Have you ever had this happen to you? You’ve got a pile of new books or games or movies to watch, fresh in the queue or still wrapped in plastic for those of us who are still into physical media, but none of that will do. What you really want to read or play or watch is something you’ve experienced a million times already. It’s that favorite bit of nostalgia from childhood or early life that keeps drawing you back, without fail.

I’ve got a few of those. For books, it’s the Midkemia series by Raymond Feist. For anime, it’s Spice and Wolf or Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. For games, it’s Final Fantasy 6 or Betrayal at Krondor or Star Control 2. All of these (and more!) have influenced me in ways both known and unknown, and I’m sure it’s the same for you with whatever title or franchise scratches that same itch.

Speaking of Star Control 2, what is probably the best version of it is now available for free on Steam! You won’t find many sandbox space exploration games out there that can hold a candle to it, both in terms of scale and storytelling. Unless you’re absolutely turned off by pixelated artwork, you really should give it a try. The space battles are fun, the puzzles are engaging, and the characters and alien races are unforgettable.

And I can’t forget to mention the soundtrack! There’s not a bad track in this whole thing, and I found myself leaving the game paused on particular screens and locations so I could write or do homework to the music.

What is your favorite “return to” series that keeps drawing you back in, year after year or season after season? I’d love to hear about it!

And since this game has to do with an intergalactic war, that leads us into an upcoming anthology we know you’ll love:

Upcoming Appearances

Coming up in only a few weeks, you’ll be able to catch us in Murphy North Carolina at the Murphy Music and Brews festival, benefiting the Shepherd’s Men,

Murphy Music and Brews is a one-of-a-kind charity event that brings amazing live music, delicious craft beer and wine, and unique food trucks together for a cause. Murphy Music and Brews 2024 will take place on Saturday, April 13 on Tennessee Street in downtown Murphy, NC.

100% of the proceeds of this event will be donated to SHEPHERD’S MEN to assist with their mission to advocate and raise resources for the SHARE MILITARY INITITIATIVE at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to the money collected through ticket sales, all vendors will donate a percentage of their revenue from the event to Shepherd’s Men.

With the help of wonderful sponsors, amazing bands (Drivin’ N Cryin’, War Hippies), a wide range of craft beverages, and generous ticket holders, we raised well over $125,000 last year to support Shepherd’s Men and the Veterans and First Responders they serve. We truly made a difference in the lives of deserving heroes.

Two Days of Fun and Fundraising

Join Buck Bald Brewing Copperhill on FRIDAY, APRIL 12 and get a head start on the fun. This will be Buck Bald Brewing’s FIFTH SHEPHERD’S MEN FUNDRAISER IN COPPERHILL, TN. With live music from Shannon York, special presentations, and an amazing Silent Auction, you won’t want to miss either day!

Latest from Blasters & Blades

For the fans of ttrpgs, TSR and the early days of D&D

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/G_pnkpQg61Q?si=jHmEthJLDRJTM7wd

Rumble Link: https://rumble.com/v4jchni-episode-361-a-blast-from-the-past-with-the-men-of-tsr.html

BitChute Link: https://www.bitchute.com/video/G_pnkpQg61Q/

Podcast Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blasters-and-blades/episodes/Episode-361-A-Blast-from-the-Past-with-the-men-of-TSR-e2h3uto

Another Silverberg Classic is back in print!

This time we have THE BOOK OF SKULLS, originally released in 1972 is now back in “Real Book Format” as Bob puts it. With audio on the way in the next few months.

Never heard of this novel Hugo, Nebula, and Locust award nominated title before? Then here’s the blurb

From Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author, Robert Silverberg comes the classic: The Book of Skulls.

Four friends embark on a cross-country trip in search of a legendary monastery. There, they hope to find the secrets of immortality promised in an ancient manuscript, the Book of Skulls

There, they will present themselves–and pay the horrific price demanded. For immortality requires sacrifice. Two victims to balance two survivors. One by suicide, one by murder.

Beneath the gaze of grinning skulls, the terror begins. . . .

Assault Team is Ready to Drop!

The mil sci-fi anthology Assault Team is entering the final phase of the publishing process. Expect those drop doors to open any moment now, just in time for some alien ass-kicking to begin! Edited by JR Handley and with a feature story by Jeffery H. Haskell, this is one anthology you won’t want to miss.

Surprise From the Trailer Park!

Just in time for April Fool’s and the Murphy Music and Brews Festival, we have an extra release of IT CAME FROM THE TRAILER PARK, with an opening essay by Mel Todd, and a Dan Shambles anchor story from Kevin J. Anderson.

A new Trailer Park release wouldn’t be complete without its very own brew. May I present to you the BRAXTON HICK’S MIDNIGHT MOCHA MILK STOUT from Buck Bald Brewing, based on the story Murphy Madness by William Joseph Roberts. This, along with many of Buck Bald’s other offerings will be available at the Murphy Music and Brews festival!

Now, for IT CAME FROM THE TRAILER PARK Volume 3.5, Here’s the blurb!

You just couldn’t look away could ya?

Kinda like that trainwreck that is your family reunion?

We’ve got more action-packed away in these pages than your cousin Betty Sue down at the corner, with tales of Aliens, Ghosts, Giant Critters, Time Travel, Vampires, VooDoo and more.

With an Opening Essay by Mel Todd and stories by Melissa Olthoff, Jennifer Roberts, D. Alan Lewis, David A. Anthony, D.W. Milton, Brisco Woods, Sherri Mines, Katie Ess, Megan Taylor, Josh Van Zile, Philip K. Booker, William Joseph Roberts, and Kevin J. Anderson.

Jump into this surprise edition of It Came From the Trailer Park, boots first.

You won’t be disappointed.

Are you ready for new Car Wars action?

Final reviews have been completed and the first Car Warriors anthology will be going out to the Kickstarter backers shortly. Look for the pre-order link very very soon.

Here’s the blurb:

The big events may get most of the limelight, but that’s not where all the action happens.

This collection of fast-paced, action-packed stories highlights the road warriors who struggle to survive, without the glory of the duel. Caravan guards, gun bunnies, insurance adjusters, mechanics, reporters, scavengers, and more!

If you can’t keep up, maybe it’s time to head back to the garage…

So… what’ll it be?

Will you Go Hard or Go Home?

Don’t Forget!

For every book sold during release week, (including pre-orders) we will donate $1 to the Shepherd’s Men to help them achieve their mission in helping veterans.

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