It's time for the weekly round-up of interesting links about speculative fiction from around the web, this week with the 2018 Locus Awards, tributes to Harlan Ellison, Star Wars, Doctor Who, The Handmaid's Tale, Luke Cage, Cloak and Dagger, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the season 2 finale of Westworld, the season 3 finale of The Expanse, the cancellation of Timeless, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? at thirty, an X-Men wedding, a Game of Thrones wedding, sexual harassment at Origins Game Fair as well as the usual mix of awards news, writing advice, interviews, reviews, con reports, crowdfunding campaigns, science articles, free online fiction and much more.
Speculative fiction in general:
- Barnes & Noble shares five genre-bending science fictional crime novels.
- Damien Walter shares 21 science fiction novels to rewire your consciousness.
- Tor.com shares thirteen optimistic fantasy novels to chase away the grimdark blues.
- Sam Reader shares six fantasy and horror novels about subways.
- Rebecca Roanhorse shares five indigenous speculative fiction authors you should be reading.
- Sabrina Vourvoulias explains that her dystopian novel Ink seemed far-fetched only a few years ago and now seems strangely prescient due to the political situation in the US.
- Raymond A. Villareal declares that we should start viewing vampire novels as legal thrillers.
- Adri Joy shares her appreciation for the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells.
- Joel Cunningham shares his appreciation for the Crimson Empire trilogy by Alex Marshall.
- Deuce Richardson revisits A. Merritt's fantasy novella The Moon Pool on the event of the 100th anniversary of its first publication.
- Judith Tarr revisits Andre Norton's 1963 science fiction novel Judgment on Janus.
- Ana Grilo revisits Tanith Lee's 1978 fantasy novel Night's Master and is not impressed.
- Liz Bourke revisits Melissa Scott's 1987 science fiction novel The Kindly Ones.
- Ceridwen Christensen offers a definitive ranking of the novels of Ursula K. Le Guin.
- Jenn Northington declares that Octavia Butler will change the way you look at genre fiction.
- Steven H. Silver revisits Octavia Butler's 2003 story The Book of Martha.
- Tricia Ennis discusses the relationship between science fiction and religion.
- Deana Whitney and Michael Gunther share meals inspired by Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series.
- Chi Luu takes a look at the Brothers Grimm and their influence of both fairytales and linguistics.
- CGTN reports that an excerpt from Liu Cixin's science fiction novel The Micro Age has been selected for China Gaokao exams.
- Italian writer Elena Ferrante criticises the xenophobic policies of Italy's new secretary of the interior Matteo Salvini.
- Ashley R. Pollard revisits the 1962 science fiction horror movie The Damned.
- Lorelei Martin revisits the 1962 monster movie King Kong versus Godzilla.
- Angie Dahl ranks the most dangerously powerful science fiction villains.
- Brian Greene takes a look at crimes and criminals portrayed in Rod Serling's original Twilight Zone series.
- Cedar Hollow Horror Reviews shares the top ten werewolf movies.
- Doris V. Sutherland discusses Hereditary, hauntings and how to end a ghost story.
- Peter Bradshaw shares his thoughts on the science fiction thriller The Endless.
- Cath Clarke calls Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms a heart-meltin anime.
- Daniel Cooper explains why the 1990s science fiction TV series Babylon 5 often looks so bad, even though it is otherwise a great series.
- Paul Levinson shares his thoughts on episodes 4 to 6 of the latest season of 12 Monkeys.
- The British Board of Film Classification has announced that they are planning stricter ratings for depictions of sexual violence.
- George Gene Gustinis reports that the wedding of Kitty Pryde a.k.a. Shadowcat and Piotr Rasputin a.k.a. Colossus in X-Men Gold does not go as expected (massive spoilers).
- Carrie Fisher has been honoured by a commemorative plaque outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.
- Helen Bushby profiles Natalia Lee, weapons mistress on Game of Thrones.
- Game of Thrones stars Kit Harrington and Rose Leslie have married in Scotland.
- See some photos of Kit Harrington and Rose Leslie's wedding.
- Actress Deanna Lund, who appeared in the 1960s Batman TV series and Land of the Giants among others, has died aged 81.
- ARPAnet pioneer Frank Heart has died aged 89.
- Therese Pokorney remembers the late Christopher Stasheff and interviews his daughter Eleanor Stasheff.
Tributes to Harlan Ellison:
- Legendary science fiction writer Harlan Ellison has died aged 84.
- Ryan Britt shares an obituary for Harlan Ellison.
- Mike Glyer shares a brief rememberance of Harlan Ellison.
- Mike Glyer also shares a round-up of tributes to Harlan Ellison.
- The SFWA remembers Harlan Ellison.
- Corey Doctorow remembers Harlan Ellison.
- Mark Evanier remembers Harlan Ellison.
- James Whitbrook remembers Harlan Ellison and focusses mainly on his Star Trek work.
- Greg Evans remembers Harlan Ellison and focusses mainly on his film and television work.
Comments on season 2 of Luke Cage:
- Charles Pulliam-Moore declares that season 2 of Luke Cage is all about heroes and villains shaping the titular characters destiny.
- Keith R.A. DeCandido shares his thoughts on the first four episodes of season 2 of Luke Cage.
- Ali Barthwell offer episode by episode reviews of the first five episodes of season 2 of Luke Cage.
- Bryan Washington shares his thoughts on episode 6 of Luke Cage.
- James Whitbrook shares five things he loved and three things he didn't like about season 2 of Luke Cage.
- Cory Chichizola declares that Luke Cage mostly fixed its villain problem for season 2.
- Kevin Melrose explains that season 2 of Luke Cage has improved the character of Danny Rand a.k.a. Iron Fist.
- Kevin Melrose explains how the character of Nightshade has changed from the comics to TV in season 2 of Luke Cage.
- Watch an interview with Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel TV, about Luke Cage.
- Watch Luke Cage star Mike Colter and Stephen Colbert reenact the first issue of the Luke Cage comic.
Comments on Cloak and Dagger:
- Meagan Damore wonders whether the character of Detective Brigid O'Reilly is set to become a villainess in Cloak and Dagger.
- Meagan Damore interviews Andrea Roth who plays Melissa Bowen in Cloak and Dagger about a shocking character death (spoilers!).
Comments on Ant-Man and the Wasp:
- Peter Travers calls Ant-Man and the Wasp giant fun.
- Rodrigo Perez calls Ant-Man and the Wasp a delightful Marvel adventure.
- Molly Freeman calls Ant-Man and the Wasp a well-rounded sequel.
- Meg Downey calls Ant-Man and the Wasp Marvel's most satisfying sequel.
- Germain Lussier is thrilled by Ant-Man and the Wasp and particularly praises Evangeline Lilly's performance as Hope van Dyne.
- Brian Truitt also enjoyed the movie and praises Evangeline Lilly.
- Ignatiy Vishnevetsky calls Ant-Man and the Wasp a pleasant break between the more serious Marvel movies.
- Richard Lawson calls Ant-Man and the Wasp a light and enjoyable movie after the grimness of Avengers: Infinity War.
- Matt Maytum calls Ant-Man and the Wasp an entertaining detour in the Marvel universe.
- Matthew Erao shares twenty-five things he learned on the set of Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- Ian Cardona shares some early reactions to Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- Julie Muncy also shares some early reaction to Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- L.D. Nolan reports that Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn loved Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- Charles Pulliam-Moore praises the digital deaging technology used in several scenes of Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- Timothy Lammers interviews Michael Douglas who plays Hank Pym in Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- Timothy Lammers reports that the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp will be delayed in Europe because of the World Cup, much to the consternation of stars and fans.
- Eric Eisenberg reports that Peyton Reed, director of Ant-Man and the Wasp, would like to tackle the Fantastic Four next.
Comments on The Handmaid's Tale:
- Allison Shoemaker shares her thoughts on the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale and praises Elisabeth Moss' performance as June/Offred.
- Hillary Kelly shares her thoughts on the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale.
- Natalie Zutter shares her thoughts on the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale.
- Beth Elderkin calls the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale a triumph.
- Beth Elderkin interviews director Daina Reid about a particularly harrowing scene in the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale.
- Beth Elderkin also reports that Oprah Winfrey's voice makes an uncredited appearance in the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale.
- Julia Raeside shares her thoughts on episode 6 of season 2 of The Handmaid's Tale.
Comments on the season 2 finale of Westworld:
- Zack Handlen shares his thoughts on the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- Theresa DeLucci shares her thoughts on the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- David Cranmer shares his thoughts on the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- Paul Levinson shares his thoughts on the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- Paul MacInnes shares his thoughts on the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- Film Crit Hulk shares their thoughts on the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- Dean E.S. Richards discusses the themes in the season 2 finale of Westworld.
- Abigail Nussbaum shares her thoughts on season 2 of Westworld.
- Beth Elderkin shares the ten biggest questions arising from the Westworld season 2 finale.
- Sean O'Neal complains about the often confusing narratives and plots of prestige television shows like Westworld and Legion.
- Cheryl Eddy feels that the character of Maeve had a more interesting arc than the character Dolores in Westworld.
- Paul MacInnes profiles Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, showrunners of Westworld.
- Jennifer Maas interviews Lisa Joy.
- Josef Adalian reports that season 2 of Westworld has suffered a ratings slump and what this means for the future of the show.
- Reid McCarter discusses how Westworld, Blade Runner 2049 and Detroit: Become Human portray androids.
Comments on the season 3 finale of The Expanse:
- Leah Schnelbach and Molly Templeton share their thoughts on the season 3 finale of The Expanse.
- Cheryl Eddy shares her thoughts on the season 3 finale of The Expanse.
- Zack Handlen feels that The Expanse flew too fast into its season finale.
Comments on the cancellation of Timeless:
- Nellie Andreeva reports that the TV show Timeless has been cancelled, but that it might get a movie-length series finale.
- Brandon O'Brien is not pleased with the idea of a two hour movie finale for Timeless based on experiences with Firefly and Sense8.
- Denise Petski and Greg Evans share reactions from cast and crew about the cancellation of Timeless.
Comments on Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom:
- Alasdair Stuart declares that Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom breathes new life into the franchise.
- Gary K. Wolfe enjoyed Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom for what it is.
- Chris Klimek was not overly impressed by Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
- Ian Cardona believes that Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom features the most heartbreaking movie moment of the year (spoilers).
- Renaldo Matadeen explains that Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom retcons the original 1993 Jurassic Park (spoilers).
- Renaldo Matadeen also shares the biggest plot holes in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
- Renaldo Matadeen declares that the darkest twist in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has nothing to do with dinosaurs.
- Renaldo Matadeen also explains how Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom sets up a sequel (spoilers).
- Kevin Melrose answers the question whether Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has a post-credits scene.
- Kelly Lagor explains what happens after the end of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom from a scientist's POV.
- Rebecca Rubin reports that Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom's box office takings fell short of its predecessors, but were still impressive.
- John Newton wonders why people, particularly children, love dinosaurs so much.
Comments on Star Wars past and present:
- Ben Child explains how Solo: A Star Wars Story revealed the dark side of film franchises and cinematic universes.
- Ben Freeland discusses the barely hidden World War II references in Star Wars.
- Joe Skrebels interviews Mark Hamill who plays Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films.
- Michelle Jaworski reports that the campaign inspired by the backlash against The Last Jedi demands to be taken seriously with predictable results.
- Scott Meslow shares a not entirely serious script for The Last Jedi remake proposed by disgruntled fans.
Comments on Doctor Who past and present:
- James Whitbrook shares his appreciation for Tom Baker's first season of Doctor Who.
- Dan Martin profiles Segun Akinola, the new composer for Doctor Who.
- Juno Dawson points out that Doctor Who doesn't belong just to white men, but to everybody.
Who Frames Roger Rabbit? at thirty:
- Ethan Alter explains how Who Frames Roger Rabbit? revolutionised cinema.
- Josh Weiss explains how Roger's voice came to be on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Awards:
- The winners of the 2018 Locus Awards have been announced.
- The winner of the 2018 Theodore A.Sturgeon Memorial Award has been announced.
- The winner of the 2018 John W. Campbell Memorial Award has been announced.
- The shortlist for the 2018 Utopiales Awards have been announced.
- The nominees for the 2018 Manning Awards have been announced.
- The winners of the 2018 Bill Finger Award have been announced.
- The recipients of the 2018 Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award have been announced.
- The nominees for the 2018 Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Awards have been announced.
- The winners of the 2018 Saturn Awards have been announced.
- The winners of the 2018 BET Awards have been announced with lots of love for Black Panther.
- The US Association for Library Service to Children has voted tó rename the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award because of Ingalls Wilder's racist language and views as expressed in her books.
- Chris M. Barkley weighs in on the debate about a possible Hugo Award for translated works.
- File 770 lists where to find the 1943 Retro Hugo Award finalists for free online.
- The 1943 Retro Hugo voter packet has also been released.
- The Red Panda Fraction has released an eligibility spreadsheet for the 2018 Dragon Awards.
Writing, publishing and promotion:
- Kris Gage shares what no one is telling you about being successful at writing.
- Carly Mae shares an exercise that will make you a better writer.
- Tara East shares some tips for becoming a better writer.
- Rebecca Graf shares some tips for writing a short story.
- Joanna Penn shares six ways writers can find inspiration in a graveyard.
- Aaron Miles shares some tips for creating a magic system.
- Cecilia Tan talks about researching a Navy SEAL romance.
- Lauren Sapala explains why characters with unresolved trauma can cause writers huge headaches.
- Adam Croft explains how creating extremely marketable hooks for his thrillers has transformed his writing career.
Interviews:
- Kerry Lengel interviews Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Sarah Waites interviews Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Joe Sherry interviews Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Lily Meyer interviews Caroline Kepnes.
- Christian L. Coleman interviews Lara Elena Donnelly.
- Andrea Johnson interviews James Beamon.
- Cedar Hollow Horror Reviews interviews Renee Miller.
- Evan Narcisse interviews Boots Riley, writer and director of the science fiction film Sorry To Bother You.
Reviews:
- Joel Cunningham reviews Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Alex Brown reviews Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Andrew Liptak reviews Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Ana Grilo reviews Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse.
- Ana Grilo also reviews Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova.
- Avalinah's Books reviews The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal.
- Liz Bourke reviews A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe by Alex White.
- Corrina Lawson reviews A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe by Alex White.
- Adrienne Martini reviews Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente.
- Thea James reviews Awakened by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth.
- Debbie Meldrum reviews Caught in Time by Julie McElwain.
- Ross Johnson reviews Summerland by Hannu Rajaniemi.
- Jana Nyman reviews Machine Learning by Hugh Howey.
- Leah Schnelbach reviews Artemis by Andy Weir.
- Paul Weimer reviews Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson.
- Jenny Maloney reviews The Trial and Execution of the Traitor George Washington By Charles Rosenberg.
- The Real Book Spy review Black Chamber by S.M. Stirling.
- Jason Sheehan reviews Red Waters Rising by Laura Anne Gilman.
- John Valeri reviews Providence by Caroline Kepnes.
- Sam Reader reviews The Cabin at the End of the Woods by Paul Tremblay.
- John Valeri reviews The Cabin at the End of the Woods by Paul Tremblay.
- Michael Patrick Hicks reviews Sick House by Jeff Strand.
- Michael Patrick Hicks reviews Manifest Recall by Alan Baxter.
Con reports:
- Mike Glyer reports that Jada Hope Diaz, chairperson of the controversy ridden ConCarolinas in Charlotte, North Carolina, has stepped down for health reasons.
- Tabletop Gaming reports that there have been multiple reports of sexual harassment at Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio.
- Charlie Hall also reports about the sexual harassment at Origins Game Fair and shares an official statement from the organisers.
- Game developer Katie Aidley says that sexual harassment runs rampant in the boardgame community.
- Gerald L. Coleman has cancelled his appearance at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia, to protest the invitation of John Ringo.
- Todd B. Vick shares his experiences at the Howard Days in Cross Plains, Texas.
- Martha Wells shares her experiences at the American Library Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Madison Malone Kircher reports that the YouTube convention Tanacon in Anaheim, California, was shut down for overcrowding after only a few hours.
- The BBC reports that Taracon organiser Tara Mongeau has apologised for the shutdown and preceding chaos.
Science and technology:
- Alexandra Richards reports that NASA has released stunning photos of Jupiter taken by the Juno spacecraft.
- George Dvorsky reports that complex organic molecules have been found on Saturn's moon Enceladus.
- Paul Rincon reports that the Japanese space probe Hayabusa 2 has reached the asteroid Ryugu.
- Eric Berger reports that the Russian Proton rocket will be retired after 56 years in service.
- Sean O'Kane reports that the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope has been delayed again.
- Isobel Asher Hamilton reports about the Super-Kamiokande neutrino detector in Japan.
- Nellie Bowles reports about a wave of domestic abuse cases featuring abusers tinkering with smart home devices.
- Cory Doctorow also weighs in on smart home devices being used to harass and gaslight abuse victims.
- Donald S. Murray declares that the story of bog bodies is the story of the criminalised.
Free online fiction:
- "Suzy Q" by Jacqueline Carey in Apex Magazine.
- "Incoming Transmission" by Sarah Beck in Daily Science Fiction.
- "Contractual Obligation" by James L. Cambias in Lightspeed.
- "A Different Kind of Place" by Tobias Buckell in Lightspeed.
- "From the Root" by Emma Törzs in Lightspeed.
- "The Need for Air" by Lettie Prell at Tor.com.
- "King of the Beasts" by Mike Murphy in Crimson Streets.
Odds and ends:
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