This book explores characters’ agendas, from Sansa’s secret schemes to Arya’s ultimate goal. What is Cersei’s true fear? What do trout or golden roses symbolize? Is the show a feminist success or a male playground? This book answers all these and more, revealing the enigmas and surprises hidden deep within the series. Martin’s interviews, homages, and past works hint at the pattern he’s chosen, while the classic pattern of the hero’s and heroine’s journey indicate the path of each protagonist and their ultimate destinies. From the Norse myth of ice covering all the world and the winter of wolves, to the War of the Roses that inspired much of the plot, the Game of Thrones is revealed secret by secret…including how it may be won.

Winning the Game of Thrones: The Host of Characters and their Agendas

Humor & Entertainment

Frankel, Valerie Estelle

Television

LitCrit Press

Doctor Who is a show about books, TV, and science fiction for the fans within us all: The Tenth Doctor loves Harry Potter, the Eleventh Doctor wears costumes, Martha Jones wants to record Shakespeare's lost play and sell it on the internet. As the characters gush over Agatha Christie or tangle with Men in Black, they enter a self-referential world of fiction about fiction, delighting in pure fandom. Producers Davies and Moffat nod to their other creations, from Sherlock to Casanova, and share their love for both the classic series and the larger world of Doctor Who novels, audio books, and comics. As the franchise riffs off Star Trek, Star Wars, Alice in Wonderland, and Hitchhiker's Guide, it both celebrates the world's most popular works and takes its place among them.

Doctor Who - The What, Where, and How: A Fannish Guide to the TARDIS-Sized Pop Culture Jam

Science Fiction & Fantasy

The Divergent series is delighting the world with its epic of Tris and Four struggling through revolutions to create a better world. But there are deeper meanings and symbols beneath the surface. Why is it fitting that teens numbered three and four should remake the world? How many Biblical references appear? Why are ravens and crows such popular symbols? And what themes and images does this series share with The Hunger Games and all the other dystopias, past and present? Today’s groundbreaking studies in brain chemistry and psychology tests merge with a frightening future in the recognizable ruins of Chicago. As Tris becomes a warrior woman on the classic heroine’s journey, she discovers the deeper truths of the five Factions, and in so doing, the deeper truths of herself. What these truths are, clever fans can discover through close analysis of the trilogy.

Choosing to be Insurgent or Allegiant: Symbols, Themes & Analysis of the Divergent Trilogy

Teen & Young Adult

BBC’s Sherlock has brought the classic adventures into brilliant life—fans across the world are delighting in every moment. But more is hidden within the episodes for the more serious fans—nonstop hints to the original adventures and the classic films as well. Within this book are all the references, with quotes from the actors and creators, notes from John and Sherlock’s blogs, and loads of colorful symbolism. There are vistable locations in London and a look at the constant byplay, far more than simple friendship, between the two heroes. With character bios and notes on all the unseen cases, this book bursts with references for Sherlock’s fans, those who know the century of lore and those who are yet to begin it.

Sherlock: Every Canon Reference You May Have Missed in BBC's Series 1-3

With dogs, wolves, ravens, blood flies, and so many more, animal symbolism is endlessly significant in Game of Thrones. Why does Daenerys receive magical eggs in particular? What does a hand symbolize or a horn? There are meaningful towers and water gardens, stretching from the pyramids of Meereen to the infamous Iron Throne. Meanwhile, George R.R. Martin’s characters chomp on bloody beef, blood oranges, red wine, beets, and pomegranates between the inevitable bloodbaths. The intricately crafted world of books and show has endless depth, revealed in this companion for fans of every flavor.

Symbols in Game of Thrones: The Deeper Meanings of Animals, Colors, Seasons, Food, and Much More

Doctor Horrible, Jayne Cobb, Oz, Fitz-Simmons, Echo, Pike, Saffron, Kaywinnet, the Groosalugg, Skip, Satsu, Dana Polk, Perfect Jheung, Icarus, the Siphon, Edna Giles, Dandelion Naizen, and especially Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With Whedon’s superhero names, goddess names, flower names, saint’s names, and dozens of British names, he’s filling his world with references from Shakespeare to manga, delighting fans who look closer. Which names repeat the most? Which characters have secret links? Examining Whedon’s naming through his five shows, plus his movie scripts and dozens of comics, reveals fascinating patterns for his dedicated followers.

Joss Whedon's Names: The Deeper Meanings behind Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Cabin in the Woods, The Avengers, Doctor Horrible, In Your Eyes, Comics and More

Literature & Fiction

History & Criticism

With oodles of steamy romance, paranormal time travel, adventure, and much more, Outlander is sweeping the nation. From over a dozen volumes to its newest incarnation as a breathtaking Starz show, it continues to delight, even with subtle, clever changes. But what was life really like then – from kilts and bagpipes to selkies and the fair folk? Who was Bonnie Prince Charlie and why was his campaign so disastrous for the Highlanders? Discover the story’s roots, from Doctor Who to Brigadoon to Game of Thrones. Learn to speak Scottish, uncover the difference between Beltane and Samhain, explore customs of Highland weddings, tour Versailles and Edinburgh, and dive into the rich era of history that pervades this incredible epic.

History, Homages and the Highlands: An Outlander Guide

This book explains showrunner Steven Moffat’s complex story arcs from beginning to end along with running jokes and unseen references to previous stories. Get the quick simple histories of the Daleks, the Brigadier, and all the top characters and species. Read a quick overview on each Doctor and companion, plus their favorite tools and accessories. What is known about the Doctor’s name, childhood, age, and family? Which are the best companions? The worst? From bowties and fez to sonic screwdriver and chameleon circuits, it’s all inside up to Series Nine.

The Catch-Up Guide to Doctor Who: Repeat Characters, Plot Arcs, Heroes, Monsters, and the Doctor All Made Clear

Wonder Woman is an icon...but an icon of what? To some, she's Lynda Carter, spinning into star-studded shorts to save the day. To others, she's a racy Halloween costume or inspiring feminist role model. Which is true? This book analyzes each era of Wonder Woman, from the Golden Age to George Pérez and Gail Simone's reboots to The New 52 and television shows, cartoons, and films. Which teach the right messages for girls and boys? Which have problematic symbols? Most of all, which present an empowering female superhero and which just a fun-loving princess in an improbably clinging corset? Let's find out.

Empowered: The Symbolism, Feminism, and Superheroism of Wonder Woman

Comics & Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels

Gushing fans of Outlander name it the feminist Game of Thrones. Is it? More action-packed than a romance, this historical time travel narrative soon transforms into a war saga. Claire delights as the fierce, prickly World War II nurse who falls for Jamie, the sensitive Highlands outlaw. He offers more than a fling or even a timeless love, as he guides the heroine to a deeper level of spirituality. Of course, Diana Gabaldon explores much about modern gender construction. Her heroines shoot pirates while the Highlanders blend courtly gallantry with bloodthirsty battles. How the books and show address nudity, violence, gender roles, and the elusive female gaze reveals much about the characters as well as ourselves.

Scots, Sassenachs, and Spankings: Feminism and Gender Roles in Outlander

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Books by Frankel, Valerie Estelle