'Monster Island' by Christopher Golden (new book)

[feena191]

Mods I hope it's okay to post this here now, but please delete if it's too soon I just got really excited about it because it looks like there's a lot of Tara in it!!



I just answered an Ask Any Question question about books with Tara in them, that Chris Golden is bringing out a new one on March 1st.



It's set in early Season 6

Quote:

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pub44.ezboard.com/fgolden...=211.topic



Season six is difficult because, particularly early on, Buffy is shattered by having been pulled out of Heaven and put back on Earth, which she thinks of as her own sort of Hell now. Who wouldn't, after having been in heaven. In order to write a story set in that period, you've got to find a way to distract Buffy from her own woes, otherwise the WHOLE story would be about how depressed and in need of Prozac she is, and that would be very slow . . . not to mention depressING.



Of course, we could have her realize how much Spike loves her and means to her and start doing the wild thing with him every two seconds to distract herself from her grief . . . but, no, it would be too early in the season for that.



Barby, just so you know . . . we GET it. You don't like the way I write Spike. You disagree with me. That's really okay. Not a problem. You're under no obligation to read things I've written that have Spike in them . . . or anything else, for that matter. I appreciate that you have your own opinion on the subject, really, but it isn't going to change mine.





pub44.ezboard.com/fgolden...=227.topic



Well, Tom and I wrote a Buffy/Angel crossover. Does that count? MONSTER ISLAND will be out March 1st. Oh, and Gunn gets plenty of do.



So does Tara.

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YAY for Chris Golden!!!



Feena

-x-

Edited by: feena191  at: 1/3/03 3:00:41 am

[chilled monkey]

Personally, I was going to boycott the novels once they started on Season 6. However, as it is Christopher Golden, I think I'll make an exception. I'll probably buy this one, and THEN start the boycott.

[VampNo12]

Oh feena thanks for posting that, I so do love Chris Golden ! Out of all the authors I feel he is the only one who truly gets the characters, and not to mention how much he respects and loves Tara/Amber. So I am greatly looking forward to purchasing this novel, thanks again for the info!

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 1/3/03 4:05:40 am

[drlloyd11]

Chris said that was his last one..

[feena191]

Yes, he said this & the 2nd Buffy game were the only BtVS things he was doing. Hopefully he'll have taken this last opportunity to put in lots & lots of Willow & Tara goodness



Feena

-x-

[tommo]

I think I heard somewhere that Willow and Tara spend a good portion of this novel apart...but I can't for the life of me remember where I heard that. So um, ignore this. Heh.

"You think I smell like a mermaid?"
"No, I think it's haddock...or carp...Do us a favour dear Nan and put your glove back on."
~ Titty Saunders and Nancy Boy French

[urnofosiris]

Thanks for posting that Feena

I love his comments. I really really love them, it reads like a wonderfully brief ever so slightly sarcastic synopsis of season 6. Bless the man.

[The Rose24]

I can't wait for this book.



I love Chris. He always answers my emails, and he has always spoken out against B/ and season six.



I mentioned in another thread that he emailed me and told me he is not going to be involved with the third Watcher's Guide. He did not say why not, but I am willing to bet it is because he is protesting season six and seven in his own way.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[xita]

if it is a crossover, it could be tara goes to los angeles and willow stays behind. Probably why she has a lot to do in the novel.

If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.

Tallulah Bankhead

[chilled monkey]

I first heard about this novel on another thread. From what I understand, it involves Tara going to L.A. while Willow stays in Sunnydale (xita is right). However this could actually be a good thing. If Tara has a bigger part in the story than Willow, this means that we are less likely to see examples of Willow's D.M. problem. Besides, I'm sure Chris will still include plenty of scenes of W/T together.

[GrahamStokley]

Um, not really sure but wasn't the last crossover where Willow went to LA and Tara stayed in Sunnydale? I also agree, I think Chris is kinda done with Buffy because of Season 6 and 7, especially since Amber and him seem to be working on a few projects together. But that's just IMHO

[WebWarlock]

I have read enough and talked to the man enough to know this; I trust Chris Golden with Tara.



I trust him more with her than any other author outside of Pens. I'll check this book out and I will buy it based soley on Chris Golden's own merit.



When he adds sarcastic comments like that one above, thne how can you not support him?



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side,
home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"But nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight --
Got to kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight" - Lovers In A Dangerous Time, Bruce Cockburn

[Willowmere]

I'm glad to see that someone as discerning and valuble as Chris is letting his stance on Seasons 6 and 7 be known.



It's irrefutable proof that we're not crackpots.



But I am also sad, because he made "Golden's Sunnydale", which included The Fish Tank and other locales not featured on the show, just as real to me as the Sunnydale I saw on TV. What I'm really trying to say, among all this drivel, is that he was a great storyteller and it's unfortunate that we'll lose him just because not everyone makes such great choices in the storytelling department.



On a more whiny note, Lucy was my favourite Slayer. Hopefully Nancy (if she has any interest) will write some more about her.

My life is Madonna, Buffy and girls. Not in that order.

[themagicpixie]

I'll definitely get this. Tara was the most underwritten character on the show and I am glad to see someone knows how to write the character, and treat her.

[the vamp nurd]

but did you read The Wisdom of War? His last book? Aw Tara and Willow in snuggles in the hospital. And Tara thinking that Willow could make most things right.

"He beats me with wet noodles!" Amber Benson.

"Bored now." Vamp Willow

[themagicpixie]

I got a copy of The Wisdom of War for Christmas and haven't got around to starting it yet. Guess I should, right?!

[Garner]

I am also glad to see that Golden is doing one more Buffy book with some W/T goodness in it before the books plunge into the Hell of season sux. The comics went there way too quickly for my taste. I have also always thought that Tara did not get enough attention on her own, especially in season sux when she should have been developed a lot more, but with her death so immenent, I guess there was no reason for more development. I have really liked The Wisdom of War more than any of his previous works and after that definitely believe that he will treat W/T right. It is too bad this will be his last, but as he said, who wants to write a full novel about season sux stuff anyway? I can't wait for this to come out.



Garner

[Ms Limon]

Chris Golden loves Willow and Tara therefore I love him!



Wisdom of War had the little Willow and Tara moments and i have no doubt the new book will be just as good!



Chris Golden gives Tara things to do! *whines* why didn't he write the show!!!!!!!

[Garner]

Ms Limon why couldn't anyone with even a modicum of intelligence and respect for ANY of the characters written the show? Oh, wait, I know, they would have kicked Joss right in the jimmies and told him his vision sucked!



I am sure Golden's latest will be great. A last hurrah as it were.



Garner

[Scout]

Quote:

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Chris Golden gives Tara things to do!

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I love that line. For god sakes, someone give Tara things to do!



I agree - if Chris had worked for the show, Tara would have been given lots of things to do. One can only imagine how her character would have blossomed under his direction. Well, at least we have one more book. Looking forward to it.

Edited by: Scout at: 1/8/03 6:17:51 pm

[themagicpixie]

Tara could have been given so much more to do on BtVS. I do love the W/T fanfic, especially on this board, but that tends to concentrate on W/T's relationship - of course! - and it is also great to read stories where she gets to be a part of what's going on in the Buffyverse, and it seems CG writes them.

[Ms Limon]

Hi all,



Don't want to get all off topicy but you know I really never thought Amber was ever given the right material on that show! And God knows there were so many oppurtunities! She proved what a good actress she was on many occassions but there's so many episodes where she's just kinda left in the background! Ahhhhhhh!



Thats why I love the novels, it gives all the characters a chance to expand on their characters. One example is in Chris's The Wisdom of War when Tara slaps Spike (best moment) In the show you would never see her doing this but in the book its so understandable why she does it and so in character.



In summary I can't frickin wait for the the novel.



Tara will be given something to do!



YAY!

[Pipsqueak]

Just an FYI: Chris Golden showed up at the Bronze Beta a couple days ago and chatted for a bit about Monster Island, as well as some other stuff. You can find the entire transcript here. Below is the most interesting quote (very vague spoilers for the book's plot, so beware!):

Quote:

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Jay, it's called MONSTER ISLAND. As it's a Buffy/Angel crossover with oh, maybe fifty characters, you'd think Tom Sniegoski and I wouldn't have had much room, but oddly enough, even with so much going on, Tara gets a few chances to shine on her own.



As to what it's about . . . well, here's a bit . . . There's a demon named Axtius who is a real anti-human, anti-halfbreed bigot. But he's also a hypocrite, with something to hide. Namely, he's got a halfbreed son of his own. He's ashamed, particuarly since he's now part of a major demon purity movement. Secretly, he's found a spell that might be able to eliminate the human portion from his halfbreed son. So he tracks his offspring down . . .



Only to find out his son is dead.

Boy is he pissed.

Axtius's son was Francis Doyle.

And the demon blames Angel for Doyle's death.

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Two of my favorite characters, Tara and Doyle (or at least a mention of Doyle) in the same book. I think I may have died and gone to heaven.



He also spilled some additional tidbits about the book, as well as info on "Ghosts of Albion", a new novel in progress, and his scheduled public appearances for the rest of the year (lots and lots). Go Chris!

Albatross!

[themagicpixie]

Chris Golden. He the man.

[feena191]

It arrived today!!! I’ll flick through it during the day while I’m at work & type up W/T sections tonight. It’s a massive book!!



Feena

-x-





ETA



It looks really interesting, 435 pages with quite a lot of Willow & Tara I think. It’s interesting how Chris Golden seems to write from Tara’s point-of-view much more than Willow’s.



Here’s just a few excerpts



p 34

Quote:

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”How do you want to d-do this?” Tara asked.



Willow squeezed her hand. “We keep them from getting what they came for.”



“A spell of obstruction?” Tara asked.



Willow nodded. Tara smiled confidently, and Willow felt a pang of warmth spread to her heart. With this girl by her side she truly believed there was nothing the two of them could not accomplish.

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p 144

Quote:

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...the demon Lorne sat down across from them. “We’re l-looking for Angel,” [Tara] said. “Has he been in here tonight? Or, do you have any idea where he might be?”



Lorne stroked his cleft chin and shook his head sadly. “Wish I did, kittens,” he responded.



[...]



“...sometimes I can glimpse of things to come, or your heart’s desire. Especially when there’s already magick in the air.”



The Host smiled kindly at the witches. “And, lets face it, ladies, I’m already reading some pretty beautiful music from the two of you and you’re not even singing.”



Tara reached out and laid her hand on top of Willow’s. It was warm, and any unease Willow was feeling about Angel’s whereabouts quickly melted. Just having Tara’s fingers twined with hers made her almost certain that everything was going to be just fine.



[...]



Willow was in a panic. She had absolutely no musical ability, was embarrassed even to sing “Happy Birthday” with a group.



Taking advantage of Willow’s hesitation, Tara spoke for them both. “It’s worth a try.”



Willow looked to her girlfriend, utter horror etched on her face. “But...but I...” She was speechless. “I don’t sing.”



Tara smiled, eyes twinkling mischievously. “You’ll be fine,” she said, reaching out to lightly stroke the side of Willow’s face. “I’ll do all the harmonies. It’ll be fun.”



[…]



Willow dug through her memories for songs that didn’t have chance of being in the karaoke machine’s menu. There was one song that forced away all others from her mind, a song that summed up how she felt about the woman now clutching her hand.



[...]



Lorne felt a tear begin to form in the corner of his eye. Never had he heard “Endless Love” sung with such utter passion and sincerity. Puts Diana Ross to shame, he thought as he began to read the raw emotions streaming from the two young witches in the midst of a duet. Tara was singing in a voice filled with love. This little chickadee was baring her soul to anyone who wanted to listen. She loved her Willow and wasn’t afraid to show it. And Willow, for all her reticence – and despite an ability to carry a tune – matched her girlfriend’s passion note for tortured note. She certainly had powerful feelings for Tara; so powerful, in fact, that it was almost frightening.

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p 371

Quote:

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She started toward Willow, her pace picking up, and soon she was running. Willow began to run down towards her as well, and to Tara it looked almost as though her girlfriend, this woman who was her very heart, was flying. Sparks of magick crackled around Willow’s hands and face, and Tara figured she wouldn’t even notice.



They met halfway between ocean and jungle, their bodies nearly colliding, and instead at the last minute simply folding into each other. Tara’s fingers slipped into Willow’s hair and tangled themselves there as though they had a mind of their own.



Willow pressed her forehead against Tara’s, her eyes sparkling, a small sweet smile on her lips. “Hey.”



Tara’s throat was dry. She licked her lips. “Hey.”



“How’s my girl?” Willow whispered.



Tara had no words to respond. Instead she brushed her fingers through Willow’s hair again and then she kissed her, lips brushing against Willow’s so lightly, it stole her breath away. Then their mouths met again, this time with a fervour that Tara had longed for, and into which she put all the fear for Willow and herself that she had been holding in all this time.



Then she just held Willow tight until she could breathe again.



“I was so afraid for you,” Willow whispered.



Tara laughed and pulled away from her, staring at her in amazement. “The feeling’s been very mutual,” Tara replied.

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p 403

Quote:

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Tara stood beside Willow. They did not join hands. Their sides did not even touch. But no contact was necessary for them to feel the connection, the bond that they shared. An electric crackle like static electricity sizzled in the air between them, and Tara raised her hands as well, duplicating Willow’s gestures.



A single sidelong glance passed between them. Tara held her breath and felt her heart race and her throat go dry. But there was not a shred of doubt in her. Alone, she was capable of minor sorcery, of a certain amount of magick, but when she and Willow were together they were so much more than the sum of their parts. This was the big witchy mojo. Together, Tara felt they could do anything.

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And a final one from our girl

p75

Quote:

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[Buffy] ”We’re right on top of the Hellmouth. No matter what they build here, still gonna be an evil magnet.”



Tara chuckled softly. “Yeah, Why do you think Spike keeps coming back?”

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Feena

-x-

--------------------------------

Who cares what happens next? Where’s your pride, your dignity? Look at yourselves. Look at what you’ve become. You’re wasting away. It’s not too late. Save yourselves, save each other. Save me.


– a Sour Skittle

Edited by: feena191  at: 2/24/03 3:00:48 pm

[Warduke]

Thanks for typing that up feena.



Chris is sooo the man, it's not even funny



He writes them so romantically, it's amazing, there is no doubt after reading this that W/T are soulmates and that's what I want when I read a book with W/T in it.



Thank you Chris, you are of the few that truly get it.

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Mozilla : One Browser to Rule Them All.

[BytrSuite]

Thanks feena. Hee, I so have to get this book the next time I am at the mall. Sigh. Good going Chris, just reading those little bits brought a huge smile to my face.

________
"Oh, good, my dog found the chainsaw."

[xita]

Oooh Feena it's like reading pens , well those parts anyway, I am sure the plot is fantastic as well. I pre ordered from amazon, but we won't get it till March!

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Baby you make my love come down

Oh you make my love come down

Make it come all the way down -
Evelyn Champagne King

[feena191]

I got it from Amazon.co.uk & I didn't expect it until next week, because I thought it didn't come out until March.



So I was very excited when it arrived this morning!!!



Feena

-x-

--------------------------------

Who cares what happens next? Where’s your pride, your dignity? Look at yourselves. Look at what you’ve become. You’re wasting away. It’s not too late. Save yourselves, save each other. Save me.


– a Sour Skittle

[VampNo12]

Oh, thanks feena for typing up the excerpts, it's greatly appreciated ! I have to agree with Xita, reading this was like reading stories on pens. Chris, truly understands W&T, or put more simply he treats their relationship with utmost respect. Really just with these limited passages I can so feel the love... the care paid to W&T together (as well to the characters individually... Tara is a fully fleshed out character), and for that I hold a great deal of respect for him (not to mention I so can't wait to get my hands on this book).