stuck in a humdrum middle of the road existence. Living in a suburban street sandwiched between a sheriff on one side and a cop on the other, they’re nothing out of the ordinary and something of a boring couple.
The first sign that something’s amiss is when Sheila complains she’s not feeling too good. Later that day, they’re showing a couple around a house, and, when they get to the plushy carpeted bedroom and bathroom area, Sheila commences to add a wall to wall veneer to the thoughtfully laid out décor by projectile vomiting.

Professional to a tee, Joel ushers the shocked prospective customers downstairs where he tries vainly to portray the benefits of the kitchen to the background and somewhat echoing accompaniment of his wife’s gastric misadventure upstairs. (She literally brings up the contents of her stomach...internal organs an all).

Thus begins a gory, nose turning, dry humored adventure where Joel and Sheila have to come to terms with a drastic change, and what that entails.

Though we’re not told directly what that change is, the clue is in the title:

The Santa Clarita Diet.

Clue - Sheila need 100% fresh meat off the bone. Preferably while it’s still alive.

Awesome fun. Don’t forget the cop and sheriff neighbors. Adding to the mix is Liv, their dry teenage daughter and Eric, her next-door shadow who worships the ground she walks on and who just so happens to be geeky enough to help out.

I’ve got to say, I absolutely loved it. Lots of twists and turns, close to the knuckle laughs, last second surprises and most of all...unashamedly gory.

The interaction between the main characters is top notch and I wished this was one of those 20 episode series you get from time to time.

An 5 star comedy gore-fest....and roll on series 2.

Terminate All Piracy

But not until you've run a shot across the bow of the very latest offering from Janet Morris' Heroes in Hell Universe - Pirates in Hell

That's right! You'll find no fool's gold or bootlegged booty inside this little treasure chest of 12 authentic adventures that'll light a fire in your hold and make you feel inclined to splice the mainbrace on a bottle of Captain Gorgons finest!

******

Just look at the list of scurvy sea dogs waiting to pressgang you into perdition:

If you like what you see then rest assured, there's no need to scour the seven seas to get your grimy hands on one.

No, YOU can get your very own genuine pirate copy right here:

Pirates In Hell

Press the link to avoid the worse case of black spot you'll ever suffer this side of 

Davey Jones' Locker.

Blast From the Past

I don't know about you, but I enjoy delving into the odd blast from the past here and there, especially when it comes to treasured favorites.

Back in 1979, I read my first ever Terry Brooks novel, The Sword of Shannara, and was hooked. The sequels followed, as did a separate The Word and the Void trilogy.

Little did I know at the time how the two worlds would blend...especially as time and circumstance took me away from this particular writer for many years.

Long story short?

I recently got back into the Shannara series, and found it has expanded way beyond anything I ever realized from the 1970's. What's more, I was delighted to discover Terry had laid the seeds for the Shannara saga through The Word and the Void adventures.

Over the past few weeks, I completed the latest in a run-up to the original story I read all those years ago. Bearers of the Black Staff, and A Measure of Magic.

Here's what I thought.

Review

Review

I really enjoyed the way Terry Brooks wove the world as it is now into what it becomes in the far distant future. See what you think...there's plenty to keep you busy.

Pirates in Hell

Have you availed yourself of the bounty yet?

It’s all hands on deck in this swashbuckling extravaganza that leaves no bone unturned. And the great thing is, you don’t need a map to avail yourself of the treasure trove of tales inside...

Just look at the list of characters from myth & legend, history and the stuff nightmares are made of to keep you entertained:

Pirates in Hell Contents:

Bitter Business – Janet Morris and Chris Morris

Pieces of Hate – Andrew P. Weston

Evil Angel –  Janet Morris and Chris Morris

Who’s a Pirate Now? – Nancy Asire

Curse of the Pharaohs – S.E. Lindberg

Lir’s Children – Paul Freeman

Unholiest Grail – Larry Atchley, Jr.

The Bitter Taste of Hell’s Injustice – Jack William Finley

Serial Recall and Beautiful Tortures – Michael H. Hanson

Drink and the Devil – Rob Hinkle

The Pirates of Penance – Joe Bonadonna

Muse of Fire – Janet Morris and Chris Morris

Hell Hounds (excerpt) – Andrew P. Weston

See something you like?

Then don't scuttle your chances, click the link now:

Pirates in Hell

A Little Look into the World of Shannara

A skilful blending of two into one

I first read Terry Brook's Sword of Shannara back in 1980, and took to the series with relish. On the basis of that, I followed his other works too, and in particular, Running with the Demon detailing the exploits of John Ross, a Knight of the Word.
Boy, was I glad I did, for in Genesis of Shannara, we see a skilful introduction/evolution of the two series into one. (And I might add - a delightful surprise)
Genesis of Shannara takes place in a postapocalyptic world fifty years into our future, where the seeds of the Shannara world really begin to flourish. Civilization has fallen into darkness and stands little chance of surviving long. However, hope exists in the shape of two Knights of the Word, and the resilience of one of the Chosen, guardian of the Ellcrys who senses the fall of mankind also heralds the demise of the Elves - hidden as they are.
How the story develops - thereby weaving the two together - well, you'll have to find that out for yourselves. But it's skilfully and credibly done.
I look forward to the next in the series soon.
(Just a note to avid fans. Although this book/series stand alone, you can gain a great deal of insight and history by reading the Word & Void series first. Let's just say it will lay fine foundations for what's to come)

In “The Elves of Cintra” we continue the story of Logan Tom and Angel Perez, two knights of the word, intent on their own individual missions.
Logan seeks to recover an ancient talisman of wild magic – the gypsy morph – and icon that can prevent humanity’s destruction. In doing so, he inadvertently becomes the surrogate protector of a ragtag bunch of street kids fleeing south from Seattle in their search for a safer place to live.
Meanwhile, Angel Perez is heading north, escorting the ephemeral ambassador of the fey – the tatterdemalion – to the elves of Cintra. Though isolated from mankind’s affairs for centuries, the elves are also in danger and need to take drastic measures to ensure they are not also swept away in the coming destruction. But will they listen?
If their job wasn’t difficult enough, both knights are forced to contend with the dross of a ruined civilization, mutants, freaks, once-men and demons. They also have to battle their own shortcomings, proving once again that in the post apocalyptic world of the future, the streets are always paved with so many hidden traps and snares, you never know who to trust

…until it’s too late.
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through the seeds of the Shannara legend. I look forward to the next installment.

(And that will hopefully follow in about a week's time)

Dark Tales set in Dark Times

I recently enjoyed a spot of back-to-back TV/DVD watching of a rather outstanding serial – Penny Dreadful. (Series 1 - 3)

It took more than a month, but now it’s over, I’ve got to say, this is one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time, where a wonderful set of characters are brought together by time and circumstance to fight the forces of darkness. Despite their strengths, each of our heroes and heroines display a vulnerability that not only makes them more relatable, but bares their soul to scrutiny.

What adds credibility to the Penny Dreadful experience is the perseverance and fortitude each protagonist brings to the table, despite their obvious shortcomings. A great plot, edgy themes and superb acting.

When the going gets tough, the tough band together, determined to win at all costs.

But do they?

An absolutely outstanding series brought to a fitting conclusion. Try it - you'll see what I mean.