The Sword and Laser

We discuss whether the central plot device (the hook!) of the Rook is a cliche or clever. Plus, how to find the best stories in SciFi and Fantasy and help authors get exposure at the same time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We kick off our December book, the Rook by Daniel O’Malley and we are so excited for Lin-Manuel Miranda to team up with Patrick Rothfuss.http://swordandlaser.com/home/2016/12/7/sl-podcast-275-get-hip-with-the-rookhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/7439054 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We wrap up our thoughts on the cartoon violence and snappy dialog of David Wong's dissertation on lawlessness in Tabula Rasa. We think we know what it could be a metaphor for. Whether it is or not is left as an exercise for the reader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are optimistic for Dune, excited for The Expanse, and hopeful for Stranger in a Strange Land. But we’re certain of what we want Emilia Clarke to be in the Han Solo movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We congratulate Brandon Sanderson and the World Fantasy Award winners and try to calibrate the futuristic violence for you. The fancy suits calibrate themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discover that some people's names just don't work as awards. We're excited about a site full of fictional timelines. And we ponder troubling jinni paternity questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We don't want you to steal cats (not even books, really), just to take home the exhibit from the Museum of Science Fiction. We'll explain! Plus, you must cast your vote for the classic or the new! Will you vote against Veronica? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look for authors who satisfy like Scalzi, find out how dirty the new dirty editions of The Magicians are and discuss an ethical question regarding library books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We praise the underrated and print books, and we get into the dog-eat-dog world of Fire Upon the Deep! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hugos are in, for 2016 and 1941! And although the Thorn of Emberlain is delayed, we understand. We also pick our favorite wizard school and wrap up The Last Wish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.