Tag Archives: Fantasy

Game of Thrones includes all 7 Deadly Zins

GOT blog pic2

Since Season 5 starts tonight, I thought this merits reposting. Winter is coming…and hopefully we’ll see some dragons as well.

7 Deadly Zins is the ideal beverage choice for George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones. Like the books, it’s spicy with a full texture. For those of you who didn’t grow up in a conservative Christian home, the seven deadly sins are spelled out right on the bottle. Not only do the players in Mr. Martin’s game of thrones commonly engage in all seven but he may have even invented a couple of new ones.

Martin’s vast world of feudal kingdoms and his expansive cast are complex and never dull. You’ll find characters to both love and hate. Their flaws are often otherwise positive characteristics taken to an extreme, which can and often does lead to their deaths. Fair warning–Martin is not the least bit afraid of killing his characters, even central ones, and he uses death to twist the plot in unforeseen ways. So don’t get too attached to anyone. Sometimes I found myself burning through a book just to see who survives or how a loathed character dies.

If you’ve watched the HBO series but have not read the books, I strongly recommend that you do. This is especially true for female fans. Yes, the books are long, but they provide a level of detail that simply can’t be included in the TV version. The writers and producers of the HBO series have had to consolidate characters and plotlines in the interest of time and budget. They’ve also weakened and dumbed down some of the female characters and included far more nudity and brothel scenes than Martin wrote into the books. Go figure.

However, the HBO series brings the books to life in a stunning, visual way and delivers scenes where you just want to cheer, both for the characters and for HBO’s portrayal of them. Since we’re talking about 5+ books and seasons, you may want to invest in a case of the 7 Deadly Zins. The good news is, it’s a moderate price point and you’ll likely earn a multi-bottle discount. Enjoy, and happy reading!

Leave a comment

Filed under Book Reviews, Recommendations

Game of Thrones includes all 7 Deadly Zins

GOT blog pic2

7 Deadly Zins is the ideal beverage choice for George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones. Like the books, it’s spicy with a full texture. For those of you who didn’t grow up in a conservative Christian home, the seven deadly sins are spelled out right on the bottle. Not only do the players in Mr. Martin’s game of thrones commonly engage in all seven but he may have even invented a couple of new ones.

Martin’s vast world of feudal kingdoms and his expansive cast are complex and never dull. You’ll find characters to both love and hate. Their flaws are often otherwise positive characteristics taken to an extreme, which can and often does lead to their deaths. Fair warning–Martin is not the least bit afraid of killing his characters, even central ones, and he uses death to twist the plot in unforeseen ways. So don’t get too attached to anyone. Sometimes I found myself burning through a book just to see who survives or how a loathed character dies.

If you’ve watched the HBO series but have not read the books, I strongly recommend that you do. This is especially true for female fans. Yes, the books are long, but they provide a level of detail that simply can’t be included in the TV version. The writers and producers of the HBO series have had to consolidate characters and plotlines in the interest of time and budget. They’ve also weakened and dumbed down some of the female characters and included far more nudity and brothel scenes than Martin wrote into the books. Go figure.

However, the HBO series brings the books to life in a stunning, visual way and delivers scenes where you just want to cheer, both for the characters and for HBO’s portrayal of them. Since we’re talking about 5+ books and seasons, you may want to invest in a case of the 7 Deadly Zins. The good news is, it’s a moderate price point and you’ll likely earn a multi-bottle discount. Enjoy, and happy reading!

Leave a comment

Filed under Book Reviews, Recommendations

Magic Breaks

The most recent release in the Kate Daniels series, Magic Breaks, offers more brilliant writing and imagination from the Ilona Andrews team. I fell in love with this series from the beginning and always not-so-patiently await the next release. Kate Daniels is strong, irreverent, resourceful, and fiercely loyal. She also gets to say and do things I could never get away with because I don’t carry a big sword. The post-shift world Kate lives in offers an endless array of magical creatures combined with both technical and magical challenges. Another plus—their twist on vampires and shapeshifters is both original and entertaining. This latest release continues Kate’s growth in maturity and power in an unexpected yet coherent way. Of course, it was great to have her and Curran working in tandem again, learning from their experiences in the previous book.

Considering the prevalence of shapeshifters, I would recommend the Sterling Vintner’s Collection Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany Kate’s most recent adventures.

Leave a comment

Filed under Book Reviews, General, Recommendations

What Goes with The Beautiful Ashes? Two Angels

Jeaniene Frost’s The Beautiful Ashes is the first in her new Broken Destiny series. Her use of biblical mythology is unique and interesting, her world-building creative and clear. Unlike her Night Huntress series, this new series feels like the target audience is a tad younger than I am, in part because the heroine, Ivy, is 20 years old and her maturity level is in line with her age. It could be that Ms. Frost intends for Ivy to mature with the series and I enjoyed it enough to see how the characters and the story progress when the second book is released. This would be a great read to share with a daughter, niece, or younger sister.

If you’re of age, Two Angels Petite Syrah would go well with The Beautiful Ashes. Though any syrah would work, this one is smooth with a little spice, and its angels complement the archons who play a significant role in this novel by both complicating Ivy’s life and saving it.

If you’re not of age, based on Ivy’s experiences, I’d recommend a virgin Bloody Mary. Start with spicy V8 Juice, then add a little worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and a sprinkle of pepper. Be sure to salt the rim and just add some Tabasco for even more spice.

Happy reading!

2 Comments

Filed under Book Reviews, Recommendations