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 Fantasy: June 22, 2005 Issue [#433] |
  Fantasy This week: Edited by: Colin Back on the Ghost Roads   More Newsletters By This Editor   1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions  This newsletter is for everyone who enjoys the magic and mystery of a good Fantasy, be it Tolkien, Jordan, Rowling, or a host of others. I will also be attempting to give some time to other types of fantasy, as written by the likes of Asimov, Wilson, Clarke and a galaxy of talent. I hope to present some information that will be useful to other fantasy authors on site, and entertaining to all our subscribers. So, let the wonder and glory of all that is fantasy engulf you. The Fantasy Editors: Colin Back on the Ghost Roads billwilcox The Milkman  rose_shadow 
 Unusual Fantasy Due to circumstances mostly beyond my control, I didn't have time to research a mythology oriented article this month. This trend may unforunately continue for a while, but I will return to world myth as soon as I can. For now, I'd like to talk about some unusual fantasy. When many hear the term fantasy, certain things spring to mind. Elves, Dwarves, monsters, dragons, demons and so on. For most people, Fantasy is Tolkienesque epic quest stuff. The fact is, that is only a small part of fantasy literature and I'd like to give a brief mention of some of my favorite fantasy stories that do not follow this, or indeed any, particular fantasy mold. The first is a wonderful older novel called The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip. What makes this novel unsual are two things. First in slightly over 200 pages, there is a total of one battle, and it takes place off screen so to speak. Most of the action is carried out through the interactions between the characters rather than through thrusts and parries and blows to the head. Second, while the primary characters are three humans, most of the supporting cast is about as far from human as you can get. The heroine is a wizardess of great power, who lives with a collection of magical beasts, inculding a boar that knows the answers to all riddles save one, a Lyon who had a coat of cold, a black swan who once carried a princess to safety in an ancient tale, and an assortment of others. These creatures are not just animals, they posess wit and intellect, and their words and deeds move the story forward as much as those of any of the humans. This is a wonderful tale of magic and romance that doesn't need an epic quest or a major land war. A second unusual fantasy is Cabal, by Clive Barker. While best known for his horror stories, Barker has written a number of excellent fantasy works. Cabal sort of goes halfway between, and is certainly not for younger readers nor those afraid of the dark. The story is set in Northern Alberta and revolves around a man named Boone, who believes he is a monster. As such he seeks out a place where monsters go to get away from the world. He finds more than he bargained for, and is drawn in to events dark, terrible, and glorious. The only real flaw is that the book feels unfinished, as it seems to be the start of a much larger story that the author hasn't yet gotten back to. Someday perhaps. A third oddity is also often found on the Horror shelves although I think it is much more fantasy than horror. The Keep, by F. Paul Wilson takes us to central Europe of World War II. A force of German Soldiers has taken residence in an ancient keep that is perfect for defending a pass. All seems well, until two of the soldiers dig too deep within the walls, and awaken something evil, which begins destroying the invaders of its home. The soldiers must do something, so they send for help, and are reinforced by a troop of SS commandos, and also by the living expert on the keep, Dr. Theodore Cuza and his daughter. Many secrets are eventually revealed and the characters are taken through a hellish journey. What I found most intruiging about the book is its contrast of evil. First we have the German soldiers, who while subject to human flaws are not really all that bad. Next we have the SS, who while also subject to human flaws, are not very nice at all. They are vicious brutal men who enjoy their power and seem to revel in the suffering of others. Finally we have the thing in the Keep, whose evil is unknown. He seems charming enough to some, but what is his real goal, and what will he do once it is achieved? So, there are three examples of fantasy stories that do not fit traditional styles. Please feel free to write me about your favorite unsual fantasy. 
Oringinal myth somewhat dark, but with a solid mythic style.
Be careful the jobs you take, and always get all the information up front, or things can go disasterously wrong.
Is it possible that the wee folk adapt with the times and environments they find themselves in?
Short descriptive story of a birthing mother, but not an ordinary mother by any strech. NEWBIE SHOWCASE
Fantasy story that doesn't mention human folk at all. It centers around some rival tribes of fairy type creatures instead. Interesting opening to what seems to be meant as a longer overall story. Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter! http://www.Writing.Com/main/newsletters.php?action=nli_form  Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! http://www.Writing.Com/main/newsletters.php?action=nli_form Don't forget to support our sponsor!
 From shadowdawn Thank you! I just love all things Egyptian! Thanks again, and I look forward to the next mythos newsletter! The mythological newsletters will return, but not for a little while. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy these other articles. Colin Well, that's all for this week. Tune in in July for more from the world of Fantasy. Have a question or comment for the Editor? http://www.Writing.Com/main/newsletters.php?action=nli_form
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