There is more to life than just video games….

There mere thought of uttering that phrase brings vivid images of Khidr  and dragonwyntir reenacting the beat down scene from full metal jacket (replacing the bars of soap in a sock with Xbox Controllers).  “All just a bad dream, Fatboy” indeed.

But I digress.

The past few years there has been a large flux in the popularity of Fantasy books and movies led at the helm by the Magical jailbait Harry Potter. The final book in the series has broken records by insane proportions (and that is only the preorder!!!!).   This has paved a way for many aspiring authors and brought forth some amazing books. Most of these books have been signed on to become movies. While I am still bitter about Hollywood’s lack of originality I am rather excited to see these books on the big screen.

Aside from the well known blockbusters like the new Pirates movie, Spiderman and the continuing Harry Potter Series, Here are just a few to look out for…

The Golden Compass: Based on the books by Phillip Pullman and the first book in the Dark Materials Trilogy. It is about a girl in a parallel universe that is full of magic. She comes into posession a microscopic particle that could unite worlds together. And thus begins her adventure.. I have seen previews and it looks amazing. I have yet to read this book, but I plan on doing so prior to the movie is released.

The Spiderwick Chronicles: Based on the childrens Series by Holly Black and Tony Diterlizzi. It is about the Grace siblings (Twins Jared and Simon and older sister Mallory). The 3 move into the ancestral home of their recently divorced mother. Upon their arrival they find a secret room that was a research library of their grandfathers. It contains many secrets of another world, a faerie world. Thus begins the real adventure.

Stardust: Neil Gaiman is by far my favorite writer of this generation, and Stardust is one of my favorite stories. It is about Tristan Thorne, a young man who is out to prove his love to the girl whom he adores. He sets out on a quest to prove his love to her by traveling to the land of the faerie to capture a falling star. Unbeknownst to him the star has taken human form and is being hunted by an evil queen to wants the star for herself. It has an all star cast, and looks like it is going to be a blast.

All in all the next 2 years are going to be strong for fantasy based books and movies, and I am bouncing in my ergonomic chair at the mere thought..:)