Category Archives: magic

Kelpie, by T. J. Wooldridge–cover reveal and raffle

Posted on March 27, 2013 by

So my plan was to return to history for this week’s blog, then I found out about my friend T. J.’s raffle, happening this week only! Read the excerpt below, and scope out the rules to win some fun prizes … Continue reading →

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Werewolves in Medieval History

Posted on February 27, 2013 by

Whether you’re more Team Jacob or “Werewolves of London” you know that werewolves are hot right now (both in sales, and apparently, in sex appeal). But their prevalence in the Urban Fantasy genre might obscure their long history. My eyes … Continue reading →

Posted in fantasy, fiction, history, magic, medieval, Uncategorized, witchcraft | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop: Elisha Barber

Posted on January 2, 2013 by

I was tagged to participate in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop by the marvelous Heather Albano, author of two (so far!) steampunk novels you can learn more about at her post:  http://www.heatheralbano.com/2012/12/26/the-next-big-thing-blog-hop/ So without further ado: What is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Elisha Barber, fantasy, fiction, historical medicine, history, magic, medieval, The Dark Apostle, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

It was a Dark and Stormy Night. . .

Posted on October 31, 2012 by

Those of us in the Northeast are bracing right now for the “storm of the century” (yep, another one), and thinking about that old saw on New England Weather, if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.  Me, … Continue reading →

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Review: Thieftaker

Posted on July 29, 2012 by

Thieftaker by D.B. Jackson My rating: 4 of 5 stars A tense, engaging read. There’s been recent interest in historical fantasies with American settings, and this was a nice addition to that elite group. Jackson creates an off-beat character with … Continue reading →

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The Medieval Fantasy Author’s Must-see

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

Okay, if you’re a fantasy writer, doing anything remotely inspired by medieval history, you should be getting on a plane to Kalamazoo, Michigan–right now!   At the very least, you should know *why* I would urge you to Kalamazoo.  Sadly, the flights … Continue reading →

Posted in history, magic, medieval, medieval technology, research | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Q&A with fantasy author Ben Tate (also known as Josh Palmatier)

Posted on January 21, 2012 by

I had the good fortune to meet Ben (or was that Josh?) at Albacon a few years ago, and am pleased to renew our acquaintaince!  You may have read his Skewed Throne series–if you haven’t picked up Well of Sorrows, … Continue reading →

Posted in author interviews, fantasy, magic, medieval, writing, writing process, writing series | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Review: Range of Ghosts

Posted on January 11, 2012 by

Range of Ghosts by Elizabeth Bear My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book was a thrilling adventure from beginning to end! It’s like Lord of the Rings meets the Arabian Nights–a rich fantasy realm inspired by cultures of the … Continue reading →

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Review: The Drowning City, a flawed fantasy

Posted on November 4, 2011 by

The Drowning City by Amanda Downum My rating: 3 of 5 stars A promising work, that fell sadly flat. I’m always excited to see fantasy works with unusual settings and characters, so this is the first from my World Fantasy … Continue reading →

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10 Ways to Screw up a Magical System

Posted on August 10, 2011 by

1.  Watch while I pull this rabbit out of my hat! Hey, my hero’s in a tough spot, I’ll think of a new spell for him to use!  Every time! 2.  Spell, what spell? . . .because I need him … Continue reading →

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