Michael G. Munz

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

Top 5 List: Recent PC Games

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Top5It’s been far too long since I’ve posted another geek-related Top 5 list, and I aim to fix that. (Given that you’re reading this, I suppose my aim turned out pretty well.) Way back when I started this series, I began with the Top 5 PC Games of all time, many of which were quite old. Yet I cannot live in the past (at least not until I work out the kinks in my homemade flux capacitor), and so today’s list will be…

Top Five PC Games of the Last Five Years

As with all of these lists, this is only my own opinion. I haven’t played every single game that’s been released, and my tastes are sometimes a bit odd. You’ll find no MMOs on this list, and–much to the surprise of some, I’m sure–no Bioshock: Infinite. (I liked the original Bioshock, and Infinite’s story was interesting, but its gameplay just didn’t hold my interest for whatever reason. I know, I’m a dirty heathen.) So without further babbling, and in no particular order, let’s do this thing. [Read more…]

Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (Ch 14)

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I'm running out of number jokes.

I’m running out of number jokes.

Blink and you’ll miss it! It’s the 14th post in Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, the ultra-speedy…

I Become a Known Fugitive

My first thought upon reading the chapter title was, “Isn’t he already a known fugitive? There’s a reward out for him and everything.” But why dwell on details? [Read more…]

Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (Ch 13)

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Chapter 13!

You can’t spell “thirteen” without “teen!”
…or “hi,” I suppose, but…

Percy runs afoul of a St. Louis tourist trap! Yes, it’s time for the thirteenth installment of Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief…

I Plunge to My Death

Okay, so I don’t really know what to think about Percy’s dreams at this point. Maybe the thing in the pit really is Kronos, because Annabeth says Hades always appears on a throne. Yet somehow that seems to contradict the idea that whoever it is can give him his mother back. (But perhaps once Kronos is out, he can storm the Underworld and get Percy’s mother? Though I still don’t think she’s technically dead…) Plus, if Hades can use his helmet to melt into darkness, perhaps speaking from the darkness of a pit is still in character? Annabeth doesn’t know everything, after all. Though maybe I’m grasping at straws there. [Read more…]

Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (Ch 12)

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Did you know you can click on these title images to see the entire blog series?Did you know slugs are aliens from Tau Ceti VI?

Did you know you can click on these title images to see the entire blog series?
Did you know slugs are aliens from Tau Ceti VI?

So apparently Pan is missing, and dogs can read! Makes sense to me. I learn all this and more preparing for the twelfth chapter installment of Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief…

We Get Advice from a Poodle

This chapter felt pretty short, though I didn’t go back and count pages. That may be due to the fact that, aside from Percy’s dream, there’s no action or overt conflict. (Or maybe it really just is a short chapter.) [Read more…]

Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (Ch 11)

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"Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?"

“Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?”

Percy learns what 93% of all D&D players already know: Mysteriously detailed statues are a certain indication of imminent danger. Yes, it’s time for the 11th installment of Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief…

We Visit the Garden Gnome Emporium

I need to start by saying that the opening paragraph of this chapter is just downright charming. I was reminded a little of David Sedaris with the way it waltzes through the details, beginning the chapter via in a little narrative dance with just the right measure of snark. (Okay, so it’s admittedly been a while since I’ve read anything by Sedaris, so I could be way, way off here, but that’s the connection my brain made.) In fact, I’m going to bump the “favorite line” portion of this post to the front so I can quote the whole thing: [Read more…]

Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (Ch 10)

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We're into double-digit chapters here, people. Things're gettin' serious.

We’re into double-digit chapters here, people. Things’re gettin’ serious.

Ambrosia in Ziploc bags and a busload of Furies! It must be time for the tenth chapter of Michael Reads Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, a.k.a…

I Ruin a Perfectly Good Bus

Hey, wait. Isn’t “Busload of Fury” a Quiet Riot album? (No? AC/DC?)

Regardless, Percy’s quest has begun! I wonder how long the journey just to get TO Hades will take? He starts out his quest as any self-respecting Greek hero and/or MI-6 agent should: with a few special goodies to help him on the way. That the ambrosia was given to him in a baggie was a nice modern touch (Was the nectar in a Thermos?), and Chiron re-loaned him Anaklusmos, the sword that’s as mighty as the pen. [Read more…]