Smorgasbord Fantasia

On this Waiting on Wednesday meme, we feature some of the most anticipated titles in SFF releasing this year. This week, we turn the spotlight on the upcoming epic fantasy debut, The First Binding by RR Virdi . Having gotten an early copy of this door-stopper mammoth, I am super excited about the references to the mythos of South Asia, having shaped this twisty, epic narrative. Lots of noted authors have poured in their love and appreciation for Virdi's work ( 'Crafted with patience, passion and, most importantly, tremendous love. Read R.R. Virdi'   Jim Butcher) - and I cannot wait to find out for myself!  Here's the blurb:  " All legends are born of truths. And just as much lies. These are mine. Judge me for what you will. But you will hear my story first. I buried the village of Ampur under a mountain of ice and snow. Then I killed their god. I've stolen old magics and been cursed for it. I started a war with those that walked before mankind and lost the pri...

Marvel 's latest phase of movies and tie-in television series on Disney+ has been a mixed bag of experiments. A few hits, lot more misses. But have to give it to Kevin Fiege and his team, they are definitely not afraid to experiment. Take their latest Moonknight series. Brilliant, definitely un-marvel like and totally kickass! (More on this to come!)   Dr. Strange's new solo outing as well, the psychedelic trip into the Multiverse, aptly named Dr. Strange and The Madness of the Multiverse is something that seems experimental. But in reality, is more couched within the frameworks of familiar tropes of the Marvel Universe. And so, the question is: Does this succeed?  Well, not for most parts, am afraid. It is at the end of the day a forgetful trip into a maddening and colourfully rended (Absolutely GOD level CGI!) multi-verse with an endearing version of Benedict Cumberbatch ( A national treasure for sure, one heck of a talent!) along with some of his cronies ( Wong as Supreme...

 So The Girl and the Moon by Mark Lawrence ( Book of the Ice #3 ) marks the end of this trilogy and his thirteenth book that I have finished. (His sci-fi series, I am yet to wrap up Books, 2 and 3!) Again, hats off to one of the most hard-working writers in this genre today, one who has consistently managed to up his game, his quality of writing and give us some fascinating stories that entertain, educate and make us ponder. Even this series, Mark expands that interesting universe of his, bringing in that curious mix of science-fantasy that is trademark Mark, along with with some fabulous main characters, whom you would follow to the end of the world and back.  Like literally, in this series - Yaz of the Ictha tribe of the Ice. Book-2 The Girl and the Mountain , we followed Yaz and her rag-tag crew of 'rebellers' who set out to defy mother nature, in a quest to find the promised land, that "Green Land" a thin strip of green corridor in this world of Abeth, fast losi...

Finally caught KGF - Part 2 in the Theaters for the Eid holiday. Wow! I mean, if this doesn't count as one of the biggest blockbusters of the Indian Cinemas, then I don't know what will. Director Prashant Neel and Yash Rocky Bhai have hit the ball out of the park with this mega sequel to KGF Part-1 that was itself, a nationwide phenomenon.  KGF Part-2 is an unbridled celebration of burning machismo, brutal violence and electrifying action. Continuing on with this slick and stylish gangster (Oh sorry, Monster!) franchise, staying true to mighty expectations and the hype-machine, Yash looms larger than life in this high-octane action thriller with a supporting cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Prakash Raj and more, all equally impressive in stand-out cameos and supporting roles. This is a world, eight years and more in the making and having gotten the right platform with the success of Part-1, I won't be surprised if the makers go on to create Part-3 and beyon...