"The Future of War Now"

I have a new short story aviable to read, for free, on the flash fiction web site, 365 Tomorrows. Enjoy!

The Future of War Now

- James

Thoughts on Star Wars . . .

Since Disney is threatening to release a new Star Wars film, I feel it's time I wrote something regarding the series. Star Wars was like a gate way drug for me. The films introduced to me the basic concepts of Science Fiction and Fantasy and eventually lead me to the works of Asimov, Tolkien, etc. My enthusiasm for the franchise really peaked during the release of The Phantom Menace; I was 12. Before than, I read some of the novels (which deserves another post altogether) and was really hyped for the film. I remember going to the theater on release day and waiting in a line that wrapped around the building. I settled into my cushy seat in the dark, air conditioned room and watched the film.

And . . . I really enjoyed it, and I still do.

I will even go as far as to say that The Phantom Menace was one of the best Star Wars films ever made (Yes, I'm aware of the Mr. Plinkett video); it is certainly better than A New Hope. I've heard of people expressing fond memories for the prequel trilogy only to get shouted down. I believe that many people even change their opinions just to avoid conflict from original trilogy fans. I know people have said it before, but I feel this needs to be reiterated: The Prequel Trilogy is not that bad (Well, I will admit that Attack of the Clones was pretty bad), and it does some things better than the original trilogy. In the future, I will do a post on what exactly the Prequel does better, but right now, these are just some brief, late night ruminations.

The original trilogy appeared during a special time, when science fiction and, more specifically, melodramatic space operas didn't have huge exposure to mainstream movie going audiences; those settings were usually reserved for sci-fi pulp magazines and old 1950s serials (think Flash Gordon, Starman, etc.), so of course Star Wars blew some minds. Today, we're in a much different environment. Guardians of the Galaxy was (deservedly) a major success, and space battles are no longer a novel occurrence. The original trilogy really was a product of its time, which why I think the direction Episode VII is taking is a huge mistake that won't move the series forward.

I don't think Episode VII is going to be bad by any means, it's just going to be okay. Fans demanded more of the original trilogy and Disney is answering. They got the original cast and the Empire writer, so I'm ready for a pseudo remake of The Empire Strikes Back directed by the most average director of all time. It's still nice to get new Star Wars, but The Clone Wars animated series (The 2008 one) elevated the franchise beyond what the movies could do in terms of character development and storytelling.

Star Wars is very near and dear to a lot of people and that makes it hard for fans to look at it with any type of objectivity, I understand that, but the original trilogy has been held on a pedestal for a long time. This is detrimental to people who are just getting into the series. Someone might like Phantom Menace or Revenge of the Sith, but will continually be told they're wrong. Episode VII isn't being made for Star Wars fans, but just for a small segment of fans that can't get over the original trilogy and admit the acting and the writing wasn't that great in those films either, A New Hope is almost un-watchable and Ewan Mcgregor is a better, more interesting Obi Wan than Alec Guinness. When I imagine watching Episode VII, I can almost hear the studio audience applauding whenever one of the fan favorites walks on set. Or maybe it'll be completely amazing, there's always a chance for that. Either way, color me mildly interested, but not really excited in the least. At least they're releasing some new Star Wars novels, so I have that.

Oh yeah, one last thing: C-3PO is just as annoying and insufferable as Jar Jar Binks. I actually don't mind Jar Jar.   

New short story: An Island in Your Arms

My latest piece of short fiction is available  to read at Perihelion Science Fiction!

Check it out!

Falling Sky Prequel Story

Between writing the sequel for Falling Sky, work and school I haven't been able to update this page very much, but I'm going to change that. For those of you who have been visiting the site: thank you very much. My story, Finding Phineas is in an issue of BTS Book Reviews magazine. This story is a prequel to Falling Sky (although it's not required reading to enjoy the novella) and is completely free to read. Check it out and keep and eye on this blog for updates as I'm endeavoring to write more on this blog.

Finding Phineas - BTS Book Reviews Magazine

(Artwork is from the magazine)

Review Blurbs for Falling Sky

It looks like Falling Sky has been getting a lot of positive press. Thanks to everyone who took the time to review my work, it means a lot to me.

“There's a lot of punch in this short novel from James Patrick Riser.”

• Books in the Hall

“The novella (just 79 pages) is a quick read and an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so--and I like the fact that Riser left it open for a sequel. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ian Blum and the adventures he's still likely to encounter.”

• Straight from the Library

“Mr. Riser created a very complex world that should satisfy the inner geek in all of us..”

• Becki Gylberte

“It was easy to fall into the scenes - as if one were really there. The story moved along well, and offered enough unexpected twists and turns to keep it interesting.”

• Bookworm for Kids

First Review for Falling Sky

The first review for my novella, Falling Sky, has gone live on the Venus Cahill blog. Please check it out:

Review of Falling Sky by Venus Cahill