Wordsmith's Anvil

Image credit: Constantinos Pritsos & me An Important Man May 1804 “There is no need to reveal all that is on your mind. Your qualities will be apparent through your daily actions.” That was a tough one to mull on, but of course Tsunetomo is right. I’ve had difficulty keeping my mouth shut on the best of days, and there are times that the quality can be a good thing. But there have also been times when it's been more than a hindrance. The Marine Corps certainly put that on display. I pondered that sentiment on the day that I cantered into the launch point for our exploration, Camp Dubois. Must’ve been the thirtieth horse since that very first one. I can’t even remember what this one looked like. I just dropped him off at the nearest stables and showed my credentials as an agent of the U.S. government. The stablemaster looked more than annoyed that he wouldn’t be receiving any pay for housing and feeding this extra horse indefinitely, but I couldn’t care less. My thighs were batt...

  Image Credit: Makee Games & Forever Entertainment S.A. Once in a while a game series comes along that just snaps up your attention and refuses to let go.       This is not one of them.     Rise Eterna tells a familiar tale of woe and ruin. We are first introduced to a hard-nose mercenary who has limits to what he will and will not do. Rob townsfolk? Sure. Let others butcher them in cold blood? Okay, fine. Participate in said butchery? No, ma'am! Absolutely not.     These are the morals that compose Natheal, the man who arguably fills the role of lead protagonist in the original game. His cynical view on the jaded aspects of everyday life changes once he starts to "connect" with Lua. I put connect in quotes because the connection here is minimal, at best. Lua is the stereotypical "I may be small but don't mess with me" female that we see in a lot of these types of games. Her connection to Natheal is that of a daughterly one, we're told i...

 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 ...