SHADOWRUNNING

Recently I read Jeff’s book the “The Electric Church” and found it a good read. He has just released his new book “The Digial Plague” and you can buy it Amazon. I never really reviewed his first book, so I will give you a quick insight into his writing style. Jeff Somer’s writing style is reminiscent of Frank Miller’s Sin City or probably more accurately of the hard-boiled detective stories of the 20’s and 30’s. The book is very readable and the characters are definitely anti-heroes. Technology plays 2nd fiddle to the storyline and is not too inventive thought I am not sure how important that is with this kind of story.

His blog has gone quiet, which is always a good sign! Most likely taking a much needed little vacation, but he usually blogs while “in between” — perhaps Lady Muse have visited him! Anyway, he’s now all doctored up — honorary degree conferred! I like one of the headlines, “Now he’s the Doctor of Cyberspace!” Plus some steampunk musings at an LA Times’ Blog. Huh, I thought the VanderMeers’ Steampunk anthology was out already, pretty sure it’s on my shelf at home having just scored it? I could be wrong, big bag of books from a trip into SF last week! Maybe that was the post-cyberpunk anthology?

The NY Times has an article on the Steampunk Culture, which alludes to the fashionable sense of the movement. They’re not all scary like the Goths! And I quote, “Steampunk isn’t all dark and spooky. It’s elegant and beautiful.” I’d have to agree with that given the fabulous steampunk devices popping up!

Was Matrix really 10 years ago!?!?! Yep. [edit: Nope, geez, can't these folks do a simple fact check? 31 March 1999 was the release...] Then they did the other two to complete the triology. Now they’re back with Speed Racer. Here’s an interesting article looking back on Matrix.

I have read Richard Morgan’s books and find him to be a good writer though I always put down his books feeling somewhat depressed and craving a shaft of light to sit and try to rewarm my soul again. He wrote and interesting editorial on SF/Fantasy Fans and Writers and their reaction to the genre they love and where it is going. Hope over to his blog to read more.