#imagine this Loki discovering the powers that Classic possessed

[loki-who-remains]

Holy smokes I love Tome Hiddleston, but if I were chased through dark London alleyways by a Norse god running like that I’d shit bricks

[litological-blog]

• february book recommendations

Since we went on hiatus during the month of February and didn't get to post it then, we're posting last month's second book rec list now with March's one. This list is for fans of mythology who - like me - are always looking for new stories to read about either Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, or Norse mythology that is simple enough to read and understand.

Also, sorry for the delay in updating this week guys. Tumblr is being tricky with us and my grandfather just passed away so it’s been pretty tough to stick to the schedule, but since I already had this done a while back, I just decided to go ahead and post it today.

1. “Circe” by Madeline Miller

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

2. “Norse mythology” by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. 

Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

3. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles' mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.

4. “Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold” by Stephen Fry

The Greek myths are the greatest stories ever told, passed down through millennia and inspiring writers and artists as varied as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, James Joyce and Walt Disney.

They are embedded deeply in the traditions, tales and cultural DNA of the West. In Stephen Fry's hands the stories of the titans and gods become a brilliantly entertaining account of ribaldry and revelry, warfare and worship, debauchery, love affairs and life lessons, slayings and suicides, triumphs and tragedies.

You'll fall in love with Zeus, marvel at the birth of Athena, wince at Cronus and Gaia's revenge on Ouranos, weep with King Midas and hunt with the beautiful and ferocious Artemis.

Thoroughly spellbinding, informative and moving, Stephen Fry's Mythos perfectly captures these stories for the modern age - in all their rich and deeply human relevance.

5. “Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Goddess, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt” by Geraldine Pinch

From stories of resurrected mummies and thousand-year-old curses to powerful pharaohs and the coveted treasures of the Great Pyramids, ancient Egypt has had an unfaltering grip on the modern imagination. Now, in Egyptian Mythology, Geraldine Pinch offers a comprehensive introduction that untangles the mystery of Egyptian Myth.

Spanning Ancient Egyptian culture--from 3200 BC to AD 400--Pinch opens a door to this hidden world and casts light on its often misunderstood belief system. She discusses the nature of myths and the history of Egypt, from the predynastic to the postpharaonic period. She explains how Egyptian culture developed around the flooding of the Nile, or the "inundation," a phenomenon on which the whole welfare of the country depended, and how aspects of the inundation were personified as deities. She explains that the usually cloudless skies made for a preoccupation with the stars and planets. Indeed, much early Egyptian mythology may have developed to explain the movement of these celestial bodies. She provides a timeline covering the seven stages in the mythical history of Egypt and outlining the major events of each stage, such as the reign of the sun God.

 A substantial A to Z section covers the principal themes and concepts of Egyptian mythology as well as the most important deities, demons, and other characters. For anyone who wants to know about Anubis, the terrifying canine god who presided over the mummification of bodies and guarded burials, or Hathor, the golden goddess who helped women to give birth and the dead to be reborn, or an explanation of the nun, the primeval ocean from which all life came, Egyptian Mythology is the place to look.

6.  “Celtic Myths and Legends” by Peter Berresford Ellis

This is an enchantingly told collection of the stirring sagas of gods and goddesses, fabulous beasts, strange creatures, and such heroes as Cuchulain, Fingal, and King Arthur from the ancient Celtic world. Included are popular myths and legends from all six Celtic cultures of Western Europe-Irish, Scots, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. Here for the modern reader are the rediscovered tales of cattle raids, tribal invasions, druids, duels, and doomed love that have been incorporated into, and sometimes distorted by, European mythology and even Christian figures. 

For example, there is the story of Lugh of the Long Hand, one of the greatest gods in the Celtic pantheon, who was later transformed into the faerie craftsman Lugh-Chromain, and finally demoted to the lowly Leprechaun. Celtic Myths and Legends also retells the story of the classic tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult (probably of Cornish origin-there was a real King Mark and a real Tristan in Cornwall) and the original tale of King Arthur, a Welsh leader who fought against the invading Anglo-Saxons. In the hands of Peter Berresford Ellis, the myths sung by long-dead Celtic bards come alive to enchant the modern reader.

Summaries were all found on https://www.goodreads.com/ if you want to check out that site for any more book recommendations

[spynotebook]

Will 2017 be the year we finally get our mitts on The Winds of Winter? At this point, even Bran Stark’s third eye couldn’t see if the answer is “hell yes!” or “keep waiting.” But fret not, avid scifi and fantasy readers. The year still holds plenty of promise, as demonstrated by our gargantuan list of most-anticipated books.

(Keep in mind that publication dates are always subject to change, even for authors whose names aren’t George R.R. Martin.)

January

We already created a full list for January, which is stuffed with tempting entries—including a short story collection from the late Terry Pratchett, featuring works dating back to his teen years. Start your new collection with these picks, some of which are already available in stores.

It’s a new year, so it’s time to add some new books to your shelf, too. January brings a bumper… Read more Read more

February

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

The award-winning author (American Gods, Coraline, Neverwhere, Sandman) offers his interpretations of the classic Norse myths, weaving a novelistic tale about the adventures of Thor, Loki, Odin, and others in their realm. (Feb. 7)

$17

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The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley

The acclaimed author of God’s War and The Mirror Empire returns with a standalone space opera about a woman who awakes with no memory amid a war between world-ships traveling the darkest regions of the universe. In this desperate setting, she realizes she may hold the key to salvation—but at what cost? (Feb. 7)

$26

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Gilded Cage by Vic James

This debut novel (and the first in a planned series) is set in an alternate modern-day England that’s ruled by aristocrats whose wealth is matched only by their magical powers. But a brother and sister—mere commoners, toiling in separate but equally oppressive circumstances—are poised to topple the status quo. (Feb. 14)

$20

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In Calabria by Peter S. Beagle

The author of The Last Unicorn has penned a new tale focusing on his trademark subject. It’s a fable about an Italian farmer whose sleepy life is turned upside down when a certain magical creature appears on his land. (Feb. 14)

$16

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Star Wars Aftermath: Empire’s End by Chuck Wendig

The trilogy that kicked off with Star Wars: Aftermath concludes, further illuminating the years and events that transpired between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. It takes place mostly on Jakku. (Feb. 21)

$21

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A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab 

The final book in Schwab’s Shades of Magic fantasy trilogy decides the fate of the heroes and their foes in the magical Maresh Empire. (Feb. 21)

$20

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March

Chalk by Paul Cornell 

The latest from the versatile writer of TV, comics, short stories, and novels (Doctor Who, Wolverine, Batman & Robin, Witches of Lychford) is about a schoolboy in Thatcher’s England who’s tormented by bullies until an ancient power is awakens within him. (March 21)

$18

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The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi

The new novel from the prolific author (Old Man’s War, The Last Colony, Redshirts) imagines life after the discovery of “the Flow,” a wormhole that allows speedy transport between far-flung planets. When it’s discovered that the Flow is fluid, threatening the stability of the new ruling “Interdependency,” three people are tasked with doing whatever they can to save humanity. (March 21)

$20

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Infinity Engine by Neal Asher 

Asher follows War Factory by continuing the story of elusive rogue AI Penny Royal—whose human, alien, and machine-based pursuers now include another dangerous AI. No matter what, a deadly showdown is imminent. (March 21)

$18

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New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson

The latest from the noted author of the Mars trilogy focuses on the inhabitants of a New York City skyscraper. But the future version of the Big Apple is barely recognizable from today; rising tides have transformed the metropolis into a water-bound city where each building is its own island. (March 21)

$21

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Luna: Wolf Moon by Ian McDonald

The second book in McDonald’s Luna series finds the Moon, now controlled by corporations run by warring families, in political turmoil. One of the families has fallen, its heirs taken in by rivals—except for the most rebellious son, who escapes to Earth to recruit new allies. (March 28)

$28

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April

Winter Tide by Ruthanna Emrys

This Lovecraft-inspired tale imagines that the Cold War-era U.S. government has rounded up all the inhabitants of Innsmouth, with devastating results. Despite the tragedy, one survivor is roped into helping the FBI recover magical secrets stolen from Miskatonic University. (April 4)

$26

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Proof of Concept by Gwyneth Jones

With Earth no longer able to sustain human life, thanks to overcrowding and climate change, scientists ramp up their efforts to enable rapid relocation to Earth-like exoplanets. A woman with an AI implanted in her brain joins the team, but the AI knows something crucial about the future. Will it be able to overcome its own programming and warn her in time? (April 11)

$15

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Thrawn by Timothy Zahn

This Star Wars volume aims to answer one question: How did Grand Admiral Thrawn rise to such villainous heights? (April 11)

$20

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Off Rock by Kieran Shea

Five awesome and entertaining words to describe this one: “Bank heist set in space.” Yes, please. (April 18)

$15

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Skullsworn by Brian Staveley

This new standalone set in the author’s Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne universe follows a priestess who has one goal: to prove her devotion to the God of Death. To do so, she’ll need to put a lifetime of training to use, killing 10 people in 10 days in very specific ways. (April 25)

$23

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Walkaway by Cory Doctorow

Disaffected future dwellers—living in a time when food, clothing, and shelter can be easily printed off a computer—join forces to explore life outside the system. When they discover a way to cheat death, those who control the world take an extreme interest in those who’ve chosen to go underground. (April 25)

$20

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May

Forever On: A Novel of Silicon Valley by Rob Reid

The world has become completely addicted to a new social network, an entity which soon knows everything about everybody in real time. What could possibly go wrong? Read an excerpt from Reid’s new satire here. (May 2)

$22

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Beren and Lúthien by J.R.R. Tolkien

Editor Christopher Tolkien draws out a key love story from his father’s The Silmarillion, exploring how the tale changed over the years by placing it within different contexts as it evolved. The book features artwork by Alan Lee, who also illustrated The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and shared a Best Art Direction Oscar for Return of the King. (May 4)

$28

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Wicked Wonders by Ellen Klages

The author of The Green Glass Sea presents her second short-story collection of “lyrical stories with vintage flair” (topics include: life on Mars, gambling with fairies), with an introduction by Karen Joy Fowler. (May 16)

$16

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Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton

Yes... the same Crichton who wrote Jurassic Park, Sphere, and Westworld, and died in 2008. This “recently discovered” novel is based on the real-life rivalry between paleontologists Cope and Marsh, who raced to one-up each other by any means necessary while hunting dinosaur fossils in the Wild West. (May 23)

$29

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Radiate by C.A. Higgins

The author continues her Lightless series with the story of Ananke, a military spacecraft-turned-sentient AI who’s searching for her human “father,” the troubled programmer who helped create her. (May 23)

$27

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June

The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente

Female superheroes, and wives and girlfriends of superheroes—forever being kidnapped by villains, or simply being shoved into the background until the plot requires their presence—finally raise their voices in this collection of linked stories. (June 6)

$15

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Raven Stratagem by Yoon Ha Lee

The author follows up Ninefox Gambit with the further adventures of Captain Kel Cheris, possessed by a centuries-old general who is both brilliant and psychotic, and is wreaking havoc on both the rebellion in their midst and an impending enemy invasion. (June 13)

$10

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Indigo by Charlaine Harris, Christopher Golden, Kelley Armstrong, Jonathan Maberry, Kat Richardson, Seanan McGuire, Tim Lebbon, Cherie Priest, James Moore, and Mark Morris

A collaborative work about an NYC woman who’s an investigative reporter by day, and a superpowered vigilante by night. Both parts of her have a single focus: nabbing a cult that’s been ruthlessly murdering children. But what role does her own mysterious past play in this vigilante saga? (June 20)

$27

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The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss

Women from horror and scifi literary classics—including Mary Jekyll, Justine Frankenstein, Beatrice Rappaccini, and others—come together to solve a murder mystery, while investigating their own murky pasts. Sherlock Holmes also makes a cameo. (June 20)

$19

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The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams

Not a lot of advanced info on this one, other than that it’s the start of a new cycle in Williams’ epic fantasy saga, to be called Last King of Osten Ard. (June 27)

$23

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July

Dichronauts by Greg Egan

In a world where a constantly-shifting habitable zone means cities must be constantly re-mapped, a surveyor (whose best friend is the leech-like creature that lives in his brain and helps him navigate) makes an alarming discovery at the edge of civilization. (July 4)

$27

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An Oath of Dogs by Wendy Wagner

A woman starts a new job just before her boss is murdered, and she can’t shake the feeling her new company is behind the crime. Making matters even more unsettling, this all takes place on a strange planet where a long-ago disaster has morphed into a corporate cover-up that’s just waiting to be discovered. (July 4)

$7

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Sungrazer by Jay Posey

Earth and Mars are locked in a tense Cold War, with terrifying weapons poised for deployment on both sides. A team called the Outriders are on standby to track down any that go missing—but their latest search mission, which aligns them with a Martian intelligence officer who might not be exactly trustworthy, is their most dangerous yet. (July 4)

$7

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At the Table of Wolves by Kay Kenyon

This is billed as “Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy meets X-Men,” which definitely sounds intriguing. It’s set in 1936 and is about a super-powered woman who goes undercover in Nazi Germany to protect England from invasion. (July 11)

$27

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The Delirium Brief by Charles Stross

Stross’ eighth in his Laundry Files series picks up with Bob Howard, an operative in a top-secret British government agency that protects the world from supernatural and alien terrors. Well, make that formerly top secret—and with sudden publicity comes a whole new rash of horrors for Bob and his colleagues, as well as England as a whole. (July 11)

$19

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First Watch by Dale Lucas

This is a classic buddy-cop tale about reluctant partners thrown together to investigate a missing person. Classic, except one’s a human and one’s a dwarf, and their suspects and sources run the magical gamut from shady mages to drug-pushing orcs. (July 11)

$15

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The Rift by Nina Allen

A woman goes missing as a teen and returns 20 years later, claiming she’s spent the intervening time on another planet. Her sister is thrilled with her sudden return—but is understandably unsure about whether or not she should believe those tales of intergalactic travel. (July 11)

$15

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Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks

The author of World War Z is now the author of the first official Minecraft novel, described as being a survival tale in the vein of Robinson Crusoe. (July 18)

$15

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Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw

Dr. Greta Helsing, doctor to the undead, tends to her unusual patients (ghosts, mummies, etc.) while uncovering a murder mystery that threatens both London’s living and undead populations. (July 25)

$15

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Talon of God by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman

Movie star, Twitter hero, martial artist, former tax evader, and snappy dresser Wesley Snipes now… Read more Read more

Yes. Blade is now an author. (July 25)

$28

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August

A Man of Shadows by Jeff Noon

A down-on-his-luck private eye is hired to find a teenage runaway who may have a strange connection to a serial killer who’s prowling the streets. This would be a very dark and noirish tale, except it takes place in a city where night never falls. (Aug. 1)

$10

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Monster Hunter: Siege by Larry Correia 

Correia’s popular horror-fantasy series rolls on with a tale about “the single biggest operation in Monster Hunter International’s history.” (Aug. 1)

$19

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Terminal Alliance by Jim C. Hines 

The Hugo winner launches a humorous new series about the janitors of the post-apocalypse—proof that there’s one job that will always need doing, even if the world ends. (Aug. 1)

$19

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The Stone Sky by NK Jemisin

With this novel that arrives with the decisive tagline “THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS... FOR THE LAST TIME,” Jemisin wraps up her post-apocalyptic, Hugo-winning Broken Earth trilogy. (Aug. 15)

$17

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September

Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore 

A man whose true love is Death herself is born over and over so that he can be with her again. (Sept. 12)

$27

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Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

The co-founder of io9's first novel is about, in her words, “pirates, robots, love, and property.” (Sept. 19)

$26

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October

The Tiger’s Daughter by K. Arsenault Rivera 

In a crumbling kingdom, two goddess-warriors join forces to save their people from an invasion of suddenly powerful demons. (Oct. 3)

$16

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Barbary Station by R.E. Stearns

Unable to find legitimate work in their war-torn solar system, a pair of engineers decide to join up with a ragtag group of space pirates—but they’ll need to take down a sinister AI to earn their place with the crew. (Oct. 31)

$28

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[H/T B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog, Goodreads, Locus Online]