Babel Clash

My time here on Babel Clash is coming to an end, but I have time to sneak in one more post and there are a few things I’d like to say before I disappear.

Firstly, big thanks to Dane for having me on, and also to Jonathan for his great posts and the conversations they’ve sparked. Thanks also to those who’ve commented, both here and via Twitter, Facebook and email etc.

Secondly, I’d like to take this opportunity to take Dane up on his offer of a little shameless self-promotion. The third book in my AUTUMN series, PURIFICATION, is out next month with the fourth book, DISINTEGRATION, set to follow in November. If you’re a fan of apocalyptic fiction in any way, shape or form, or you just fancy a different take on zombies from the blood and guts and flesh-eating norm, please check the books out. Remember you can get a taster with a whole load of free AUTUMN fiction over at www.lastoftheliving.net.

November also sees the release of THEM OR US, the final book in the HATER trilogy. A lot of people tend to lump HATER in with the rest of the zombie sub-genre, but it’s most definitely not a zombie story, even though there are some similarities. Again, please check the books out and feel free to let me know what you thought! With a little luck I might have some news soon about the long-gestating Guillermo del Toro produced movie adaptation of the first book.

Don’t forget, for a chance to win copies of the first books in both series, just click here to view Saturday’s giveaway post, and add a comment letting us know what scares you most. You have until midnight tonight!

Finally, a word of warning. I scour the net like a sad nerd on a daily basis (I call it research, my wife calls it an addiction/affliction depending on the mood she’s in), and I’m regularly uncovering evidence that the zombie apocalypse is almost certainly on its way. Check out some of these headlines from the last few weeks:

• A tumour that could provide the key to making zombies (via io9)
• Ladybird made into ‘zombie’ bodyguard by parasitic wasp (BBC)
• The first zombie proof house (All That is Interesting)
• CDC warns public to prepare for zombie apocalypse (Fox)
• Leicester City Council ‘not ready’ for zombie attack (BBC)

You call it zombie fiction, we call it essential preparatory reading to help safeguard you and your families. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Before we kill all the elves, let’s reflect.  Here are 9 great stories featuring them.  If you had to add a 10th story to this Top 10 list, what would you add?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare
The King of Elfland’s Daughter, by Lord Dunsany
The Drizzt Do’Urden novels, by R. A. Salvatore
Elfstones of Shannara, by Terry Brooks
The Harry Potter novels, by J. K. Rowling
Lords and Ladies, by Terry Pratchett
Keeping It Real, by Justina Robson
Elvenbane, by Andre Norton & Mercedes Lackey
Hellboy II: The Golden Army, by Guillermo Del Toro

Julia, I loved your comment about the Strain.  That’s a great book.  Cheers to Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan on that one.

I saw Up last night.  What a fun film.  Tugged at the heart strings, showed off a wild imagination and flashed some clever wit.  Pixar is still in top form.  Highly recommended.