New Releases for March 2015

     Below is a list of new book releases in the Sci-fi and Fantasy genres that I have noted for the month of March, 2015.  This list was compiled by myself from various sources and is in no way a comprehensive list, simply a few new releases that I have heard and/or read about, and thought I would share.  :)  Hope you find one(or several) that you find interesting.

     Fist up is a new steam punk release from Bec McMaster, entitled 'Of Silk and Steam'.  Published as of March 3rd, this novel is the fifth book in McMaster's 'London Steampunk' series.  I myself have not yet read anything in this series, yet McMaster seems to have a following for this steampunk/fantasy/romantic tale.  It seems well worth putting on my 'to read' list from what I have seen and heard.  More info can be found, and the novel may be purchased, here.

     Next up is an anthology featuring stories from some of the top talents in Science Fiction.  'Old Venus', published as of March 3rd, features stories collected by the incredible author George R R Martin and award winning Editor Gardner Dozois(winner of 49 various awards for his work in editing and writing!).  With these two choosing the 16 stories that have been included in this anthology makes this a MUST read for any fan of Science Fiction, it is most certainly going onto my 'to read' list!  More info can be found, and the anthology may be purchased, here.

     This next novel takes us to 'A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....'  'Heir to the Jedi', by Kevin Hearne, published March 3rd, is set between 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back', and is told entirely from Luke Skywalker's point of view.  More info can be found, and the novel may be purchased, here.

     Lastly, in the place of honor, is a collection of short stories from one of the masters, who recently left this world, Sir Terry Prachett.  'A Blink of the Screen' features short stories that span his entire career all the way from his schooldays through his phenomenal Discworld series.  This collection, published March 17th, also features an introduction penned by award winning author A S Byatt as well as illustrations both by Pratchett himself, and the late Josh Kirby, making this book something to be treasured.  Prachett's brand of humor, imaginative creativity, and incredible writing style made his works truly unique.  I will definitely be putting this volume of short stories from the prolific Terry Prachett on my book shelf.  More info can found, and this book may be purchased, here.

     There you have it, my short list of Fantasy and Science Fiction released during the month of March, 2015.  There were, of course, many, many others released during this time frame, but these are those that have caught my eye.  What other new releases have you noticed that I did not mention?  Or maybe there are upcoming releases in the near future that you are waiting for with anticipation?  Let me know in the comments and share your own favorite new treasures with us all.  :)

“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP” ― Leonard Nimoy

     As I am certain most of you reading this will have already heard or read by now, on February 27th of this year we lost a man that was an icon in many sci-fi and entertainment circles, and for many of us a mentor and inspiration as well.  I am speaking of course of the entertaining, caring and inspirational Leonard Nimoy.

     My first experience of Leonard Nimoy's talents was in his iconic role as the unflappable Mr. Spock.  Some of my favorite memories as a child were spending time with my Dad on Sunday mornings watching reruns of the original series of Star Trek.  As Spock he entertained and inspired many people, including many young people who have gone on to live their dreams because in a very big way he made science seem cool.  It was also in this role that he helped teach the message of equality for all that was at the heart of the Star Trek franchise from its very beginnings.  In this same spirit, when Mr. Nimoy was later approached about voicing Spock for the animated adaption of Star Trek in the 70's, it was his pushing and coaxing that made sure that George Takei and Nichelle Nicols were also included in the voice cast.  At first the studios were only going to use William Shatner, DeForest Kelley and Leonard Nimoy from the original cast, and then get others to do the rest of the voice, but it was Mr. Nimoy that basically told them that if they wanted him, they would have to include the others, as 'they' were the ones that represented the diversity that was at the heart of Star Trek, and without them he would refuse to be part of it.

     Yet as iconic as his portrayal of Mr. Spock is, there was so, so much more to his professional career.  From various movies to his role in the Mission Impossible series, Gunsmoke, playing a wonderful villain in an episode of Columbo, to TV movies such as 'Vincent', voicing animated characters(such as Galvatron from Transformers the movie), narration roles, lending his voice to 'Big Bang Theory' to his role in the more recent and popular series Fringe, his acting career was, in the very least' prolific, with more than 130 acting credits to his name.  But this also was only a part of Leonard Nimoy's contribution to our world, for he directed several projects(including the incredible movie 'Three Men and a Baby'), was a writer, producer, and a fabulous photographer, and of course his infamous singing career which included such cult classics as 'The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins'.  :)

     Actor, director, writer, poet, speaker, photographer, humanitarian, he was an inspiration to many through his professional work, and also just by being the man he was.  Not once have I seen/heard a story from any fan who met the man, saying that he had seemed rude, or had obviously ignored them, or had been uncharitable in any way.  He was one of those people that showed us how to live, not through beating us over the head with 'you should do this' or things of that nature, but by example, and through some of the characters he brought to life for us.

     May you rest in peace Mr. Nimoy.

In memory of Leonard Simon Nimoy

March 26, 1931 - February 27, 2015