"There were a number of books about A Game of Thrones (the HBO series) and A Song of Ice and Fire (the books) published last year . . . the one that impressed me most was James Lowder's Beyond the Wall ." —George R.R. Martin Foreword by New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore Go beyond the Wall and across the narrow sea with this collection about George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, from A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons .The epic game of thrones chronicled in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series has captured the imaginations of millions of readers. In Beyond the Wall , bestselling authors and acclaimed critics offer up thought-provoking essays and compelling insights: Daniel Abraham reveals the unique challenges of adapting the original books into graphic novels. Westeros.org founders Linda Antonsson and Elio M. García, Jr ., explore the series’ complex heroes and villains, and their roots in the Romantic movement. Wild Cards contributor Caroline Spector delves into the books’ controversial depictions of power and gender.Plus much more, from military science fiction writer Myke Cole on the way Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder shapes many of the leading characters to author and television writer Ned Vizzini on the biases against genre fiction that color critical reactions to the series.Contributors:R.A. Salvatore (foreword)Daniel AbrahamLinda AntonssonMyke ColeElio M. García, Jr.Brent HartingerJohn Jos. MillerAlyssa RosenbergJesse ScobleCaroline SpectorMatt StaggsSusan VaughtNed VizziniGary WestfahlAdam WhiteheadAndrew Zimmerman Jones
This e-book only Booster Pack is designed for readers who have read the first edition of The Girl Who Was on Fire.The Booster Pack includes ONLY the three brand new essays included in The Girl Who Was on Fire – Movie Edition, plus access to 10,000 words of extra, e-book only content: the contributors' thoughts on the Hunger Games film.The first edition of The Girl Who Was on Fire offered even more to think about for readers already engrossed by the world of the Hunger Games. From the trilogy’s darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion and weaponry, the collection’s exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers revealed exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.These three new essays discuss game theory in the Hunger Games, mixed opinions about Mockingjay, and why we shouldn't forget about Gale, just because Katniss chose Peeta.This e-book also gives you access to special content from our writers right after the release of The Hunger Games on the big screen: their thoughts on the film.
Includes 3 brand new essays on Gale, the Games, and Mockingjay ! **Already read the first edition of The Girl Who Was on Fire ? Look for The Girl Who Was on Fire – Booster Pack to get just the three new essays and the extra movie content.**Katniss Everdeen’s adventures may have come to an end, but her story continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide.In The Girl Who Was on Fire – Movie Edition , sixteen YA authors take you back to the world of the Hunger Games with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, Panem, and the series, really is.• How does the way the Games affect the brain explain Haymitch’s drinking, Annie’s distraction, and Wiress’ speech problems?• What does the rebellion have in common with the War on Terror?• Why isn’t the answer to “Peeta or Gale?” as interesting as the question itself?• What should Panem have learned from the fates of other hedonistic societies throughout history—and what can we?CONTRIBUTORS: Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Sarah Rees Brennan, Terri Clark, Bree Despain, Adrienne Kress, Sarah Darer Littman, Cara Lockwood, Elizabeth M. Rees, Carrie Ryan, Ned Vizzini, Lili Wilkinson, Blythe Woolston, Diana Peterfreund (NEW), Brent Hartinger (NEW), Jackson Pearce (NEW)
Called one of the best shows on TV by more than a dozen media publications, including Time and Entertainment Weekly , Friday Night Lights is not just one of the most critically acclaimed shows on air, it’s also one of the most watchable. Despite its focus on high school football, its masterfully crafted characters and honestly portrayed relationships make its portrait of small town Texas life compelling and relatable in ways that have nothing to do with field goals or touchdowns. Love, Loss, and Dillon Football: A Friday Night Lights Companion explores the victories and pitfalls of Dillon, Texas – both the town itself and those who live and love there. Because Friday Night Lights is so much more than just a teenage football drama: it’s about the struggle to not get trapped in the circumstances one is born into. It’s about love, it’s about loss, and, yes, it’s even about football.
The Walking Dead gained national attention as AMC’s latest critically acclaimed drama, shattering the network’s previous premiere ratings highs and earning a second season renewal after its very first episode. But before its television debut, Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead was a comic phenomenon.James Lowder, veteran editor and author in the horror genre and comics field, collects some of the biggest names in the zombie genre, along with other top horror and comics writers, to discuss the series on both page and screen.Contents include:what makes The Walking Dead so effective as a zombie narrativethe television show’s surprising optimismRick Grimes as Objectivist heroThe Walking Dead’s journey from comic to television seriesJay Bonansinga, Brendan Deneen, Jonathan Maberry, Kim Paffenroth, Lisa Morton, Kyle William Bishop, Del Howison, Craig Fischer, Kenneth Hite, Kay Steiger, Matt Staggs, Ned Vizzini, Scott Kenemore, Brendan Riley, Arnold T. Blumberg
“Supernatural” is more than a show about fighting demons. It’s about more than a cool car, a kick-ass soundtrack and hot guys with guns. “Supernatural” is about family and sacrifice and heroism—about good and evil and the choices you make to stay in the hunt. You know there’s more to this show than meets the eye. So do we.* Professor Gregory Stevenson considers the true meaning of horror and what “Supernatural's” characters have to say about the human (and demonic) potential in all of us Super-Wiki team member* Jules Wilkinson gives Dean’s ’67 Chevy Impala her due* Television Without Pity’s Jacob Clifton looks at the feminine in “Supernatural's” world of shotguns, muscle cars and masculine bravado (it’s more influential, and more pervasive, than you think)* “Supernatural” RPG writer Jamie Chambers outlines demon-hunting on the cheap—and what it has to do with “Supernatural's” appeal* Contemporary fantasy author Tanya Huff delves into the psychology of John Winchester* Fan Sheryl A. Rakowski (one of the three winners of the Supernatural.tv/Smart Pop “Supernatural” Essay Contest) shows how the boys’ biggest weakness—their need for each other—is also the biggest strength they possess, no matter what the Trickster says* Writer Shanna Swendson mines the sources of “Supernatural's” monsters, from folktales to urban legends, and deems Dean and Sam our modern-day keepers of the loreAnd much more!
The tangled web of vengeance, love, and loss woven by Spider-Man comics and films is explored in this collection of insightful essays by acclaimed writers of comics and science fiction and edited by Spider-Man comic writer Gerry Conway.A variety of topics—from the superhero’s sarcasm to the science behind radioactive spiders—are discussed in essays on “Turning Rage into Responsibility: A Psychology of Loss,” “Love Is Selfish: Can a Hero Afford Personal Attachments?,” and “Self Identity and Costume Design.” The popular rival Green Goblin, the bumbling-yet-influential media, and the part New York City itself plays in stories are skillfully explored, as well as the overall philosophy of mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spidey’s relationship with the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe.
Theologians, psychologists, academics, feminists, and fantasists offer humor, insight, and fresh perspectives on the enchanting and beloved Chronicles of Narnia series. Such contributors as fantasists Sarah Zettel and Lawrence Watt-Evans, children's literature scholar Naomi Wood, and C.S. Lewis scholars Colin Duriez and Joseph Pearce discuss topics such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle Earth's influence on the conception of Narnia, the relevance of allegory for both Christians and non-Christians, the idea of divine providence in Narnia, and Narnia's influence on modern-day witchcraft. Fans of the wildly popular series will revel in the examination of all aspects of C.S. Lewis and his magical Narnia.
This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfeld, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans's “Matchmaking in Hellmouth” and Sherrilyn Kenyon's “The Search for Spike's Balls.” An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.
Lisbeth Salander, heroine of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and its sequels, is one of the most compelling, complex characters of our time. Is she an avenging angel? A dangerous outlaw? What makes Salander tick, and why is our response to her—and to Larsson’s Millennium trilogy—so strong?In The Psychology of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 19 psychologists and psychiatrists attempt to do what even expert investigator Mikael Blomkvist could not: understand Lisbeth Salander.• What does Lisbeth’s infamous dragon tattoo really say about her?• Why is Lisbeth so drawn to Mikael, and what would they both need to do to make a relationship work?• How do we explain men like Martin Vanger, Nils Bjurman, and Alexander Zalachenko? Is Lisbeth just as sexist and as psychopathic as they are?• What is it about Lisbeth that allows her to survive, even thrive, under extraordinary conditions?• How is Lisbeth like a Goth-punk Rorschach test? And what do we learn about ourselves from what we see in her?