Around the Net (1/16/2015): Take Flight in an Uncanny Universe

Here at Sci-Fi Bloggers, we run a lot of individual pieces on the site, each of them revolving around and focusing on a specific topic. Sometimes, however, we like to crank it up a notch and take a look at a few things at once. With that said, we invite you to follow us as we take a look at what’s happening…AROUND THE NET!

Take the Plunge

Do you ever find yourself constantly consumed playing Angry Birds or Candy Crush Saga on your iPad and wonder if you should spend more time reading? These new app can allow you to read an engaging story without having to put down your iPad.

The Plunge of Icarus takes place on the Isle of Crete where a modern Mount Olympus has been made into an Air Force base. Pilots are raised to believe they are gods fighting a never ending war and Icarus is a decorated flyer, never questioning what he does. However, he soon begins to uncover mysteries about the war and develops a conscience about killing when he discovers love.

Icarus is a Cinenovel. It was created specifically for the iPad. Each page has images that come alive as you read and there is an option to add music and sound effects. Included are behind the scenes features as well as additional character details.

I like the idea of a book with moving pictures. It makes the story much more interactive. Whenever I read a book I always try to visualize what I’m reading to make it more real for me, and having the story played out on-screen makes the process easier. This kind of interactive storytelling should get more people interested in using their iPads for reading instead of playing numerous games.

The Plunge of Icarus was created by Jeff Buchanan and has just been accepted into the Apple Store. Check out the website right here to learn more about it.

It’s Uncanny!

Uncanny is an online sci-fi and fantasy magazine first launched in November 4^th of 2014. The second issue of the magazine came out January 6^th and it features several brand new stories.

People are free to submit their own sci-fi and fantasy stories ranging from non-fiction to poetry. New stories for this issue include “After the Moon Princess Leaves” by Isabel Yap and “Age of the Geek, Baby” by Michi Trota. There are also several interviews and podcasts available.

In order to view all content when an issue is launched, readers have to have a subscription to the site, otherwise only half of the content is accessible on the first Tuesday of the following month, which for this issue is the 3^rd of February.

To view available content for latest issue of Uncanny or to subscribe, click here.

Well, that’s everything. Can’t wait to see you guys next time we go around the net!

If you enjoyed Manny’s piece, you can find the rest of his work right HERE on Sci-Fi Bloggers. You can also follow him on Twitter @KN_Manny.

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