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Text Scan:
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Novel:
Magic Time
Authors:
Marc Scott Zicree and Barbara Hambly
Release Date:
1998
Publishers:
Harper Collins
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Other books in the series: Magic Time: Angelfire, by Marc Scott Zicree and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff, and Magic Time: Ghostlands, by Marc Scott Zicree and Robert Charles Wilson.
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Magic Time is the first novel in the epic Magic Time series. It is in this story that the
foundation is laid for the quest which continues in Magic Time: Angelfire, and concludes in
Magic Time: Ghostlands-to find and rescue Tina, and to seek out and confront the
mysterious Source, the dark power behind the 'Change.'
Magic Time introduces the reader to Cal and Tina, Colleen, Doc, Goldman, even Stern,
and allows us a brief glimpse into their lives before the sudden and cataclysmic onset of the
'Change.' Marc has often commented that in Magic Time "all the masks come off", and we
see people as they really are, and this is readily apparent within the context of the story.
Who these people were in their previous existence dictates who (or what) they may become
in the new post technological world. And while there are certain categories into which most
of the changed fall (flares, grunts, magicians) there are also a number of unique character
types which emerge as the story progresses. This particular facet of the saga is most
intriguing, and it plays out very well over the course of the series.
It is also in this novel that the reader experiences firsthand the horror and the wonder of
the 'Change.' In an instant, the underpinnings of the old world are tossed aside, to be replaced
by the esoteric, otherworldly physics of the Source. Even the very landscape is transformed
beyond all recognition. What was familiar and comfortable is now strange and mysterious,
and often quite dangerous, as well.
This is the fantastic and terrifying world into which our heroes are set adrift. And how
they cope with the 'Change', not only just in their physical surroundings, but also within
themselves, is the real essence of this story. Over time, Cal, Doc, Colleen, and Goldman
become more than just good teammates and close friends, they become a surrogate family,
as well.
Imaginative and well written, Magic Time is more than just an entertaining post-
apocalyptic fantasy. It is also a thought-provoking commentary on the fragility of our
modern world, and on the humanity of those who inhabit it. This novel succeeds at all levels.
Audio Scan:
Subject:
Author Barbara Hambly
This interview was obtained at World Fantasy Con (Oct. 28-31, '04). In it, Barbara discusses
her speculative biography of the enigmatic first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, and also previews
her darkly amusing new take on the Victorian Era classic, Dracula.
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Visual Scan:
Subject:
Battlestar Galactica
Type: Television Series
Airing:
Friday nights at 10 pm on the Sci-fi Channel
Sci-fi Channel's Battlestar Galactica is a cover (yes, a cover) of a show which first debuted
in the '70's, and then was briefly revived in the early '80's. The original series was based on
the film Battlestar Galactica (which had a very successful run in theaters, and later served as
the pilot for the series) and featured some of the most sophisticated special effects of the
day. The feel of this first BSG was light and upbeat. While there were a number of issue
oriented shows, the primary focus was on epic style adventure. Although Battlestar Galactica was
initially a Nielsen success, over time the ratings began to soften and eventually the show was
canceled. The short-lived BSG 1980 continued the saga by introducing new characters and
bringing the Galactica to present day Earth. But the '80's BSG somehow lacked the glamour of
the original show (as well as most of the principal characters) and so was it never able to
capture as large a share of the audience as did its predecessor. When it was canceled, BSG was
committed to the ages.
Or so we thought...
Now, the Sci-fi Channel brings us the 'new and improved,' 21st century version of Battlestar
Galactica. And kids, let it be said right up front, this is NOT your daddy's Galactica.
Like its predecessor, BSG is visually stunning. The background mattes and cg shots are
spectacular, and feature unique and exciting points of view. The mechanical Cylons, which are,
for the most part, now cg, are well articulated and suitably menacing. And the various space
ships (especially the Galactica) are truly works of art. When it comes to the special effects
department, BSG not only excels, it sets a new standard for 21st century scifi television.
Since this is a cover of the original, the storyline has been rewritten from the ground up.
Although the series still retains many of the basic elements of the '70's BSG, they are presented
to us in entirely new guises, along with many fresh subplots which the 1st BSG either never
considered, or else chose not to explore. While the original BSG was a very action oriented
series, it is the characters, and the dire circumstances in which they find themselves, that are
the principal focus of this new show. The viewer is drawn into the lives of the ensemble cast
(sometimes intimately) as they fight to survive the collapse of their futuristic civilization. We
experience firsthand their pain and anguish; suffer with them through their moments of weakness;
cheer them on, even as they struggle to make it through just one more day. This is not high
adventure, but rather gritty reality. Within this context, BSG defines edgy.
BSG is definitely worth the hour. Before watching, though, you should set aside any
preconceived notions that you might have about what Battlestar Galactica is or should be. The
producers have charted an entirely new course for this series, and it will be quite
interesting to see where it leads. Give this show a look and see if you agree.
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