Stuff received 12/2/13 – The Simian edition

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Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Actually the following all arrived on Saturday, November 30. The first via USPS from my pal Jacob Weisman, the publisher of my anthology The Apes of Wrath. Somehow, he just knew I’d find it cool!

robotic gorilla cover

Robotic Gorilla

by Paul Beck

Promo copy:

Moving from biology to technology, readers explore the worlds of gorillas and robots. For decades, scientists have looked to gorillas and other creatures for inspiration. The book teaches about gorilla behavior and anatomy, the design and development of robots, and what happens when scientists combine gorillas and robots. This complete kit to build a walking gorilla is sure to inspire young animal and robot enthusiasts. The robotic gorilla comes with a plastic case, an internal motor, moving arms and legs, illuminated eyes, and a snapping jaw. Also included are a 32-page book, 24 fact cards, and a 15″ x 20″ poster.

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Lost Review: Green Hornet

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Beginning in December 2005 with my history of apes in film essay “Gorilla of Your Dreams” (the substantially update and revised version appears in The Apes of Wrath), I regularly contributed to Moving Pictures Magazine. First in the print incarnation and then for primarily the website. I contributed reviews and essays for the last three years of the publications existence. Following the June 2011 demise of both the print and website editions, all of the digital work for MPM disappeared into the ether. In the coming months (years?), I plan on reposting many of my reviews and articles.

I often reviewed the more geeky offerings and thus I muddled my way through the forgettable Green Hornet.

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Books received 11/3/13

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Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Eragon: Collector’s Edition
The Inheritance Cycle Book One

by Christopher Paolini
Art by Paolini, Donato Giancola, Ciruelo Cabral, John Jude Palencar, Michael Hague, and Raoul Vitale
Cover by Palencar

 Promo copy:

In honor of the 10th Anniversary of Eragon, a special edition of the runaway bestseller with a blue faux leather cover, six pieces of exclusive artwork from award-winning artists and the author and a new essay from Christopher about how art has inspired his work.

Ten years ago, fans first met Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider. A decade and four books later, readers are as enthusiastic as ever. This 10th-anniversary edition celebrates the journey that Eragon, Christopher Paolini, and his millions of fans have all made together.

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Lost Review: Splice

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Beginning in December 2005 with my history of apes in film essay “Gorilla of Your Dreams” (the substantially update and revised version appears in The Apes of Wrath), I regularly contributed to Moving Pictures Magazine. First in the print incarnation and then for primarily the website. I contributed reviews and essays for the last three years of the publications existence. Following the June 2011 demise of both the print and website editions, all of the digital work for MPM disappeared into the ether. In the coming months (years?), I plan on reposting many of my reviews and articles.

Splice received some excellent reviews from people I respect. As you will see, I held a different opinion.

splice

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RAYGUNS OVER TEXAS reviewed at GeorgeKelly.org

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Cover by Rocky Kelley

Cover by Rocky Kelley

Under the banner of FORGOTTEN BOOKS #243: RAYGUNS OVER TEXAS Edited by Richard Klaw, George Kelley wrote:

Scott Cupp generously sent me a copy of Rayguns Over Texas, a collection of Science Fiction short stories written by Texas writers. I love the cover by Rocky Kelley (no relation)! Bruce Sterling provides a wonderful Introduction. Scott Cupp’s essay on his SF reading is masterful. Neal Barrett, Jr., Joe R. Lansdale, and Michael Moorcock wrote my favorite stories in this collection, but there are plenty of other enjoyable stories here. Pick up a copy soon before they’re all gone!

Nice review but isn’t Rayguns a little new to be considered a “forgotten title?” Only been out for two months!

For more on Rayguns Over Texas, visit the FACT site.

Stuff received 10/20/13

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Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

The God Tattoo
Untold Tales from the Twilight Reign

by Tom Lloyd
Cover by Larry Rostant

Promo copy:

A short story collection fleshing out the world of the critically-acclaimed Twilight Reign series, a tremendous work of mature epic fantasy. 

The history of the Land may remember the slaughter at Moorview or the horror of Scree’s fall, but there were other casualties of the secret war against Azaer–more tales surrounding those bloody years that went unrecorded. In the shadow of memorials to the glorious dead, these ghosts lie quiet and forgotten by all but a few.

A companion collection to the Twilight Reign quintet, these eleven stories shine a rather different light on the Land. Look past the armies and politics of the Seven Tribes and you will find smaller moments that shaped the course of history in their own way. But even forgotten secrets can kill. Even shadows can have claws.

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Lost Review: Grown Ups

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Beginning in December 2005 with my history of apes in film essay “Gorilla of Your Dreams” (the substantially update and revised version appears in The Apes of Wrath), I regularly contributed to Moving Pictures Magazine. First in the print incarnation and then for primarily the website. I contributed reviews and essays for the last three years of the publications existence. Following the June 2011 demise of both the print and website editions, all of the digital work for MPM disappeared into the ether. In the coming months (years?), I plan on reposting many of my reviews and articles.

I had forgotten ever seeing Grown Ups, never mind reviewing it, until I ran across the review on my computer. Thankfully, I managed to miss this summer’s ill-advised sequel.

grown_ups_poster

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Books received 10/12/2013

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Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

A Dance with Dragons
A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five

by George R.R. Martin
Cover by Larry Rostant

Promo copy:

In the aftermath of a colossal battle, Daenerys Targaryen rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way east—with new allies who may not be the ragtag band they seem. And in the frozen north, Jon Snow confronts creatures from beyond the Wall of ice and stone, and powerful foes from within the Night’s Watch. In a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics lead a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, to the greatest dance of all.

Don’t miss the thrilling sneak peek of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Six, The Winds of Winter.

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