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Articles by Michael Merriam
Why The Wheel of Time show deserved a different medium from the start
In light of the cancellation of the novels’ live-action adaptation, there’s still a way to cover the full story. The news that Prime Video cancelled The Wheel of Time came as a devastating surprise to fans. The series ascended to new heights with its recently released third season, and the beloved fantasy novel series penned by Robert Jordan—finished by Brandon Sanderson—appeared to finally be getting the onscreen adaptation it deserved.
What was Game of Thrones before Game of Thrones?
5 hours ago Enter an Archive of 10,000+ Historical Children’s Books, All Digitized & Free to Read Online We can learn much about how a historical period viewed the abilities of its children by studying its children’s literature. Occupying a space … 10 hours ago Netflix has racked up 15 No. 1 shows in 2025 (so far) — here are the 3 you shouldn't miss We'll soon be halfway through 2025, and that means Netflix has served up an awful lot of new movies and TV shows to watch.
What was Game of Thrones before Game of Thrones?
Studios have long been searching for "the next Game of Thrones." But is there any show BEFORE Game of Thrones that captured audiences in the same way? Even now, six years after Game of Thrones aired its divisive final season, the series stands out as the greatest major pop-culture phenomenon in the history of genre television. Everyone and their mother were watching and discussing Arya, Sansa, Jon, Dany, and all the rest in their offices, classrooms, gyms, pubs, and schools.
When might Stranger Things 5 be released?
The Netflix phenomenon seems slated for a late 2025 release. If there’s one date to mark down in the cultural zeitgeist calendar this year, it's the releases date(s) for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things on Netflix. The only problem is… no one knows the dates yet.
Why is The Wheel of Time necessary fantasy reading?
Prime Video's epic fantasy series is on hiatus, which makes it the perfect time to get into The Wheel of Time book series. For those of us who love the fantasy and science-fiction genres, we are lucky to live in an era of abundance. Genre television has really taken off, leading to shows like Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, The Rings of Power, The Wheel of Time, and The Legend of Vox Machina.
Is The Wheel of Time really going there with this romance?
The romantic relationships of The Wheel of Time might get very complicated. This week, the fourth episode of The Wheel of Timeseason 3, entitled "The Road to the Spear," aired to critical acclaim; as of this writing, it has a score of 9.6/10 on IMDb, easily the highest of any episode thus far. It featured sequence beloved by fans of The Wheel of Time book: the Trials of Rhuidean, where Rand, Moiraine, and Aviendha enter the sacred Aiel city and experience visions.
What plotlines will we see in The Wheel of Time season 3 (and which will get dropped)?
The Wheel of Time needs to shove 14 books, plus a prequel, into around eight seasons of TV (hopefully). What's getting cut? In just a few days, The Wheel of Time will return for a third season on Prime Video. After an especially spectacular second season finale, (and while Prime Video's other big fantasy project, The Rings of Power,seems to be faltering), the series looks ready to take the reigns as one of the premiere genre shows on television.
The Vanishing of [REDACTED]: Who will disappear in Stranger Things 5?
As Will Byers vanished in season 1, the upcoming final season of Stranger Things will featuring the vanishing of an important character. But which one? The time has come, folks! It’s officially 2025, and Netflix will air the fifth and last season of its blockbuster series Stranger Things at some point this year.
All 9 existing chapters of The Winds of Winter, explored and explained
Hundreds of pages of George R.R. Martin's next novel are already online. By Michael Merriam | 9:30 AM EST When asked why George R.R. Martin is their favorite author, his fans generally give the answers you'd expect:: his stories contain vibrant characters, they take place in worlds of gritty realism, the dialogue sings...but the most important reason is that his writing always leaves them wanting more. I am one such person.
Was 2022 the greatest year ever for sci-fi and fantasy TV?
For some fans of genre storytelling, 2024 has been a bit of a disappointing year. The Boys season 4 didn't over with fans quite as well as past installments, the House of the Dragon showrunners are feuding publicly with George R.R. Martin, and the latest Star Wars content from Disney+ — The Acolyte — was extremely divisive among fans. Since these were some of the most highly anticipated and high-budget genre series of the year, it has left many fans of genre storytelling feeling a bit morose.
This is how House of the Dragon should end
The Game of Thrones prequel series must take the long road and avoid the mistakes of its predecessor. Here's how: By Michael Merriam | 9:30 AM EDT HBO’s premiere television series House of the Dragon just pulled off a pretty good second season. Complete with death, dragons, murder, and mayhem, the flagship series has set itself up as one of the best shows to air in 2024 and likely a strong contender for next year’s Emmy awards.
What's going to happen in the back half of House of the Dragon Season 2?
Beware: the following includes extreme SPOILERS for the rest of House of the Dragon as well as its source material, George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood. After last week’s hallmark episode, HBO’s House of the Dragon is looking like the show of the summer. “The Red Dragon and the Gold” portrayed the Battle of Rook’s Rest and the dramatic death of Princess Rhaenys Targeryen (Eve Best). This battle was long awaited by readers of the show’s source material, Fire & Blood, and it was epic.
Why was The Wheel of Time season 2 is irrefutably better than season 1
The Wheel of Time survived a rocky first season to receive critical acclaim in its second. Hopefully it's only onwards and upwards from here. By Michael Merriam | 10:00 AM EDT The hit Amazon original series The Wheel of Timerecently wrapped filming on its third season, which will likely premiere in early 2025 or even in the final months of this year (I am full of unvarnished and unrealistic optimism about the release date).
Did House of the Dragon change Daemon to make him more villainous?
HBO's adaptation of George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood made some characters softer and more likable, and others...not. What did they do to Daemon Targaryen? By Michael Merriam | 10:00 AM EDT HBO’s flagship series House of the Dragon is set to return to our screens on Sunday, June 16 for its second season. As millions of fans around the world await one of the most highly anticipated shows of 2024, HBO is pumping up the drama.
May the 4th: Should the future of Star Wars be animated?
Once again, it is May 4th, and the Disney corporation is using international Star Wars Day to bring us some new content from a galaxy far, far, away. By Michael Merriam | 1:32 AM EDT Once again it is May the 4th, and the Disney corporation is using international Star Wars Day to bring us some new content from a galaxy far, far, away… and draw us right to their streaming platform. The good news is that for once, that content is excellent.
5 great moments we're looking forward to in House of the Dragon season 2
From battle and brothers to mayhem and murders, its going to be a great season. By Michael Merriam | 9:30 AM EDT The Battle of Rook’s Rest Based on reporting straight from set, the big-budget battle of House of the Dragon season 2 will be the Battle of Rook’s Rest. This battle that takes place early in the Dance of the Dragons over an unimportant castle near King’s Landing. The Battle of Rook’s Rest is a seminal event in Fire & Blood.
5 great moments we're looking forward to in House of the Dragon season 2
From battle and brothers to mayhem and murders, its going to be a great season. By Michael Merriam | 9:30 AM EDT Blood and Cheese Finally, we have now come to the Red Wedding-esque scene that could be the defining moment of House of the Dragon season 2. “Blood and Cheese” as it is referred to by gleeful book readers online, is the cruel retribution Rhaenyra’s husband Daemon exacts upon King Aegon and his greens in revenge for the death of Rhaenyra’s second son, Prince Lucerys Velaryon.
5 great moments we're looking forward to in House of the Dragon season 2
From battle and brothers to mayhem and murders, its going to be a great season. By Michael Merriam | 9:30 AM EDT The Ascendency of Prince Aemond Targaryen Without going too much into the details of what transpires at Rook’s Rest, I'll reveal that Rhaenyra’s half-brother King Aegon II is badly injured in the fighting, sustaining painful burns from dragonfire.
5 great moments we're looking forward to in House of the Dragon season 2
As March 2024 began, HBO’s flagship television series House of the Dragonwas still in reshoots for its second season. So far, little information has come out as to why reshoots were required, but it is not an uncommon occurrence for a TV series, so no one needs to panic yet. According to a recent announcement, season 2 is coming out in June, so we can hope for a trailer soon.
5 great moments we're looking forward to in House of the Dragon season 2
From battle and brothers to mayhem and murders, its going to be a great season. By Michael Merriam | 9:30 AM EDT A really awkward conversation between Aemond and his family Ok, this may seem like the least consequential of any of these, but it's actually something that everyone should really be looking forward to. In the finale of season 1, Aemond’s dragon Vhagar killed his nephew Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon Arrax, supposedly against Aemond's orders.
House of the Dragon: 5 changes from the book that made the show better
House of the Dragon is returning for its second season. The show has changed a lot about the source book by George R.R. Martin, mostly for the better. By Michael Merriam | Feb 19, 2024 3. Helanea Targaryen is a dreamer Poor Princess Helaena, no one ever seems to listen to her. The only daughter of Alicent Hightower and King Viserys Helaena Targaryen is described in Martin's book as pleasant and friendly, but little more.
House of the Dragon: 5 changes from the book that made the show better
House of the Dragon is returning for its second season. The show has changed a lot about the source book by George R.R. Martin, mostly for the better. By Michael Merriam | Feb 19, 2024 4. Baela and Rhaena are present when Aemond claims Vhagar Episode 7," Driftmark," is one of the two episodes most frequently cited as the best of the first season of House of the Dragon.
House of the Dragon: 5 changes from the book that made the show better
House of the Dragon is returning for its second season. The show has changed a lot about the source book by George R.R. Martin, mostly for the better. By Michael Merriam | Feb 19, 2024 5. King Viserys’ illness and his last stand Episode 8 of House of the Dragon is lauded as the best installment in the first season.
House of the Dragon: 5 changes from the book that made the show better
House of the Dragon is returning for its second season. The show has changed a lot about the source book by George R.R. Martin, mostly for the better. By Michael Merriam | Feb 19, 2024 2. The Royal Hunt and the White Stag The third episode of House of the Dragon includes two major set pieces revolving around two of the shows main characters. First, we see Daemon Targaryen’s war for the Stepstones as he struggles to overcome the forces of the Triarchy and prove his worth as a military commander.
House of the Dragon: 5 changes from the book that made the show better
House of the Dragon is returning for its second season. The show has changed a lot about the source book by George R.R. Martin, mostly for the better. By Michael Merriam | 10:00 AM EST HBO’s flagship TV series House of the Dragonis coming back for its second season.
Halo has been saving up its CGI budget for the Big One
Three episodes into its second season, Halo on Paramount+ still seems to be saving its budget. By Michael Merriam | 12:24 AM EST Three episodes into its second season, Halo on Paramount+ still seems to be saving its budget. The second season has gotten off to a slow but pleasant start, mostly avoiding the pitfalls that infuriated lifelong fans of the Halo franchise in the show's premiere season.
Five ASOIAF characters that should have made it into Game of Thrones
From Arianne Martell to Lady Stoneheart to Young Griff, there were a lot of characters from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books who didn't (but should have) been included in Game of Thrones. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST Val "the wildling princess" by Drazenka Kimpel. Now I just need one with Jon so I can die in peace. pic.twitter.com/h4vlQAcYg9 — A. A.
Five ASOIAF characters that should have made it into Game of Thrones
PUCK IS DOWN FOR PIGS VS. GRIFFS (the following roast contains spoilers for all ASOIAF books) YOUNG GRIFF ISN'T ACTUALLY AEGON TARGARYEN.
Five ASOIAF characters that should have made it into Game of Thrones
Jon Connington at Illyrio’s manse meeting Aegon for the first time ❤️ Cutting JonCon/young Griff in the show was a mistake bruh (also JonCon is hot here 👀) 🎨slavonicrhapsody pic.twitter.com/fiechKjXFy — Lilith (@91_lilith) November 14, 2023 Griff (Jon Connington) I already included Young Griff on this list, but his guardian Jon Connington is a rich character in his own right, with a compelling backstory.
Five ASOIAF characters that should have made it into Game of Thrones
From Arianne Martell to Lady Stoneheart to Young Griff, there were a lot of characters from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books who didn't (but should have) been included in Game of Thrones. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST "She don't speak. You bloody bastards cut her throat too deep for that.
Five ASOIAF characters that should have made it into Game of Thrones
Both before and after the television adaptation Game of Thrones, the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin ranked among the most read books in the history of the fantasy genre. While the father of all modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, created his own world of elves, dwarves, goblins and wizards, Martin redefined fantasy for the modern era, with a gritty realism that shocked readers everywhere. In Martin’s world, no one is a hero, no one is a villain, and no on is ever safe.
The best chapter from each book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series
As we wait (and wait, and wait) for The Winds of Winter, let's go over the best chapters from the first five Song of Ice and Fire novels. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST In the 12 years since the publication of the most recent novel in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fireseries, A Dance of Dragons, Westeros has exploded in popularity. HBO’s flagship series Game of Thrones is now more than four years in our rearview mirror.
The best chapter from each book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series
As we wait (and wait, and wait) for The Winds of Winter, let's go over the best chapters from the first five Song of Ice and Fire novels. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST From The Winds of Winter: Theon I From time-to-time, Martin will release chapters of The Winds of Winter into the ether, causing fans to absolutely lose their minds with anticipation for a novel which is already 12 years in the making.
The best chapter from each book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series
As we wait (and wait, and wait) for The Winds of Winter, let's go over the best chapters from the first five Song of Ice and Fire novels. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST From A Storm of Swords: Catelyn VII (Chapter 51) My apologies to everyone that would have preferred a different chapter, but this one had to be it. A Storm of Swords is frequently cited as the best of the currently extant novels in the series.
The best chapter from each book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series
As we wait (and wait, and wait) for The Winds of Winter, let's go over the best chapters from the first five Song of Ice and Fire novels. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST From A Clash of Kings: Tyrion XIII (Chapter 59) Known in every novel as a man small in stature but not in wits, Tyrion Lannister's position in his third-to-last chapter in A Clash of Kings is higly iconic.
The best chapter from each book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series
As we wait (and wait, and wait) for The Winds of Winter, let's go over the best chapters from the first five Song of Ice and Fire novels. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST From A Dance of Dragons: Jon XIII (Chapter 69) This chapter begins with Stannis Baratheon's wife Queen Selyse saying the words “let them die” to the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow. True to form, he has absolutely no intention of listening.
The best chapter from each book in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series
As we wait (and wait, and wait) for The Winds of Winter, let's go over the best chapters from the first five Song of Ice and Fire novels. By Michael Merriam | 9:00 AM EST From A Feast for Crows: The Drowned Man (Chapter 19) One of the few chapters in the series told from the perspective of Asha and Theon’s uncle Aeron Greyjoy, this one is unforgettable, and contains a lot more nuance than the corresponding scene from Game of Thrones.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
RAHVIN DEAD IN HIS PRIDE. HE SERVED WELL, YET EVEN I CANNOT SAVE HIM FROM BALEFIRE. EVEN I CANNOT STEP OUTSIDE OF TIME. For an instant terrible anger filled that awful voice, and—could it be frustration? An instant only. DONE BY MY ANCIENT ENEMY, THE ONE CALLED DRAGON. pic.twitter.com/VPiC5y29EV — The Wheel of Time Quotes (FULL BOOK SPOILERS) (@QuoteOfTheWheel) October 10, 2023 6.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
"Her floor-length white dress bore no embroidery, and she wore no jewelry. A scholar to the core. Sometimes Graendal thought Mesaana had gone over to the Shadow because it offered a more interesting opportunity for research." #WoTWednesday #TwitterOfTime pic.twitter.com/2bGoYx8T4Z — The Wheel of Quotes (@wheel_of_quotes) September 11, 2019 12.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
We've met two members of the Forsaken on The Wheel of Time TV show. There are a lot more left. Let's meet them. By Michael Merriam | Dec 25, 2023 can’t believe they cut balthamel and aginor from #TheWheelOfTime - two of the most fleshed-out characters 😭😢 pic.twitter.com/YzjnRpMWQ1 — michael (@having__trouble) December 27, 2021 10.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
We've met two members of the Forsaken on The Wheel of Time TV show. There are a lot more left. Let's meet them. By Michael Merriam | Dec 25, 2023 The Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan (and finished by Brandon Sanderson) are a hallmark of the fantasy genre. They span 14 novels in the main series, a prequel novel, and now two seasons of one of Amazon Prime’s highest budget TV shows.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
8. Moghedien The “spider” Moghedien is one of the longest lasting villains in The Wheel of Time. She makes her debut in the fourth novel, The Shadow Rising, where she battles Nynaeve and hunts the protagonists by observing them in the world of dreams. She lasts through the end of the series without being killed or resurrected. One reason for Moghedien’s long survival is her insidious nature and her preference for indirect manipulation over outright conflict.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
Over & over Galad saw Gawyn’s dying body in his arms. “Face me Lews Therin!” Demandred's shout shook the ground. He'd taken Galad’s brother. Now the monster hunted Galad’s sister. The right thing had always seemed clear to Galad before, but never had it felt as right as this. pic.twitter.com/SW7ECTyDcx — The Wheel of Time Quotes (FULL BOOK SPOILERS) (@QuoteOfTheWheel) February 13, 2023 4. Demandred Demandred is the Dragon Reborn’s crueler, paler shadow.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
We've met two members of the Forsaken on The Wheel of Time TV show. There are a lot more left. Let's meet them. By Michael Merriam | Dec 25, 2023 1. Isamael It should come as no shock to fans that Ishamael tops this list as the greatest of the Forsaken. Throughout The Wheel of Time books, Ishamael frequently acts as a human stand-in for the Dark One. In the early books he goes by the name Ba’alzamon and impersonates the Dark One.
A Ranking of the Forsaken from the Wheel of Time from Best to Worst
We've met two members of the Forsaken on The Wheel of Time TV show. There are a lot more left. Let's meet them. By Michael Merriam | Dec 25, 2023 2. Lanfear The most beautiful woman in the world and the most powerful female channeler to ever live, Lanfear appears in disguise in the second novel The Great Hunt and remains a fixture for the rest of the series.
The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3 release date?
In 2021, the now-hit Amazon Prime show The Legend of Vox Machina burst onto the scene, and it was an eye-popper. An adaptation of the popular web series Critical Role, the series combines moments of heart-stopping action, irreverent witty humor, and tear-in-the-eye inducing character development. Its source material, Critical Role, is a web series where professional voice actors play Dungeons and Dragons campaigns together, bringing their natural charisma to the classic tabletop role-playing game.
Cast of Wonders 204: Twenty-One
Show Notes Happy birthday, Podcastle! Our fantasy sister show is celebrating it’s 8th anniversary. Pop on over and join the party with Graeme Dunlop, Rachael K. Jones and the rest of the castle’s inhabitants. Supernatural Radio and Tempting Secrets by A Kevin MacLeod are licensed under a Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Twenty-One by Michael Merriam Wednesday, January 6th, 2009, dawned bright and clear for the twenty-first time.
Brothel, Washington DC
This floor was entirely asleep; others were roaming, and the last of us wouldn’t be back from work until nearly dawn; The Pimp (hereinafter referred to as [Name Withheld]) was snoring to the south, and the dear, 300-pound, peach-complected Commander (Navy, retired,) who owned the whorehouse, was snuggled with his boyfriend to the north. To be fair, we did not call it a whorehouse, despite the fact that escorts lived and worked here. It was simply The House.
Carina Press
Female/Female Title Author On-Sale Date Price Viewing 1 - 5 of 5 Results « 1 » Viewing 1 - 5 of 5 Results « 1 » Deep Deceptionhas been added to your cart On sale date: May 27, 2013 eISBN: 9781426895548 Rulebreakerhas been added to your cart On sale date: Apr 15, 2013 eISBN: 9781426896200 Cyber Sparkshas been added to your cart On sale date: Aug 27, 2012 eISBN: 9781426894282 The Superheroes Union: Dynamahas been added to your cart On sale date: Aug 20, 2012 eISBN: 9781426894251 Last Car to...
I managed a Washington, D.C., brothel: sex secrets from the nation’s capital
This floor was entirely asleep; others were roaming, and the last of us wouldn’t be back from work until nearly dawn; the Pimp (hereinafter referred to as [Name Withheld]) was snoring to the south, and the dear three-hundred-pound, peach-complected Commander (navy, retired), who owned the whore house, was snuggled with his boyfriend to the north. To be fair, we did not call it a whore house, even though escorts lived and worked here. It was simply the House.
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