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November 21, 2007 11:15 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Serenity Found

Reviewed by Stacey Taylor

First things first, I'm a huge Joss Whedon fan. I didn't think anything could top my love for his cult shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, but then in 2002 along came Firefly - a Western set in Space.

Shortlived but much loved, the series was unceremoniously cancelled and only fourteen episodes made, but it has enjoyed increasing popularity over the years thanks to its release on DVD. In 2005 Joss Whedon followed up the TV show with the feature length film Serenity which continued the Firefly story.

With me? OK. Edited by popular TV script writer Jane Espenson*, Serenity Found is the second unauthorised collection of essays on the Firefly universe.

*Don't forget we've got an interview with Jane Espenson coming up in the first week of December.

With contributors as diverse as science fiction author Orson Scott Card and chick lit faves Shanna Swendson and Lani Diane Rich, there are plenty of interesting thoughts on the show and movie and plenty of things to agree and disagree with.

My personal favourite essay was Girls, Guns, Gags by British comedian Natalie Haynes, although I have to admit when I first starting reading the book I went straight for the essay penned by Firefly star Nathan Fillion, who played the lead role of Captain Malcolm Reynolds. In his essay: I, Malcolm, Fillion's enthusiasm for the role he played really shines through and it's unusual to find an actor so knowledgeable about their character and show. Judging by his essay, I'm sure he could take on any fan in a Firefly pub quiz, and comfortably win.

Of course if you haven't seen Firefly or Serenity most of the essays will be lost on you, but if you do get this book then it's a good excuse to get the Firefly box set and catch up. A must for any Firefly or Joss Whedon fan.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Perfectly Plum ed. Leah Wilson

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Posted by Keris on November 21, 2007 | Permalink

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