My Blog

Retirement. Publishers, thank you for the many years of reading pleasure you gave me, but all good things must come to an end. Due to failing eyesight I am forced to retire. I can no longer review your books, and any that you send will be donated to the local library, unread. Do not send any more. I can only read for a couple hours every day, and this does not allow me to finish a book in reasonable time. I will be devoting time to my own books from now on, and reading on a personal level. Books that interest me. I prefer paperbacks and hardbacks, not eBooks. My eyesight has been failing the last few years, and I cannot handle hundreds of review books any more. My books are still available for review. Anyone interested in reviewing any of them, they are found in the Link to Tom’s Books On Amazon. Contact me for pdf copies at fadingshadows40@gmail.com

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Armageddon

Armageddon
By Malcolm Dylan Petteway
ISBN #0984364528
Rage Books www.ragebooks.com/
328 Pages
Price: $15.50
Science Fiction
Rating: 4 & Half-Stars

“Entertaining novel with vivid imagery!”

With this third entry in the Osguards series, the Tuits invade the protected zone of the Universal Science, Security Trade Association of Planets (USSTAP) eliminating everything in their path with a weapon capable of destroying planets. They make their first strike, wiping out a solar system with five planets. Killing thirty-five billion people in less than ten minutes! The Guardians of The Universe find themselves outnumbered and faced by superior weapons!

The author, a retired AF officer, brings his knowledge of tactical weapons and strategic military background to the series in creating the universe of the Osguards: Guardians of The Universe. The story is well written, and the characters come to life. Battle scenes are fast and furious, with vivid descriptions. My main problem with the story was my own fault. I read the first two novels in the series years ago, and have read hundreds of SF books since, so my memory of the previous entries was foggy, the characters not as clear as they should have been. This is a series the reader needs to read in sequence, and not with a long lapse of time between each story. I also felt there was too much of the story taking place on Earth, when the action should have been kept in space. For instance, when the Tuits destroy the five-planet solar system with thirty-five billion inhabitants, the reader is at a wedding on Earth. True, we are learning more about the characters, and Earth does have a role in the story, but I felt the action is unnecessarily slowed down to lengthen the book. Being a military science fiction novel, especially of this length, it should have had more space battles and less inaction to keep the story moving. Still, the author spins an exciting tale, and the Osguards have a fascinating history, with an even more interesting future.

Although each book is a stand-alone novel, I highly suggest the reader start with the first novel in the series. These are thick volumes, and the price is right, so begin reading them today!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

New Pulp Announcement

From Tommy Hancock of All Pulp.
I sat down to write this…what you are reading…as an announcement and it is that, of course.  But it’s not an announcement of a new Pro Se magazine or book, although Pro Se Productions will obviously be involved…obvious when you finish reading this, that is.  It’s not a new ALL PULP column even though ALL PULP and any other news site, blog, page, etc. that is interested in Pulp will be a part of it if they choose to be.  And it’s most definitely not a Tommy Hancock project.  I hope to be pivotal to its execution as I hope many others are, but I’m simply the guy who hopefully is the spark that starts the fuse that leads to the revolution.
Heady words, right?   But I don’t feel like they’re the wrong words. 
Pulp Fiction has many layers.  More than a genre or a field of writing, Pulp is a historic event, has been since the first cheaply made, quickly written magazines hit the newsstands so many decades ago.   Was it necessarily a whole new form of literature, then?  No, not when you take into account the dime novels and such that preceded pulps.  What it became, however, is an unstoppable force, an unbelievable influence on writers of the era and especially writers, both famous and unknown, of every year since.   The simplistic, yet layered storytelling, the one-two punch of the dialogue and the action, and the over the top antics, characters, and resolutions that made readers believe in the amazing, the fantastic, and the incredible have leaked into modern literature in ways that no one expected. 
As a writer of New Pulp, something that has been going on really since the original era of the Pulps ended, I have heard many people say and have even said myself that we are in the midst of a Pulp Renaissance.   That now with the advent of things like the internet, Print on Demand, and an overall increase in interest, Pulp is becoming more and more popular and noticed every day.  I believe this simply because of the number of writers, artists, and especially publishers I am aware of that have  set up shop in the last 5 or so years, creators who are simply out to do one thing-write Pulp.  And even before this new crop of artisans, Pulp still had a strong foothold.  Collectors, dealers, and fans of the original works and legendary stories have been active enough over the decades that Pulp has shown up at a variety of conventions and venues, even so much so that there are at least two major Pulp conventions a year, not to mention smaller dealer shows and other events throughout the year.
It’s a proven fact.  Pulp, if it ever really went away, is back and with a Norvell Page like vengeance. And out of this resurgence in interest, out of the dedication of dealers and collectors keeping the love of Pulp alive, and out of the creative, inspired minds of modern creators thirsting to express their ideas, stories, thoughts through the prism of Pulp, something else has arisen.  Something innovative, yet not disconnected for the established work.  Something original, yet grounded solidly in inspiration and influences past.    Something novel, but familiar at the same time.
This is the era of New Pulp.
Pulp will never die.  What has come before will never change.  Dent, Gibson, et al. will continue to be the almost mythic purveyors of this most awesome fiction.  But they have descendants in spirit, authors and artists who have picked up the banner and carried the standard of Pulp forward.  The past of Pulp will be preserved by the historians, touted by the collectors, distributed by the dealers, and reprinted by the fantastic resources that have taken that on.   Those unbelievably great adventures will thankfully never fade away. 
And out of that legacy, out of that history, out of that imaginative period and body of work has come New Pulp.  
It is time to define New Pulp as its own entity.  Not separate from Pulp as a whole, but as something defined within the genre.  What is New Pulp?  Well, as far as my definition goes, the explanation is fairly simple.  New Pulp is fiction written with the same sensibilities, linear storytelling, pattern of conflict, and creative use of words and phrases of original Pulp, but crafted by modern writers, artists, and publishers.  New stories with either completely original characters or new tales of established characters from Pulp past.   It’s really that simple.  New Pulp is Pulp written today.
So much New Pulp is now available, including work from noted pulp historians such as Will Murray and Tom Johnson as well as the entire Wold Newton family of creators and beyond.   Add to that the literal multitude of mavericks and new guns that have stepped forward, myself thankfully included, and New Pulp is suddenly more than just a group of guys and gals telling stories like the ones we grew up on.  It’s  its own movement, its own subgenre, within Pulp as a whole.   And that doesn’t mean it is set apart from Pulp as we’ve all known it until now.   New Pulp will always be a part of Pulp conventions, dealers shows, and the continuing appreciation and discussion of classic Pulp and all that made it what it was.
But I think it can be that…and much more.
Here’s what I’m proposing.  And understand, this is a proposal, an idea…a suggestion.  Having said that, I have discussed this line of thinking with other writers and creators, even if they didn’t know what my intent was at the time we discussed it, and feel that this is the right time for a defining of New Pulp.  So, I bring this to you with some ideas and concrete plans.   And with an invitation, but that’ll come later.
In order to define New Pulp, to bring in new audiences, to find and take on new markets, and to shine light on this wonderful literary form that thus far has been shined elsewhere, the first step is coming together.  As a publisher myself, I know that there’s a certain level of competition, that ‘my stuff has to outsell your stuff’ mindset and that’s okay.  That’s healthy.  But we are at a point that if we want to break out, if we want people to walk by a bookshelf and see a New Pulp title and say, ‘Hey what is this?’ and in some instances if we even want to get on some bookshelves, then we have to recognize that although we are individual creators and companies, we are also invested in the same genre.  We are all a part of New Pulp.
With that in mind, here’s what I’m proposing.  A push for New Pulp.  Getting the word out that New Pulp exists, that it is both a part of something classic and great and is its own movement.   To establish an identity for New Pulp, a way that when someone encounters a tale published, written, or drawn by a New Pulp creator, that they know they have a New Pulp work in their hands. 
One way to do this is combined advertising.   We need to come together and work up some ads, print, net, and otherwise, that tout New Pulp, not just as a concept, but with creators, publishers, and product from various New Pulp purveyors.  Pro Se, Airship 27,Wild Cat, White Rocket, Granton City Press, Seventh Realms, Moonstone, and the list goes on.   Advertising, either free or paid (with each party tossing in a share of course) is crucial to any endeavor breaking beyond its established fanbase, but it is particularly critical for a field wanting to establish itself.   To that end, I had Sean Ali, a great friend and Pro Se’s designer, develop a logo that will be free for any publisher of New Pulp to use.  A handful of writers and publishers have already agreed to participate in efforts under this logo and anyone else in the New Pulp field is welcome to join in. 

Also, I’ll announce that PULP ARK, the writer’s conference/convention that Pro Se is hosting May 13-15, 2011 in Batesville, AR, will be the first NEW PULP Conference/Convention.   At current count, 25 writers, publishers, and artists of New Pulp will be in attendance at Pulp Ark, the biggest gathering of New Pulp creators in one place to date.  Dealers and collectors are also welcome and several will be present, moving everything from classic pulp magazines to reprints to cds to all sorts of Pulp related material.  But Pulp Ark will focus on New Pulp creators with panels, classrooms, and programming designed to promote New Pulp and welcome fans and new readers into the world New Pulp has established.
If Pulp Ark makes the mark we feel it will, talks are already in works for adding a convention in a different location under the New Pulp banner as early as next year.  This would be done in an effort to give New Pulp creators who can’t make it to Arkansas every year to have at least one other venue, maybe even two eventually, to be a part of.  And of course, it would also open up New Pulp to new fans and readers.
Another aspect of this is that shared, cooperative pages can be established.  Already in the works are ideas for a NEW PULP site that spotlights all New Pulp creators who wish to participate and hawks their wares, either print or e-books.  That piece will take a bit to get set up, but it is in development.
These few ideas and plans are just the tip of the iceberg.   As I said at the start, this is not a Pro Se or a Tommy Hancock project, but I did feel and was encouraged by others that someone had to sort of step up and take the reins.   The yahoo group PulpDefined, that some of you have requested membership, will be a major workplace for the New Pulp movement.  If you are interested in participating, email me at braedenalex@centurytel.net that you are a writer, artist, or publisher and wish to be a part of Pulp Defined.  Or if you just have questions or comments, the same email is good for those, too.
Of course, there is no rule that says you have to identify with, work with, or even support what I’ve proposed.   This is one person, with the encouragement of a few others, who has recognized a need and hopes we can come together to fill it.   We are all individuals, but we are also all New Pulp.  It’s time to let the world know that we not only exist, but that we are here to stay and will provide them with endless fantastic tales and exciting adventures.  That is our world.  That is New Pulp.

Tommy Hancock

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Alien Worlds Review

BARBARA CUSTER & TOM JOHNSON
ISBN: 9780982679555
January 2011
Night to Dawn
www.bloodredshadow.com
Hardcover, Paperback, E-Book
$16.50/5.24
268 Pages
Science Fiction, Dark Fantasy
Rating: 4 Cups
ALIEN WORLDS
Calling Captain Danger
Captain Steve Danger is one of the elite Space Rangers of the Galactic Empire Alliance. Along with his Lieutenant, Cathy Rogers, he flies the Silver Raptor #1 to investigate the mysterious deaths in a mining colony on the outskirts of the galaxy.
An exciting introduction to the world of Captain Danger. Thrilling battles, besotted women and interesting characters all the way around.
Echoes from a Distant World
Cassie Kelly is a nurse recovering from acute memory loss that took a year of her life. Those lost memories haunt her dreams and nightmares and are now back to wreak havoc on her life again. She must face the truth of the past year in order to survive the repercussions.
I love this story. The aliens are unique and extreme with a wonderful use of helium balloons. Barbara Custer has a way with words that draws you into the story.
The Forever Man
When you are unique amongst the world, the average job just does not suit. The Robin Hood of the future is the best way to go. Getting paid to recover stolen merchandise that is thought to be unrecoverable is a job for the Forever Man.
The Forever Man has a great take on one positive outcome of human experimentation. It sounds odd but it really works. The different world and the people inhabiting it are fun to read about.
Cost Containment's Divident
When the cost effectiveness effects every decision, the first thing to go is health care. Kristin is a diabetic nurse hiding her condition from a boss that would fire her for being a health risk. She knows what happens to people who cannot pay for their medical bills; they start to the cemetery while kicking and screaming. Until Xaeriss helps them fight back.
It is interesting to read a story about a failing health care system, considering today’s economy. This is a short and sweet story about what could happen and the possibilities for getting even.
Terror from Beyond
Captain Danger leads us into another exhilarating adventure from the outskirts of the galaxy. This time he swoops in to save the day from some remarkably creepy, inexplicably technologically advanced aliens.
This story is even more fun than Captain Danger’s first story. Tom Johnson has created some great characters that anyone would want to have save the day.
Secret Light, Silent World
What would your child do if a strange alien approached them with the solution to their problems? Exactly what Heather did; jump in without considering the consequences. Now, she’s in the thick of a subversive alien invasion that has left her with an out of this world problem.
This is an interesting way to execute an alien invasion. It does seem a little easy to mutate and manipulate Heather, but then again she is just a teenager.
Planets in Peril
The Forever Man is back. With war about to break out over an ancient tablet, who else could manoeuvre their way into this untenable situation? Teaming up with an officer of the Cosmic Security would normally seem like a strange thing for a thief to do, but sometimes extreme circumstances are required when it comes to getting paid.
Another great story from Tom Johnson. The Forever Man is a fun character that gets himself in and out of extreme situations for a large pay check all the while making the bad guys look stupid. What is not to like?
Twilight World
When Robert Blank, flight 66 Captain, and his crew find themselves in an extreme situation, they must do the best they can. If that means acquiring a new plane that they are not even sure they know how to fly, then so be it. They will do whatever it takes to find their way home.
The only story that takes place on an Earth-like, if not Earth itself, world is an interesting tale that reminds me a bit of Stephen King’s The Langoliers, except they were sent to the future instead of the past.
The Spice Raiders
Lieutenant Cathy Rogers and Captain Danger save the day again when Commander Scott Perry gets kidnapped. Together Silver Raptors #1, #2 and #3 must prevent a galactic incident.
Another tale of Captain Danger is a pretty good way to end this compilation of stories. The galactic incident imitated our current political climate pretty well and was fun to read about on the cosmic level.
Alien Worlds contains a great many stories that pertain to future possibilities and aliens in a very clever way. The stories are unique and for the most part interesting and fun to read.
Susana
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Guns Of The Black Ghost


The vast chamber was suddenly filled with a mocking laugh as the Black Ghost issued his challenge to gangdom, and the weird mirth rose to a high crescendo, reverberating throughout the building, echoing like a wild thing in the silent void of space. Gang members suddenly stopped what they were doing, and looked about the shop like hunted animals on opening season in the woods. And then a chorus of shouts rang out as they spotted the intrepid fighter in black. “The Black Ghost!” burst from a dozen lips at once, and murderous hands dug for guns beneath their tunics.

Gunfire suddenly blazed as those weapons came up, but the Black Ghost had drawn two heavy automatics of his own, and the machine shop was thundering with the clash of guns as a battle began between gangland and the fighter in black. A wild volley of bullets sang like angry hornets disturbed by a farmer’s deadly spray of insecticide.

The Guns of The Black Ghost is Tom Johnson's tribute to Walter Gibson and his creation, The Shadow.

 Trained by a retired secret agent of the government, Jimmy Malone dons a black hood and cape sending fear into the hearts of evildoers, as he battles the underworld in the tradition of a modern day Shadow or Spider. Burning eyes, a mocking laugh, and blazing automatics announce his entrance into an affray. Gangsters cringe when they come up against the guns of the Black Ghost!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Heroes of Ancient Greece

Two of the greatest of the Greek heroes were Hercules and Atalanta, and both have survived in their own identities, as well as being the patterns for many other heroes of print, song, and screen. But no hero has ever achieved the strength of the mighty Hercules. Nor has any arrow ever flown as swift and true as one shot from the bow of Atalanta! Monsters from the land, sea, and moon face our heroes in these exciting pulp SF adventures!

This volume contains stories by Doc Atlas creator, Michael A. Black, paranormal author, Ralph Horner, and Tom Johnson, author of the popular Jur novels. Fully illustrated by Ron Wilber, including a three page comic by the artist.

If you like your heroes strong, your heroines beautiful, and the action fast, then go no further, this adventure is for you! Published by NTD www.bloodredshadow.com/ $13.50 for Paperback.

Friday, April 15, 2011

The Phantom Detective Companion

The longest-running hero of the pulp era! For the first time, the history of the Phantom Detective by Tom Johnson is brought under one volume, completely updated! Includes an index to nearly 175 stories, 100s of pages of articles, two unused Phantom story plots from the mid-1930s and nearly all of the Phantom’s comic book appearances. It’s 400 pages of must-own information for any pulp fan to enjoy. $29.95 Trade Paperback, and $49.95 for limited hardback edition. Available from www.altuspress.com/

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Action Sixties

For fans of the 1960s paperbacks, here is a Group dedicated to them. With emphasis on the 1960s, we also delve into the earlier and later paperback series. Hundreds of covers are posted in the Photo Albums, and occasionally we talk about what we're reading, or have read in the past. Come by and join in the discussion and enjoy the cover art! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Action_Sixties/photos/album/362079284/pic/838893174/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=21&count=20&dir=asc

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Alias The Whirlwind

“Alias The Whirlwind” Contains all 7 installments of this short-lived series, and is rounded out by an all-new Whirlwind story by Tom Johnson. It will retail for $19.95 and should be out in a month or so. Coming soon from Altus Press www.altuspress.com/

Sunday, April 3, 2011

G-Men Companion

Coming soon from Altus Press. This 414 Page volume contains my research into the Dan Fowler series, plus some new material. It will also reprint two novels from the series, which Will Murray and I consider two of the best in the series, plus a Fowler novel by Robert Sidney Bowen that didn’t make it for the series.