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| SFReader Forums > Book, Magazine, and eZine Publishers > Flashing Swords > Flashing Swords Issue 3 | Forum Quick Jump
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Bruce Durham
Crom's Administrator & Drinking Buddy
      
Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 605
| Posted 7/11/2005 3:19 PM (GMT -4) |   | Well, I finally got through the issue. Extremely strong material showcasing a wide range of talent. For what they're worth, here are my thoughts on each story:
Web of Pale Venom – by John C. Hocking
This is what I’ve come to expect from Mr. Hocking. A well-told, fast paced, exciting yarn that I found reminiscent of Howard’s classic The God in the Bowl. Kel the archivist is the kind of interesting, resourceful character that Salvatore’s Cadderly fails to be--and most certainly comes with none of the nonsense attached. The crowd demands another, sir.
The White Wyrm – by C.L. Werner
One idea I’ve kicked around for a while concerned the legend of Quetzalcoatl. Well, no need to kick it around any longer. I’ve been beaten to the punch, and as punches go, it was a knockout. This is an extremely well researched story, deftly told, and gripping from beginning to end. If I have any complaint, it’s that it could have been longer--and it’s already a very long tale. Perhaps a three part serialization… Question for C.L. Werner, if you’re reading. Are the cannibals the Caribe or their ancestors?
The Covenant – by Christopher Stires
This is a beautifully told story that relies almost entirely on well-crafted dialogue. The ending is especially bittersweet. I look forward to more tales of the Crusader.
Two Fools Make a Tragedy - C.J. Burch
I found the by-play between Aduux and Kouer amusing and clever. I found this line especially funny: “’There is an old saying in this land. ‘What you do not know will not stick hot irons in your eyes and eviscerate you with a blunted darning needle.’ ” The story was good, and the battle with the wizard quite wicked. One nit was punctuation. I thought the story could have used one more edit.
The Demon War – by S.C.Bryce
With allies like this, who needs enemies? Presented with an offer he can’t refuse, Dermanassian becomes the reluctant pawn of a demon with an overly dry sense of humour. This story is so vividly imaginative, so smoothly written and so engrossing that it was over before I knew it. It’s the best piece I’ve read from S.C. Bryce yet.
End of Duty – by Joe McCullough V
This is a great story of heroes and heroism. I found myself climbing the slippery slope along with Stevan and the men tasked with doing the impossible. Vivid detail, excellent mood. Well done.
Raven’s Eye – Jay Caselberg
A tale of revenge complete with a mystery. What’s in the bundle wrapped in old red cloth and tied with leather thongs? And why does that raven pester Iliana so? This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, well written, with a heroine both bold and compassionate.
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Admin: Community Forums for the Official Site of Conan the Barbarian
Contributing Editor for Flashing Swords. The leading edge in fantasy: Guaranteed Oprah Free!
Moderator for Paradox Interactive Games AAR and Fanfiction Forums
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Spyder
Stablehand
Date Joined Mar 2005
Total Posts : 7
| Posted 7/12/2005 2:49 AM (GMT -4) | | Most sincere thanks for the kind words about 'The White Wyrm'. It was certainly a tribute to Robert E Howard, I honestly put my mind to trying to conceive a story that he might have written, then ran rampant once I had that idea down. I am very happy to hear that the result was entertaining, especially from Mr Hocking, whose work I can honestly say I've enjoyed quite a bit. Pity he didn't get turned loose on more Conan novels, the one he produced was certainly in the upper echelons of TOR's catalog.
The debased cannibals were intended more as a play on Howard's grotesque ape-men, such as Thok or the Grey Apes more than anything else. To be honest, I didn't even consider that they could be connected to the Caribe. I'm kicking myself over missing that opportunity!
I am currently working on something quite different which I hope will match the high standard Howard maintains for Flashing Swords. But with a title like 'The Blind God Hungers', I think I'm on the right track. | | Back to Top | | |
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Supr
Neophyte
Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 107
| Posted 7/12/2005 7:17 AM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by bdurham
quote:
Originally posted by Supr
Howard, I think the more folks know the better. That's why:
http://polter.pl/wiesci/5082-Flashing-Swords-nr-3.html
Cool. What's the translation?
Well 'Poltergeist- born of fantasy' is a great polish web site for a. o. D&D gamers but also for literature and movies. It's also best known under polish fantasy publishing houses.
In the short note I'm informing the members about latest version of Flashing Swords as e-zine for ressurection of S&S that lately lost some of their grasp. The names of authors of published stories are also given. I'm writing that all the members of the redaction of FS are interested in resurgence of S&S. I'm also mentioning the rules of New Edge that Howard describes in his editorial. | | Back to Top | | |
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jonesha
Forum Moderator
Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 655
| Posted 7/12/2005 7:42 AM (GMT -4) | | And I thank you mightily, Supr. We've gotten a number of hits from your post. I appreciate that!
Best wishes,
Howard
Managing Editor
www.swordandsorcery.org
Flashing Swords E-Zine | | Back to Top | | |
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SC Bryce
Aspiring Hammock Tester
Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 1089
| Posted 7/12/2005 7:55 AM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by bdurham
The Demon War – by S.C.Bryce
With allies like this, who needs enemies? Presented with an offer he can’t refuse, Dermanassian becomes the reluctant pawn of a demon with an overly dry sense of humour. This story is so vividly imaginative, so smoothly written and so engrossing that it was over before I knew it. It’s the best piece I’ve read from S.C. Bryce yet.
quote:
Originally posted by PaulMc
The Demon War, by S.C. Bryce
The Gray Mist finds himself in the midst of demonic machinations. But is he ally, or pawn?
We learn a little more about the Desert Elf (the last?), his blue sword and there are some very well described visions of a desert hell that is the demons' world. A different piece for this issue, I liked it.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now if we can only convince the critics at Tangent to see my genius [:D]
S.C. Bryce | | Back to Top | | |
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Bruce Durham
Crom's Administrator & Drinking Buddy
Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 605
| Posted 7/12/2005 8:05 AM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by scbryce
quote:
Originally posted by bdurham
The Demon War – by S.C.Bryce
With allies like this, who needs enemies? Presented with an offer he can’t refuse, Dermanassian becomes the reluctant pawn of a demon with an overly dry sense of humour. This story is so vividly imaginative, so smoothly written and so engrossing that it was over before I knew it. It’s the best piece I’ve read from S.C. Bryce yet.
quote:
Originally posted by PaulMc
The Demon War, by S.C. Bryce
The Gray Mist finds himself in the midst of demonic machinations. But is he ally, or pawn?
We learn a little more about the Desert Elf (the last?), his blue sword and there are some very well described visions of a desert hell that is the demons' world. A different piece for this issue, I liked it.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now if we can only convince the critics at Tangent to see my genius [:D]
S.C. Bryce
No kidding. It's enough to make me hang up my keyboard.
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Admin: Community Forums for the Official Site of Conan the Barbarian
Contributing Editor for Flashing Swords. The leading edge in fantasy: Guaranteed Oprah Free!
Moderator for Paradox Interactive Games AAR and Fanfiction Forums
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PaulMc
Adept
Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 989
| Posted 7/12/2005 11:23 AM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by bdurham
No kidding. It's enough to make me hang up my keyboard.
Now, now. Would Conan hang up his keyboard?
Wait.. he wouldn't have a keyboard [;)]
There will always be critics. I think you're getting stronger with each story. (well, okay, I've only read two so far, but that means you're at 100% improvement [8)] )
Keep at it. I think Dalacroy has an interesting future ahead of him.
Swords high!
-- Paul McNamee
http://writer.paulmcnamee.net
http://www.dorancoyle.net | | Back to Top | | |
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jhmcmullen
Neophyte
Date Joined Sep 2004
Total Posts : 67
| Posted 7/12/2005 11:43 AM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by bdurham
No kidding. It's enough to make me hang up my keyboard.
Fear not--the rest of us know you're good and getting better.
I'm still trying to figure out why Dalacroy is such an unfortunate name--sure, it sounds like the French phrase for "of the cross" but heck, that shouldn't be enough to disqualify someone. There've been religious S&S characters. Or Bruce can just insert how "Dalacroy" means "tough battle" in his home language, and voila! it is done! | | Back to Top | | |
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Supr
Neophyte
Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 107
| Posted 7/12/2005 12:35 PM (GMT -4) | | Hey, Bruce: F^ck it!!! [}:)]
(like I did with the women from publishing house tha didn't care for my novel) [:D]
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Bruce Durham
Crom's Administrator & Drinking Buddy
Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 605
| Posted 7/12/2005 12:47 PM (GMT -4) | | Oops. Sorry. I meant to say 'want to hang up...' [:I]
I think it's just payback for me criticising the reviewer of the previous issue of FS. Stooping to comment on a character name is rather petty. I've resigned myself to the fact I won't be getting a fair shake from these people. Frankly, I thought I wrote a pretty inventive story.
John. You nailed it. Dalacroy was derived from DeLaCroix. Maybe it's an anti-French thing.
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Admin: Community Forums for the Official Site of Conan the Barbarian
Contributing Editor for Flashing Swords. The leading edge in fantasy: Guaranteed Oprah Free!
Moderator for Paradox Interactive Games AAR and Fanfiction Forums
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Supr
Neophyte
Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 107
| Posted 7/12/2005 1:40 PM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by bdurham
I think it's just payback for me criticising the reviewer of the previous issue of FS.
When it's true than we all do can understand such cowardly behaviour of Tangents reviewer... She envies Delacroys balls (not literally) [:0] LOL | | Back to Top | | |
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Supr
Neophyte
Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 107
| Posted 7/12/2005 10:43 PM (GMT -4) | | quote:
Originally posted by jonesha
And I thank you mightily, Supr. We've gotten a number of hits from your post. I appreciate that!
Best wishes,
Howard
Managing Editor
www.swordandsorcery.org
Flashing Swords E-Zine
Howard, I'm glad that I can help. | | Back to Top | | |
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Daniel
Carl Jung's Waterboy
Date Joined Aug 2003
Total Posts : 4515
| Posted 7/13/2005 8:24 AM (GMT -4) | | I think you're getting stronger with each story. (well, okay, I've only read two so far, but that means you're at 100% improvement )
***
Bruce has a fantasy short story "Null Magic" in the upcoming issue of Prism Quarterly -- PQ 8.1. You can snag a subscription to PQ through the following link
http://www.pitchblackbooks.com/prism.htm
You can obtain ordering info for individual issues, bulk orders, and/or subscriptions through the following #
1-800-963-1070
But I won't be sending any issues of PQ to Tangent for Ms. Tilton to review.
Daniel
www.pitchblackbooks.com | | Back to Top | | |
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jonesha
Forum Moderator
Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 655
| Posted 7/23/2005 5:52 AM (GMT -4) | | Hey all,
Well, we've spent enough time on reviews and editorials: let's talk some more--a lot more, hopefully--about the stories this issue and what you're wanting to see more of! There are a lot of great things in here that haven't even been touched on.
I look forward to your thoughts.
best,
Howard
Managing Editor
www.swordandsorcery.org
Flashing Swords E-Zine | | Back to Top | | |
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erazmus
Master
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 4474
| Posted 7/23/2005 9:57 AM (GMT -4) | | Howard,
I haven't finished all the stories in this issue, I'm rationing them. Plus I can't read much fiction in one sitting on a screen. Eight or nine thousand words is about my limit before I start trying to make corrections to the text, (I write long hand but edit on a computer). as to what I'd like more of, Hocking and Durham to start with. I also really loved Burch's two fools. I haven't found a story yet that I actively dislike though I'm kind of hoping to, I'm way too finicky to love everything in a magazine, that would mean its appeal is way too narrow. I still have a couple of stories to read. [:)]
Mike
Michael D. Turner
"Psyched Up" in _Turn the other Chick_-ed. E. Friesner-Baen books
www.baen.com | | Back to Top | | |
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Red Viper
Acolyte
Date Joined Mar 2005
Total Posts : 439
| Posted 7/23/2005 10:30 AM (GMT -4) | | Howard ... I've loved what I read so far, but likewise haven't gotten to all of them. I've got a little project to complete, and some writing of my own to do, then I'll print out the rest, sit back and enjoy.
You know I like the Hocking story, and Bruce's Dalacroy tale. I've also read "The Covenant" and "Two Fools," and can definitely say I want to see more from these authors. Both went a little further than often seen in the genre; Stires primarily through his prose and imagery, Burch primarily through characterization. Neither story turned out to be what I expected as I went along, and I rather like that.
As for the issue as a whole, I'm glad to see a variety in the storytelling. All these authors have different approaches, and it keeps things from getting stale. I hope the remaining stories are up to this standard.
As for the project I mentioned, you should be getting an email from me in the wee hours including all three files. Good stuff.
Red Viper, aka Steve Goble | | Back to Top | | |
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Buxom Slayer
Temptress + mistress of Swords
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 42
| Posted 7/24/2005 1:57 AM (GMT -4) | | FLASHING SWORDS issue 3. - my reviews + ratings..
Web of Pale Venom, by John C. Hocking [JH]
Kel the archivist [ he is not a librarian or a scribe] + Lucella the sword-mistress.
a search for delirium root leads into a deadly web of mystery + murder.
JH creates a great atmosphere of suspense, danger + horror, + thrills us with very exciting action + combat.
a run-of-the-mill average plot is enhanced greatly by the fine writing of JH.
rating = 3.5 of 5. very entertaining but not much innovation.[8D]
--
The White Wyrm. - C.L. Werner
tough Germanic knight v vikings + savage toltecs + a huge legend!
grim, bloody + very entertaining. even though its a bit corny, + it smugly claims to have twisted history, its very well done.
rating = 3.5 of 5. good 'historical fantastic'.
--
The Covenant, by Christopher Stires
a very short but well written piece.
but i found it pointless + shallow + very corny. the writer failed to provide even an average quality story + so broke his covenant with me..?!
0 of 5. a complete waste of my time. [ the editor has been at the delirium root? [;)]]
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Two Fools Make A Tragedy. - C.J. Burch
or 'the perils of a pewter amulet'?
"She was a strange one Kouer was, part cat and part courtesan".[ a kind of character known too well by me?!]
Kouer is an interesting character. but Aduux is nothing special + he HAS got a silly name.
the wizards area of town + the cauldron tavern were quirky + amusing.
some of the dialogue is very good, but overall there was far too much trivial pointless banter between the 2.
good fights + deadly+fun magic.
rating = 3 of 5. entertaining fun fantasy. [ in a similar light style as Liebers Lankhmar books?]
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The Demon War, by S.C. Bryce
Dermanassian 'the Gray Mist', in his gray clothes and cloak, + his blue lotus sword. he is the last desert elf?
thru the mind-gate to the dreamworld, demonworld + chaosworld, super powerful demons galore fight each other with the same ridiculous comical predictability of usa-wwf-tv-wrestlers!
this is tedious, basic, corny D+D fodder but with no good atmosphere, suspense, horror, surprises, or even a good plot. Bryce should get some tips on S+S from the great Conan tales of RE Howard instead of reading the latest sterile D+D rpg sourcebooks + sanitised fan-formula trilogies?
but the battle action + magic descriptions are good + exciting. [Bryce is potentially a good writer who just needs much better S+S material than this?]
rating = 2 of 5. dire plot. a yawning chasm.. [are the 'demonic' rumours about the Editor true? [}:)]]
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End of Duty, by Joe McCullough V
muskets, a cannon fort, + massive gunpowder explosions!?!
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS DOING IN AN S+S COLLECTION ?!? [ nuts! ]
--
Raven's Eye, by Jay Caselberg
quite well written + some good action fighting.
but its just a below average plot with a disapointing very limp end.
rating = 2 of 5. a trivial + limp non-event.
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The Catacombs of Dharwataqan, by Bruce Durham
Dalacroy the warrior has to find a special book in the deep locked catacombs of terror.
i found this 2nd story much more entertaining than the 1st 'marsh' tale.
well written with good atmosphere, combats, horror, + powerful arcane magic, + clever surprising plot twists.
this good S+S tale works well as an intense short story.
rating = 3.5 of 5. entertaining surprises + clever plot. [more like this please? ][8D]
----
so how did these 4 get in the e-zine?...
..The Covenant, The Demon War, End of Duty, + Raven's Eye?
that is half the content of this issue is wasted on very poor + corny + WRONG GENRE stories! [ is the overworked editor cracking up? at this rate issue 4 will be called 'wretched sword + musket' ?!][:D]
please improve your overall standards? i live in some S+S hope due to the flashing swords site, but this issue was half 'dead'...
my sincere thanks to the writers who produced some quality exciting S+S. [please keep up the good work]
best wishes from your most buxom reader *** [:)]
----
so come on guys, let's hear more comments ratings? what were your faves + why?
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jonesha
Forum Moderator
Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 655
| Posted 7/24/2005 4:16 AM (GMT -4) | | Dear Buxom,
Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy those four. Many people have gone out of their way to praise some of those stories you disliked. Also, as to End of Duty, please recall that, in addition to sword and sorcery, Flashing Swords is intended to feature swashbuckling historicals as well as sword and planet. You'll be seeing some more action-oriented swashbucklers in this e-zine's pages.
In any case, I hope you'll stick with us. Issue 4 is a fine, fine read!
best wishes,
Howard
Managing Editor
www.swordandsorcery.org
Flashing Swords E-Zine | | Back to Top | | |
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Storn
Neophyte
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 153
| Posted 7/24/2005 4:49 AM (GMT -4) | | quote:
End of Duty, by Joe McCullough V
muskets, a cannon fort, + massive gunpowder explosions!?!
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS DOING IN AN S+S COLLECTION ?!?
Now, I'm not the scholar of this field as much as the other folks. And I also JUST got here... but I liked End of Duty. I liked the muskets. And if Solomon Kane can use flintlock pistols... I think there is room for the devices is in S&S collections. I wouldn't take the Sword of S&S too literally.
I also thought the hand to hand combat of musket being used as club was pretty exciting stuff. The atmosphere of the rain has drama and impact because of the possiblity of misfire... I can forgive that the soldiers of the piece are not using halberds and broadswords.
It reminded me of Hornblower meets Conan... if Hornblower has had enough and leaves after the insane suicide mission. Seems pretty "pulpy" and exciting to me.
NOw, I do agree with you on the Demon War in part. I loved the scope of the setting. It was huge!
But I think it was a huge mistake to have the protagonist be a "desert elf". I would have prefered that to be disguised. Elf is simply a term that has too much wieght now. The protagonist *could* have all the trappings, all the styling of some fey-like wanderer, immortal and the like, last of his kind... and the term "elf" could have been implied but never used.
It is kinda like "ninja". You can't use "ninja" anymore. The term has reached the level of ludicrous... despite the historical placement of the Koga and Iga adn their training regimens, placement in society, being fascinating, fascinating stuff. Better to make all the inferences, and just call them assassins...
Visual Storytelling
http://www.stornc.rpggallery.com/ | | Back to Top | | |
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Daniel
Carl Jung's Waterboy
Date Joined Aug 2003
Total Posts : 4515
| Posted 7/24/2005 5:14 AM (GMT -4) | | Hey Buxom,
I'd love to hear what you think of the Lords of Swords anthology.
www.pitchblackbooks.com
Thanks for your responses.
Daniel
www.pitchblackbooks.com | | Back to Top | | |
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erazmus
Master
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 4474
| Posted 7/24/2005 8:02 AM (GMT -4) | | Storn,
The ninja have really taken it in the shorts, undone by there own success. I think the only place I could use them would be in a comedy function, a clan of really pissed off ninja with media relations problems bent on foiling the heros as a sub-plot.
Hmmnn, think I'll file that one.
Mike
Michael D. Turner
"Psyched Up" in _Turn the other Chick_-ed. E. Friesner-Baen books
www.baen.com | | Back to Top | | |
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Storn
Neophyte
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 153
| Posted 7/24/2005 9:29 AM (GMT -4) | | Erazmus, so true.
I like Batman Begins, but I kinda had this internal giggle when ever the word ninja was used in conjunction with Raz a Ghul and the whole Destroyer's vibe of secret society dedicating to keeping balance. I LIKE the secret society aspect, the skills and training... all of that... but every time ninja was used and pajama guys showed up... I just giggled inside. Kinda sad.
Because I think the ninja enviroment is an awesome one. Martial arts, spy craft, disguises, poisons, the practicality angle, the societal angle of being the ones outside of society to do the dirty deeds dirt cheap... all of it is really, really cool if tackled in a serious, thought provoking way.
But I just described the entire character skillset (and conflict) of the main character of the Bourne Identity. The word ninja never comes up once in the film(s) or book(s). But really, it is a similar assassin archtype.
Ninja can't be used anymore with a straight face. Pity.
Visual Storytelling
http://www.stornc.rpggallery.com/ | | Back to Top | | |
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John Hocking
The Olde Prospector
Date Joined Jun 2004
Total Posts : 144
| Posted 7/24/2005 9:40 AM (GMT -4) | | Hey Buxom!
I tell a Sword & Sorcery tale about a glorified librarian and a lady constable breaking up a drug ring selling spider venom, and it's a "run-of-the-mill" plot?
Man, you're getting harder to please these days!
Glad to see you on this forum and I hope you find my next story more to your liking. | | Back to Top | | |
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erazmus
Master
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 4474
| Posted 7/24/2005 10:24 AM (GMT -4) | | Storn,
I haven't seen Batman Begins yet, but I can imagine what you're talking about. From a writing perspective the situation isn't intolerable, just don't actually use the "N" word. I avoid japanese terms when ever I can anyway so "Shadow warrior" slides out easily enough.
But you are faced with a bigger problem as an illustrator. Any guy with a scarf over his face and a sword in his hand practicly sceams "ninja" unless you take the time and effort to assure he doesn't. That can be hard, especially when he obviously is but the writer just isn't saying so. Lots of people might wear dark or camoflaged clothing on a dodgy mission at night but you must make sure they don't look like ninja-jammies or else, well it just doesn't work. And oriental characters in black can just about hang it up unless they're garbed in ornate black robes.
I find it odd that the samurai don't seem to have this problem yet they are the other side of the ninja coin. Better spin doctors, I guess.
Mike
Michael D. Turner
"Psyched Up" in _Turn the other Chick_-ed. E. Friesner-Baen books
www.baen.com | | Back to Top | | |
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erazmus
Master
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 4474
| Posted 7/24/2005 10:31 AM (GMT -4) | |
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