Michael G. Munz

The official website of Seattle sci-fi/fantasy author and geek Michael G. Munz

Archives for 2013

Farscape Rewatch: “Home On The Remains” (spoilers)

By Leave a Comment

Season 2, Episode 7: “Home on the Remains”
*** out of *****
“If I had anything at all in my stomach right now, I’d throw up.”

Moya’s out of food; or at least everyone on her is. They’re starving to the point of eating dentics. To make things worse, Zhaan’s launching out spores like a dandelion going to seed as part of her species’ automatic means to attract food. Not only are people allergic, but it’s causing Moya problems [1], and if Zhaan doesn’t get food soon she’ll go berserk and die. So that’s all swell, too.

Long story short, they need food fast, and just happen to be sailing by a dead creature the size of a small moon where Chiana knows some people. She’s got a plan, so we know that’s just going to go just great. [2]

It’s a decent, middling episode. There’s a great shot toward the beginning showing the scale of the budong that zooms in alllll the way down to individual people. Budongs is BIG. The plot on the budong is stronger than the plot on Moya with Zhaan, Aeryn and Pilot, but without the latter, the former would lose urgency. It’s a bit coincidental that Chiana’s contact/friend gets killed right as they arrive. The keeva isn’t the best creature this show has created. It looks like a something spawned from a threesome between a gorilla, a wolf, and a morlock…as portrayed by a guy in a suit. Then again, it’s not the worst creature this show has created, either.

This is a rough one for Chiana as she faces a place she once escaped. It genuinely sucks when Chiana’s friend gets killed. She just loses everybody, doesn’t she? When D’Argo kisses her, it seems to genuinely surprise her, perhaps not so much by the kiss as by it being part of his insistence that she’s safe. That’s really not something she’s used to, is it?

Last line:
“Whoa.”

Other Comments:
Zhaan spews out a LOT of spores if it’s going to damage Moya permanently.

Rygel bites John. John bites back.

——
[1] Given how allergic everyone seems to be, why does this ATTRACT people?

[2] Sorry, Chiana, but we had a plan that worked last episode, and I’m pretty sure you guys only get to have one of those per season…

Book Review: Floats the Dark Shadow

By Leave a Comment

I just finished reading Yves Fey’s historical mystery, Floats the Dark Shadow. Below is my review, a version of which I posted on both Amazon and Goodreads…

Floats the Dark Shadow by Yves Fey

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars (see below)

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Paris twice in the last few years. Reading Yves Fey’s Floats the Dark Shadow made me feel as if I were visiting it a third time. Fey has a flair for description, painting such Parisian locales as Montmarte, Notre Dame, and the Paris Catacombs in such a way as to transport the reader.

Someone is stealing children from the Parisian streets. Most vanish entirely. Those few that are found are brutally mutilated. Are such horrifying acts the work of a lone killer? A Satanic cult? A demon from centuries past? Amid anarchist bombings and threats on his life, Inspecteur Michel Devaux struggles to learn the identity of the killer before another child is taken. The collection of Parisian artists known as The Revenants seem to be at the center of it all, and at their center is the American Theodora (“Theo”) Faraday. The book follows both Michel and Theo on their separate searches for the truth, often putting them at odds as Michael tries to prove guilty those Theo believes–or hopes–to be innocent.

I should say that Floats the Dark Shadow is not quite the genre I usually read, but I did enjoy it, and my 4-star rating is based on my belief that readers of historical fiction will find it well worth their time.* Fey is skilled with the setting and creates a truly dark (and–on occasion–graphic) mystery that I found reminiscent of Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” Supernatural undertones keep the reader guessing: are they real, or just in the imaginations of the characters? Initially I found myself more interested in Michel’s character than Theo’s, primarily due to my dislike of some of the other Revenants (don’t get me wrong – they’re well-crafted characters, but were they real people I wouldn’t want to hang out with them), but as the book develops Theo pulled me in as well.

Floats the Dark Shadow does take a little while to get going. I felt that just a little too much time was taken to establish characters before things began to develop. But it’s worth the wait. The ending fit together perfectly.

*For my own tastes I would rate it 3 stars.

Interview with Self-Publisher’s Showcase

By Leave a Comment

Another interview! This time from Self-Publisher’s Showcase:

Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by award-winning speculative fiction author Michael G. Munz.Welcome to the Showcase Lounge, Michael. Do make yourself at home.

Michael G. Munz: Thanks! (Though do you really want me to leave unfolded laundry on the chairs and writing notes scattered about the lounge?)

[Read the full interview here.]

Farscape Rewatch: Picture If You Will (spoilers)

By Leave a Comment

Yes, I’m still doing my Farscape rewatch! I’ve just been distracted with my novels and day job recently. (And, okay, also I got a PS3 to replace an old blu-ray player and have been a tad sucked into The Last of Us…) But on we go!

Season 2, Episode 6: “Picture If You Will”
**** out of *****
“Soon there may come a time when I need you, and everyone, to do exactly as I say: quickly, and without question. Do you have enough faith in me to obey?”
Maldis returns, clawing his way back to the corporeal world through an indestructible painting that seems to predict how people will die.
As I think I said before in That Old Black Magic, I like Maldis. While this is only his second appearance, it’s also his last. I understand why. If they brought him back after Zhaan was gone, they’d have to soften him up in order for the others to be able to handle him, and that’s satisfying for no one. It’s a shame, but at least his final episode is a satisfying one.
One of this episode’s strengths is its atmosphere. The art direction is interesting (though admittedly I’m not the best judge of such things, so some may find it less so). ‘Tis a creepy episode, especially before we know what’s going on. Strange whispers. Sinister paintings that can’t be destroyed. Something is clearly up, but we can’t be sure what until we hear the name Maldis.[1] After that, Zhaan appearsto go to pieces emotionally. I’ve talked to people who were annoyed with her because they didn’t realize that was just an act. Yes, she admits to being genuinely terrified at the end, but she feigned her hopelessness and surrender. [2] She needed Maldis to underestimate her and think her defeated.
Another great touch is how easily Aeryn follows orders to kill “Kyvan.” Aeryn’s still a soldier at heart, and has grown to trust Zhaan’s wisdom.
One thing I don’t like is the bit at the end with Chi explaining the episode wrap-up to Rygel. It’s clumsy. But oh well. Maybe I should take off half a star for that, but I’m feeling generous (and I can empathize with the writers in that regard).
Last line:
“I’ve never been more scared in my life.”
Other Comments:
Chiana mentions that necklace as being favorite necklace, but I don’t think we’ve ever seen it before.
Hey, a plan in Farscape that actually WORKS?
Maldis feeds on “fear and the terror of helplessness.” He’d enjoy time in the Black Lodge from Twin Peaks. Maybe if they got him some creamed corn he’d leave them alone?
——
[1] My first viewing: Show: “Maldis!” Me: “Ooooh!”
[2] I think such viewers miss the whole significance of her “Ignore what I say next” to Crichton.

My Author Interview on One Thousand Worlds

By Leave a Comment

I’ve been interviewed by Richie Earl at his book blog, One Thousand Worlds in One Thousand Words:

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Wait, what? Remaining sane? I think I have to be just a little insane to spend my free time toiling away at fictional worlds, so I think actual sanity would only be a hindrance. Besides, insanity is far more inspiring and fun!  
[Read the full interview here.]

A Memory in the Black: Free Oct 23rd and 24th!

By Leave a Comment

Free 10/23 & 10/24!

The Kindle version of A Memory in the Black is currently free today (October 23rd) and tomorrow on Amazon.com!

Save humanity from itself. It is the goal of the worldwide conspiracy known as the Agents of Aeneas. For months they have struggled to unlock the secrets of an alien spacecraft buried on the Moon. Now word of that craft has leaked, and multiple groups plot to seize it for themselves.

One man has plumbed its depths and returned alive. While Agent Michael Flynn protects him from those who believe that he knows too much, together they must find a demon from Michael’s past: the freelancer Diomedes. Michael’s violent ex-mentor, Diomedes murdered a man at the heart of the spacecraft’s discovery. They must learn why.

Meanwhile the vigilante Gideon, slain by Diomedes six months ago, has been seen alive in the city of Northgate. His baffling return will draw two women into dangers far beyond those that lurk in the city.

Memories that haunt them all will entangle their fates as one in the blackness.

Praise for A Memory in the Black:
“Munz expertly crafts his characters, letting them evolve and react to the events that unfold. It was the characters that really kept me hooked…”

“Munz writes some of the most engaging action sequences of any book I’ve read.”

“Left me wanting more. In the best sort of way.” 

Free for Kindle today and tomorrow! 

Don’t have a Kindle? You can still read Kindle books on your computer, tablet, or smartphone with Amazon’s free Kindle app…

A Shadow in the Flames gets a new cover and goes free!

By 2 Comments

A Shadow in the Flames, the first book of the New Aeneid Cycle, is now permanently free from eBook retailers in the U.S.! What’s more, the cover is newly redesigned to match the style of book two, A Memory in the Black. (Both covers were designed by Amalia Chitulescu.)

A Shadow in the Flames
A Shadow in the Flames: Now FREE!

While you can still read Kindle ebooks on a computer, phone, or tablet without a Kindle via Amazon’s free Kindle app, A Shadow in the Flames is also now available from places other than Amazon:

Save for Smashwords, the new cover hasn’t appeared on the non-Amazon sites yet, but they should have it soon after it goes through the regular review process. So pass the word! Have a read! Tell your friends, enemies, and any hyper-intelligent raccoons you may know who speak English!

Praise at Amazon.com for A Shadow in the Flames:
“A great mix of science fiction and thriller…”
~ ~ ~
“I cannot recommend the book enough. It was a pleasure to read, and I hope that soon I will be immersed in this world again.”
~ ~ ~
“Well-written, entertaining, and a great read for anyone who is a fan of the genre.”