Happy New Year, fans of Westeros! George R.R. Martin has shared a sample chapter from the next book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter. This fan is thrilled to get any piece of the book so soon after the July 2011 release of A Dance With Dragons. It was a brutal 5+ year wait between books four and five. Let’s hope book six arrives sooner. In the meantime, you can enjoy the excerpt here. And no, you shouldn’t click if you’re not caught up.
(via io9)
The characters of Westeros are brought to vivid life in the 2012 calendar with art by John Picacio. The pages of the Song of Ice and Fire Calendar (based on the series by George R. R. Martin) feature the Starks, the Lannisters, the Targaryens, and more.
You can see all 12 images from the calendar here.
Product Page ($12.99)
If you enjoyed watching Game of Thrones on HBO this spring, you might already know that the show was based on the Song of Ice and Fire series. The world is vast and populated with oh so many characters. This 2012 calendar featuring art by John Picacio features 12 characters. You’ll recognize most of them from the first season of the television show and get a peek at a few people you’ll be meeting soon. The stunning images capture the characters.
See the rest of the calendar images after the break.
Worlds that are fantastical or in space tend to parallel our world. Fictional universes aren’t utopias. Aliens face the same decisions and challenges that humans do. They need entertainment and escape from daily regimens. To add to the realism of fantasy and science fiction worlds, it only makes sense for authors to add games. Just look at the role that gaming – from tabletop to video games – plays in our daily lives. It’s one of the most popular activities we choose for relaxation. There are lame options in the real world and otherwise, but mostly a plethora of awesome choices abound. If I was sitting around the Millennium Falcon or Hogwarts, these games would be in my cupboard.
Over the years we’ve seen nerdy sculptures crafted out of every medium imaginable—but twist ties are a new one. In a forum post on Select Button, ionustron chronicles a lifetime of creating these charmingly odd fantasy figures. Check out additional examples of his work after the break.
Royal Mail just released what may be the most awesome set of stamps ever—highlighting some of fantasy’s most famous wizards, heroes and magical villains.
If you’ve always wondered where Middle Earth is in relation to Avalon, this supposedly accurate fantasy world map by Dan Meth will make your day. This is just the latest in a series of pop cultural charts by the artist. Since I’m a fan of fantasy novels, this chart is my favorite of his creations. He takes care to include everything from Whoville to The Wardrobe in Narnia. He’s so thorough that I had to go look some of the names up. There should be an accompanying chart to mark how many of the names you recognize (without the assistance of Google). In my book, you get extra points if you know where Florin comes from.
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I’ve unintentionally incorporated the word “frak” into my everyday language. Non nerd co-workers no longer have to ask where it comes from. Well, that or they got tired of hearing about my undying passion for Battlestar Galactica every time they did ask. It’s far from the only swear word substitute I’ve heard. Novel writers who want their books to remain all ages and screenplay writers who want to keep off the FCC radar often make up curse words that communicate the emotion but in different letters than the standard cuss word.
Though some people frown upon it, swearing is part of most languages. I can only speak English, but I know that when speaking English and in the U.S., the act of swearing heavily depends on the surrounding environment and people. It’s considered taboo in many situations, and that’s when fake swear words come in handy. The thing I really like about seeing them used in novels or on television is that it makes me think about language. When I’m saying “frak” in a public place, I’m really saying something else. It could be any substitute word though. It’s the feeling behind it. It’s very arbitrary.
I could continue an analysis of language, but instead I’ll just give you a list of my favorite fictional swear words and phrases.
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You’re on an epic quest or maybe just a journey to the closest big city. You’ve fought orcs or direwolves, and you’re bone weary. You’ve slogged through rain and mud or dragged yourself through unbearably hot weather. You round a corner on a well trodden King’s Road, and finally—you see the dim glow of village lights. They are far away, hard to see – as if the lights are covered by wax paper, but they are there. You can’t wait to find the local inn. You might know it, you might not. Either way, you have an idea of what the fare will be: crusty bread, cheese, a meat stew or skewer, and a mug of mulled cider, wine, or ale. Coffee and tea might be options too along with some fruit for dessert.
Read more on That’s Nerdalicious!…
This Cthulhu by sculptor Gabe Perna is a marvel of sculptural realism inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s fabled creature. Perna offers up the following description of the sculpture:
“The once and forever elder god… Standing high aloft, looking down at stuff.”
Maybe it’s not Dostoevsky but Perna kicks ass with his sculptures, not his words. Cthulhu offers exquisite detail from his 10-pack abs, Quadzilla thighs, to the shock of pubic hair that cover’s his Ken-esque anatomical incorrectness. If you are interested in acquiring a model kit you can check out Toiletface, the home of Perna’s creations.
Full image gallery after the break.
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