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#novelization — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #novelization, aggregated by home.social.

  1. In this week's episode of our #ttrpg #ActualPlay we try out the #hacking rules from Android: Shadow of the Beanstalk. We used some of the NPCs from our #AlphaCentauri: Chronicles of Chiron campaign.

    Corazon “Hypercor” Santiago uses the new network node connection between Data Haven and the Domes to uncover some of what Nwabudike Morgan has been up to since his fall from power.

    diceystories.com/ds437-alpha-c

    In #podcast or #novelization form.

    #DiceyStories #scifi #writing #Genesys #netrunner
    1/2

  2. This week's episode of our #ttrpg #ActualPlay features us trying out the hacking rules in the Genesys Core Rulebook. We used some of the NPCs from our #AlphaCentauri: Chronicles of Chiron campaign.

    When Fritz commissions Corazon “Hypercor” Santiago for some corporate espionage, she first warms up against the most experienced hacker in Data Haven, Roze.

    diceystories.com/ds436-alpha-c

    In #podcast or #novelization form.

    #DiceyStories #genesys #genesysrpg #scifi #writing #hacking
    2/3

  3. Book Review: Sliders: The Novel by Brad Linaweaver

    Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. This week, I’m sharing my review of the novel adaptation of Sliders by Brad Linaweaver.

    Sliders: The Novel was published in 1996 by Berkley and is 234 pages long.

    The Plot
    Sliders: The Novel is an engaging companion to the 1990s science fiction TV series Sliders, which introduces us to Quinn Mallory, a brilliant young physics student who invents a device that allows him to “slide” to parallel Earths. But, as you’d probably guess, things don’t go according to plan. Along with his motley crew, Quinn finds himself stuck on one of these earths when the device malfunctions.

    Characters
    Quinn Mallory
    Quinn Mallory is the idealistic yet awkward inventor at the centre of the plot. His curiosity and ingenuity drive the plot, but his self-doubt and guilt over stranding the group make him an extremely relatable protagonist.

    Wade Wells
    Wad brings heart to the team. She’s resourceful, determined, and doesn’t shy away from calling the others out when needed. She is given much more depth in the book. She’s not just the moral compass but also a source of quiet strength when others falter.

    Professor Maximilian Arturo
    Professor Arturo is the quintessential gruff but lovable mentor. His dry humour and scepticism provide a juxtaposition to Quinn’s youthful optimism.Along with Wade, Arturo also often serves as the book’s moral compass, and his unwavering intellect is crucial to the group’s survival.

    Rembrandt “Crying Man” Brown
    Rembrandt is the group’s reluctant participant, providing much of the novel’s comic relief. However, Linaweaver also explores his adjustment to the surreal circumstances, adding layers to his character.

    Writing Style
    I’ll admit, going into this book, I had my reservations. Sometimes, TV show or film novel adaptations can be terrible (I’m lookin’ at you, Grease) and full of bits of nonsensical plot or actions a character would never do.

    Sliders was one of the shows my family gathered to watch each week, and it holds a special nostalgic place in my heart. So, feeling a little trepidation, I started this book with high hopes, which were fulfilled for the most part.

    Linaweaver’s writing is straightforward and pulls you right into the story. He translates the episodic nature of the TV show into novel form with great effect, and his descriptions of the characters and the three parallel Earths they visit bring the story to life wonderfully.

    Speaking of the characters, I was glad to find that they remained faithful to their TV counterparts, especially in terms of their dialogue and personalities, and each of their internal monologues provides new layers to them, making their struggles and triumphs more compelling, adding depth to the overall story.

    With all that said, there were moments where I felt the pacing was a bit off — certain chapters dragged a bit, while others rushed through exciting plot points without giving them the space they deserved. Still, those are minor complaints in the grand scheme of things, and it only detracted from the story a little.

    Final Thoughts
    Overall, I think the novel succeeds in its ability to tell the story of how the Sliders got off on their journey, and it is a good story, but I do think it is of its time. Actually, I think it’s ripe for a reboot. I wonder where the characters are today.

    So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Sliders or someone looking for their next sci-fi adventure, this novel will surely entertain. Now I’m curious — what parallel universe would you want to visit if you had the choice? Leave a comment and let me know!

    I am giving Sliders a 6/10

    Have you read Sliders? What did you think?

    Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review!

    Until next time,

    George

    © 2025 GLT

    #90s #bookReview #novelisation #Novelization #review #scienceFiction #Sliders #tv

  4. Book Review: Poltergeist II: The Other Side by James Kahn

    Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. This week, I am reviewing James Kahn’s novelisation of Poltergeist II: The Other Side.

    Poltergeist II: The Other Side was published in 1986 by Ballantine Books and is 192 pages long.

    The Plot
    Set after the events of Poltergeist, Poltergeist II: The Other Side follows the Freelings as they grapple with the lingering effects of their encounters with the otherworldly forces that invaded their home. Now living with Gramma Jess, they quickly discover that the spectral threats are not so easily left behind.

    Characters
    Steven Freeling
    In the intervening years since their paranormal ordeal, Steven has taken to drinking heavily, unable to deal with the events at their old house. He has become slovenly, can’t hold down a job and resents his wife for her ability to cope.

    Though he is a determined protector, committed to his family’s safety, he struggles with the psychological scars left by his experiences at Cuesta Verde, often torn between scepticism and the terror of the unexplainable.

    Diane Freeling
    Diane is the family’s emotional anchor. Her maternal instincts drive her relentless pursuit to safeguard her children from otherworldly dangers. Throughout the story, she struggles with her youngest daughter’s psychic gifts, while her mother, Jess, wants her to encourage them, explaining that Carol Anne is just the latest in Diane’s family to exhibit them.

    Carol Anne Freeling
    Carol Anne remains at the heart of everything in this sequel, as she continues to draw unwanted attention from spirits. Her connection to them is delved deeper into in Kahn’s adaptation, and she emerges not just as a victim of the sinister Henry Kane but also as an unwilling intermediary between worlds.

    Her vulnerability, juxtaposed with moments of out-and-out bravery, adds a deeper layer to her character.

    Robbie Freeling
    Robbie Freeling grapples with lingering fears from his past experiences yet strives to show courage in confronting the new horrors that have found his family.

    Dana Freeling
    Dana is only mentioned once in Poltergeist II to explain that when she had the opportunity to leave for college, she got out of Phoenix and away from her family as fast as she could to live a regular life (this is because the actress who played her, Dominique Dunne, had been murdered several years earlier).

    Gramma Jess
    Gramma Jess is Diane’s mother and grandmother to the Freeling children. She takes her family in when they lose their house in Cuesta Verde and tries to encourage Carol Anne to embrace her gifts — much to the chagrin of her parents.

    Later, when Jess passes away, her spirit helps to aid her family on the other side, and while her role in the story may seem small, she serves as a comforting figure, representing familial love and the bonds that transcend death.

    Taylor
    Taylor is a Native American shaman who is pivotal in guiding the Freelings through their paranormal ordeal. Sent by Tangina, his wisdom and spiritual insights provide them with the tools necessary for confronting the dark forces threatening their existence. Through Taylor’s teachings, Stephen gathers the strength and tools to rescue his family.

    Tangina Barrons
    Tangina is a formidable psychic medium who helped the Freelings in the previous film and its novelisation. She bridges two worlds — our reality and that of ghostly planes. Although in Poltergeist II Tangina suffers from a crisis of faith in her abilities after announcing the Freelings’ home clean when it turned out not to be, her character exudes wisdom and determination.

    Tangina knows all too well what lies beneath surface appearances, and with the help of Taylor, a Native American shaman, she helps strengthen the Freeling family’s resolve to save themselves.

    Kane
    Reverend Henry Kane is the story’s antagonist, whose sinister presence looms large over the Freelings. He is an evil force that preys on vulnerability and innocence, representing the darker aspects of the supernatural and, you might say, spiritual power.

    Throughout the story, his interactions with the Freelings, Carol Anne in particular, illustrate his manipulative nature and the existential threat he poses to them.

    Writing Style
    As in the previous instalment, Kahn’s writing style is descriptive and compelling, allowing readers to experience the same unsettling atmosphere that permeates the film. Along with his ability to write vivid descriptions, his skilful prose evokes a palpable sense of place, making the environments in which the story takes place both familiar and unsettling.

    One of the novelisation’s strengths is its character development. Kahn provides readers with a more nuanced understanding of the Freeling family, intricately exploring their emotional turmoil and the psychological scars left by their previous encounters with the otherworldly forces in Cuesta Verde. For instance, Steve’s struggles with denial and the burden of protecting his family from an unseen enemy are palpable, as is his dislike of Jess encouraging Carol Anne to embrace her psychic abilities.

    Given all the book’s strengths, though, I have a bit of criticism regarding its pacing. At times, the action felt like it was stopping and starting. There are some places throughout the story where the paranormal activity is ramping up, keeping you on the edge of your seat, but then suddenly fizzles out, followed by a couple of slower scenes. I found this a little frustrating, but ultimately, it didn’t detract too much away from the experience.

    Final Thoughts
    James Kahn’s deft storytelling and imaginative expansion of the Poltergeist universe make this novelisation a significant contribution to the horror and novelisation genres. With its rich character development, chilling atmosphere, and profound emotional resonance, it is a haunting read that lingers long after the end. If you enjoy paranormal dramas and supernatural horror, I am sure you’ll enjoy this book.

    I am giving Poltergeist II: The Other Side an 8/10.

    Have you read this novelisation? Do you think it compares well to the movie?

    Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review.

    Until next time,

    George

    © 2025 GLT

    #books #ghosts #haunted #horror #novelisation #Novelization #poltergeist #review