Sean’s Blog

A Study In Emerald - Neil Gaiman (free Audio from Harper Collins)

A Study in Emerald is a short story by Neil Gaiman. It’s available as a free audio download from Harper Collins and read by the author. Most people have described it as Sherlock Holmes meets Cthulhu and I would have to say they are not to far off. I’ve always been a big Lovecraft fan, but Gaiman has been somewhat hit or miss for me. I loved American Gods, but just never could get into Anansi Boys. I loved Good Omens, but couldn’t get into Stardust.

So I wasn’t sure how much I would like it when I downloaded the audio story. Let me just say that I loved it. Gaiman does a great job reading and the story is fantastic. I don’t want to give to much away, but you will never think about Queen Victoria in the same way again.

Give it a download here.

This story is part of collection called Fragile Things (which I’ve not read yet).

Looking for Jake - China Mieville

Several years ago, I ran across Perdido Street Station in the local library and picked it up hoping for a fun read. What I didn’t expect was that it would change the way I read fantasy forever. Not long after I finished it I ran out to my local book store and bought The Scar and for the first time ever, I preordered a book from Amazon (Iron Council). Needless to say, I have pretty high expectations of China Mieville. Looking For Jake is a collection of his short stories and does not disappointed.

Mieville is one of the most original authors working today in my opinion and I generally read anything of his that I can get my hands on. Although I would recommend Perdido Street Station or The Scar to someone that had not yet read anything by him, Looking for Jake is a fine collection.

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The Devil’s Labyrinth by John Saul

I was really looking forward to this book. I have a soft spot in my heart for horror, and this one seemed to have it all. A creaky old Catholic school with underground tunnels and a forgotten chapel, forbidden rites, demonic possession. I was really looking forward to it. Some of my favorite horror stories have similar themes. It by Stephen King, Summer of Night by Dan Simmons, I was hoping to add this one to it. Turns out it will not be making the list.

Massive Spoiler and more after the jump (you have been warned)

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