Wordsmith's Anvil

 Image credit: Glen Cook & Tor Books I love me some Glen Cook.     For the longest time I was on a Bernard Cornwell and Joe Abercrombie kick, and don't get me wrong those two are still among my top tier of writers, but I eventually stumbled into my Glen Cook phase and haven't looked back.     For those who don't know, Cook is a grimdark writer. The founder of the genre, really, who has given inspiration to the likes of Mark Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie. While those latter two are potentially heavier names in the modern day, Cook more than earned his stripes starting in the 80s. The Garrett Files just delivers further notches to his credential belt.     The Garrett Files is actually the title of a trilogy of his novels that revolve around the detective work of the titular character. The actual books within are titled Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts , and Cold Copper Tears. All of them are standalone mysteries, but the character that Cook buil...

Image credit: Owlcat Games Those of you who have already been privy to my thoughts and feelings on Owlcat Games know that this review has been a long time coming. I've already given my thoughts on the incredible work of art that is Rogue Trader , and although I've played Kingmaker before... it's been a little while. I did a replay of Wrath of the Righteous in order to really home in on my feelings for this one.     Once again, Owlcat does not disappoint.     In Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous , we start as a wounded individual brought to the middle of a festival in the grand city of Kenabres. After some quick healing from the local dragon, you read that right, we get to participate in a couple activities before the proverbial sh!t hits the fan. Deskari, a demon lord hell-bent on destroying civilization as everyone knows it, shows up to wreck the party and sever a dragon's head in the process. After a timely spell prevents your death, you explore some caves and eme...

Image credit: Constantinos Pritsos and ... me. A Fire to be Kindled “What do you know about the Louisiana territory?” President Thomas Jefferson asked. “Very little,” I said. “How would you like to learn more about it?” he continued. “First-hand.” “Is this the expedition I’ve seen discussed in the papers?” I asked. “The one with Meriweather Lewis and…” “William Clark, yes,” he said. “You’d be leaving one corps tomorrow and joining another by the end of the month. The Corps of Discovery.” My heart soared. This could be the opportunity I needed to move forward. All I had to do was take the leap and see what the future held in store for me. “I’d love to.” “It’s settled, then,” Jefferson said. He waved a lanky arm to the disapproving man standing near the door. “Secretary Dearborn will draw up the necessary papers.” Henry Dearborn moved reluctantly from the doorway. I think he had hoped that his only job that evening would have been to open it and usher me out. I disappointed the man, and ...

Image credit: James S.A. Corey & Orbit Now clearly I've read Leviathan's Wake and Caliban's War , I just had to get that out of the way before I start delving into my review here. I'm not just starting in medias res with the series. I've watched the show, I've read the first couple books, and I also have my copy of Osiris Reborn pre-ordered. I've done some expansive homework on this topic. Okay, that's the only dad joke I'll put in here, I promise.     Abaddon's Gate is a continuation of the science fiction story that the duo known as James S.A. Corey have laid out in the first two books. The protomolecule has already had a lasting impact on the solar system and life as we know it. Nevertheless, Protogen is shut down and Mao is in the slammer, Holden and his crew have been running missions for the OPA for months, Avasarala is doing what she does best behind the scenes, and Bobbie Draper... well, I guess we have to watch the show to find her ...

  Image credit: Ocean Drive Studio I love when a game comes around and has the confidence... nay, the audacity... to just completely usurp the time that my other games take up. It's not often, but sometimes you'll get in a gaming slump that really just means that anything and everything doesn't really seem all that appealing.     Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch to the rescue.     In this spin-off from Ocean Drive Studio's initial Lost Eidolons project, we find ourselves occupying the boots of Ashe. Ashe can be male or female depending on your pick in the offset, but the difference is largely negligible when it comes to the narrative. Ashe doesn't remember who he or she is, and only has snippets of recollections as to why they would possibly be on the faraway island they find themselves on in the first place.     Our first companions to join us are Evie and "Marco," a cleric and a berserker, who do not seem to have lost any of their own memories but a...

  Image credit: Lights Ooh, deep breath.     I've never written an official review about music before, and thus have certainly never done one about a live performance. I suppose that makes this one all the more appropriate, considering how much I've come to love Lights over the last several months.     Does that make me sound like a casual fan? I hope not, but it's hard to avoid when it's such a burgeoning listening relationship.     Lights is a Canadian musician who has been putting out music in a variety of mediums since 2008. 2007, technically, although her first album didn't come out until after. But I digress. She has showcased an immense amount of talent from an incredibly young age and yet... there's a good chance that you've never even heard of her. And up u ntil about six months ago, the same was true for me.     Just due to music shuffles and "You might be interested in..." playlists, I was first introduced to Lights via her collabo...