Phrenology is the study of the structure of the skull to determine a person’s character and mental capacity. This pseudoscience is based on the false assumption that mental faculties are located in brain “organs” on the surface of the brain and can be detected by visible inspection of the skull. The Viennese physician Franz-Joseph Gall…
Tag: blog tour
CSFF Blog Tour: Building Corenwald
Every fantasy world is a mixing and changing of real-world elements. Corenwald, the setting of The Charlatan’s Boy, is different in which elements are chosen. Unlike most fantasy worlds, Corenwald is more American than European, more modern than medieval. A few things in Corenwald do sound British – the constables, the public houses. But the…
CSFF Blog Tour: The Charlatan’s Boy
(Note: In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.) It’s a sad day in Corenwald when no one believes in feechies anymore. Specifically, it’s a sad day for Floyd Wendellson and his boy, Grady. The paying crowds pay them no longer. After making a living…
CSFF Blog Tour: Random Notes
This is the last day of the tour, and I’ll close with a few random notes. (1) and (3) have spoilers. (1) The Christianity of The Skin Map is like the secularism of many popular books and movies: It’s there, but a lot of the time you can’t really tell. Every once in a while,…
CSFF Blog Tour: Spoiler Day
Yesterday I gave a general review. Today I have designated Spoiler Day, where I will show no compunction in giving away plot details. One of the best characters in The Skin Map is the villain, Lord Burleigh. He’s a smooth villain – intellectual, polished, handsome, entirely willing to work with those who will work with…