Here's a review of the latest volume of Peter Crowther's best selling anthology series.
It has some very interesting stories, so don't miss it.
POSTSCRIPTS 18: This Is the Summer of Love, edited by Peter Crowther and Nick Gevers, PS Publishing, www.pspublishing.co.uk, $18, 192 pages, ISBN: 9781848630222, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Peter Crowther is going against the grain by converting his successful POSTSCRIPTS into a hardcover anthology. This is the first volume in the new format and with the lineup of new writers that appear in this volume; it should add to his readership and create interest in future volumes.
Norman Prentiss opens the volume with “In the Porches of My Ears”, a poignant story of a conversation overheard in a movie theatre and the effects on the listener. “Horses” by Livia Llewellyn is a story of survival and an unwanted child. “The Wages of Salt” by Deborah Kalin tells of an archeological find that is not what it appears to be. The title story by Rio Youers is the story of many a young girls dreams to escape a small town.
Other tales by Chris Bell, Monica J. O’Rourke, James Cooper, Clive Johnson, R.B. Russell, and Neil Grimmett fill out the volume with unusual and extremely well written stories. There’s not a bad one in the bunch and each has a reason to make you think about what the author has written and a lot of them will end up on you “be on the look out for” list.
PS Publishing has taken a good thing and made it better. $18 is not a bad price for a hardcover anthology, most especially one of this caliber.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Mythidria Chronicles
Here's a new review by me. It's available from Amazon.com and is a Kindle download. This is the first of a trilogy.
THE MYTHIDRIA CHRONICLES: Rise of the Nightmare, William Cash, Stonehedge Publishing, $7.99 Kindle, 391 Pages, ISBN: 9781602760387, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
At the end of the Age of Atlantis, what if it was not destroyed but moved to another planet along with the dragons, the Trolls, the Faery and other creatures that are considered myth today. They settled on the planet Mythidria and set up the Paladin Corps to keep an eye on events on Earth. Every now and then a nasty beast gets through and it’s up to the Paladins to dispatch them.
This first volume of the series is about Paladin TigerObsidian, Mic to his friends and the lengths he goes through with his partner to keep Earth safe. The only problem is that Shirahala, the Necromancer Queen has her eyes set on destroying the Paladins, Mythirdia, and Earth if necessary to become the Queen of all.
There is plenty of action and Mic has secrets that will cause him problems when they come out. Spies in high places help the Queen to obtain the armor of one of the most heartless villains that had been scattered among the races. Once the armor is completed, its wearer is unbeatable. It’s up to Mic and the entire Paladin Corps and any help they can obtain to tilt the balance their way.
Cash has written a very enjoyable tale that brings some of the mythological creatures back to Earth in order to save it. There are four more in the series to come and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next one. I hope the wait is not too long.
THE MYTHIDRIA CHRONICLES: Rise of the Nightmare, William Cash, Stonehedge Publishing, $7.99 Kindle, 391 Pages, ISBN: 9781602760387, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
At the end of the Age of Atlantis, what if it was not destroyed but moved to another planet along with the dragons, the Trolls, the Faery and other creatures that are considered myth today. They settled on the planet Mythidria and set up the Paladin Corps to keep an eye on events on Earth. Every now and then a nasty beast gets through and it’s up to the Paladins to dispatch them.
This first volume of the series is about Paladin TigerObsidian, Mic to his friends and the lengths he goes through with his partner to keep Earth safe. The only problem is that Shirahala, the Necromancer Queen has her eyes set on destroying the Paladins, Mythirdia, and Earth if necessary to become the Queen of all.
There is plenty of action and Mic has secrets that will cause him problems when they come out. Spies in high places help the Queen to obtain the armor of one of the most heartless villains that had been scattered among the races. Once the armor is completed, its wearer is unbeatable. It’s up to Mic and the entire Paladin Corps and any help they can obtain to tilt the balance their way.
Cash has written a very enjoyable tale that brings some of the mythological creatures back to Earth in order to save it. There are four more in the series to come and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next one. I hope the wait is not too long.
Excuses
Family matters have had me tied up for a few days and I just zonked out tonight. I'll try to get back on track.
Here's some reviews from Harriet to keep you informed on whats out there.
Kiss & Hell
Dakota Cassidy
Berkley, Jun 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425227855
Fifteen years ago Delaney Markham met the devil and sort of survived with her soul intact. Since that hellish encounter, Delaney has been able to communicate with spirits at the cost of friendships and boyfriends as everyone who meets her assumes she is playing electronic hearts with herself. Her only pal is Marcella the kindhearted demon.
Of course there is Clyde Atwell, a rookie demon, who the devil has sent to harass Delaney. Though she feels sorry for the tyro, she wishes he would return to whence he came. However, he refuses and not because his superior vows to burn him for eternity if he fails at his mission; ironically he has fallen in love. For that matter Delaney is beginning to realize there is more to Clyde than meets the devil’s eye and decides his contention that he does not belong in hell or a hand-basket might actually be true; so how the hell did he end up there.
Delaney with her amusing sarcastic asides makes for an entertaining romantic fantasy with a wonderful mystery subplot. The story line is breezy from the opening chime and never slows down as Markham knows the world is in a hand basket traveling to hell. She never slows down even when she is passionately kissing her significant other, which has quite a meaning in this fun tale. Readers will relish this lighthearted jocular frolic while humming "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band even though the heroine’s herb store is in Manhattan’s East Village. Harriet Klausner
Demon Mistress
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425228647s
In Seattle, Menolly D’Atigo still adjusts to being a vampire while working with her sisters Camille the witch (see DRAGON WYTCH) and Delilah the shapeshifting Death Maiden (see NIGHT HUNTER) for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. However, while cleaning the bar where she works, she finds fascinating items left behind by the elf bartender who returned to Otherworld. A diary the elf kept insists he felt he was stalked and implies he may have been killed instead of going home.
However, while Menolly considers what to do, a new radically different demonic assault begins to absorb the life force out of the fae. There appears no counterattack to prevent this threat from succeeding and evidence mounts that a quisling human group is abetting the demon Lord Shadow Wing.
The latest Otherworld urban romantic fantasy is a super entry as Menolly leads the charge this time. Once again there is a ton of support players allies and villains that make the well written numerous subplots even more complex. Fans will enjoy the latest D'Atigo sister's take on their adventures as this time the trio tries solve the mystery of the bartending elf while also attempting to keep two worlds safe from the demon horde. Harriet Klausner
Kissing Midnight
Emma Holly
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425223390
In 1933 Edmund Fitz Clare conceals the fact that he is a shapeshifting upyr vampire from everyone. He hides his secret from the orphans he has adopted, from his best friend, and mostly concealing it from his buddy’s daughter Estelle Berenger who he is attracted to. His goal is redemption to make up for nefarious deeds he once committed. He remains ignorant that Estelle hides her new odd abilities she gained ever since lightning hit her.
In London, hostilities are growing amongst vampires. War seems imminent. To survive along with his wards, Edmund and Estelle will need to depend on one another. Togetherness in Bedford Square allows their attraction to become love.
The latest “Midnight” historical urban romantic fantasy is a terrific tale that plays on several fronts including M15 Graham Fitz Clare’s activities as well as the above. The story line is fast-paced, but even with paranormal species and elements, Emma Holly provides her audience with a strong sense of time and place. Edmund and Estelle are fabulous lead characters whose love seems impossible to turn into a relationship as time means something different for the pair. Ms. Holly writes another winner in her strong saga (see COURTING MIDNIGHT). Harriet Klausner
Here's some reviews from Harriet to keep you informed on whats out there.
Kiss & Hell
Dakota Cassidy
Berkley, Jun 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425227855
Fifteen years ago Delaney Markham met the devil and sort of survived with her soul intact. Since that hellish encounter, Delaney has been able to communicate with spirits at the cost of friendships and boyfriends as everyone who meets her assumes she is playing electronic hearts with herself. Her only pal is Marcella the kindhearted demon.
Of course there is Clyde Atwell, a rookie demon, who the devil has sent to harass Delaney. Though she feels sorry for the tyro, she wishes he would return to whence he came. However, he refuses and not because his superior vows to burn him for eternity if he fails at his mission; ironically he has fallen in love. For that matter Delaney is beginning to realize there is more to Clyde than meets the devil’s eye and decides his contention that he does not belong in hell or a hand-basket might actually be true; so how the hell did he end up there.
Delaney with her amusing sarcastic asides makes for an entertaining romantic fantasy with a wonderful mystery subplot. The story line is breezy from the opening chime and never slows down as Markham knows the world is in a hand basket traveling to hell. She never slows down even when she is passionately kissing her significant other, which has quite a meaning in this fun tale. Readers will relish this lighthearted jocular frolic while humming "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band even though the heroine’s herb store is in Manhattan’s East Village. Harriet Klausner
Demon Mistress
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425228647s
In Seattle, Menolly D’Atigo still adjusts to being a vampire while working with her sisters Camille the witch (see DRAGON WYTCH) and Delilah the shapeshifting Death Maiden (see NIGHT HUNTER) for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. However, while cleaning the bar where she works, she finds fascinating items left behind by the elf bartender who returned to Otherworld. A diary the elf kept insists he felt he was stalked and implies he may have been killed instead of going home.
However, while Menolly considers what to do, a new radically different demonic assault begins to absorb the life force out of the fae. There appears no counterattack to prevent this threat from succeeding and evidence mounts that a quisling human group is abetting the demon Lord Shadow Wing.
The latest Otherworld urban romantic fantasy is a super entry as Menolly leads the charge this time. Once again there is a ton of support players allies and villains that make the well written numerous subplots even more complex. Fans will enjoy the latest D'Atigo sister's take on their adventures as this time the trio tries solve the mystery of the bartending elf while also attempting to keep two worlds safe from the demon horde. Harriet Klausner
Kissing Midnight
Emma Holly
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425223390
In 1933 Edmund Fitz Clare conceals the fact that he is a shapeshifting upyr vampire from everyone. He hides his secret from the orphans he has adopted, from his best friend, and mostly concealing it from his buddy’s daughter Estelle Berenger who he is attracted to. His goal is redemption to make up for nefarious deeds he once committed. He remains ignorant that Estelle hides her new odd abilities she gained ever since lightning hit her.
In London, hostilities are growing amongst vampires. War seems imminent. To survive along with his wards, Edmund and Estelle will need to depend on one another. Togetherness in Bedford Square allows their attraction to become love.
The latest “Midnight” historical urban romantic fantasy is a terrific tale that plays on several fronts including M15 Graham Fitz Clare’s activities as well as the above. The story line is fast-paced, but even with paranormal species and elements, Emma Holly provides her audience with a strong sense of time and place. Edmund and Estelle are fabulous lead characters whose love seems impossible to turn into a relationship as time means something different for the pair. Ms. Holly writes another winner in her strong saga (see COURTING MIDNIGHT). Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Soldier Died Today
I didn't receive this in time to post it for Memorial Day, but felt it was too important to let it pass for another time.
Read it. Think about it. Wipe the tear from your eye. Read it again.
JUST A COMMON SOLDIER
(A Soldier Died Today)
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
Copyright 1987
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.
And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?
A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
Read it. Think about it. Wipe the tear from your eye. Read it again.
JUST A COMMON SOLDIER
(A Soldier Died Today)
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
Copyright 1987
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.
And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?
A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
Just some random thoughts about today. To all who served in Viet Nam, you are in my thoughts today. Especially those in Echo Company, 725th Maintainance, 25th Division who were in Cu Chi where I served in a helicopter repair unit from September 1969 to September 1970.
All the veterans from all the wars, from the Revolutionary War to those serving today are men and women to be proud of. Many of them have paid the ultimate price to show that Freedom is never really free. The price may be steep, but it is a price that can not afford to be paid.
We may not need to be the policemen of the world but someone has to do it. Other countries would let it fall by the wayside, including too many people in this marvelous country we call our home. Even though we may not agree with what they have to say, many have laid down their lives to guarantee their right to say it. But just because they have the right to say it doesn't mean we have to agree with it or listen to it. You have as much a right to your opinion as they do theirs.
When I moved to Rome, one of the first friends I made was a James Dean looking guy named Johnny Gantt. We both like the same type movies and music. We rarely saw each other outside of school because we didn't live close enough to do so. We both ended up at different high schools and drifted apart as childhood friends often do. After high school, he joined the Army. The last time I was in touch with his family was shortly after his funeral. He died in Viet Nam. His name is on The Wall.
My Dad was in World War II and was a Medical Corpsman at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital during his tour. Kathy's Dad was also in World War II in Europe. He won two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, but never talked about it. That's the thing most people don't realize about Vets - they do their duty, but don't brag.
God Bless our Veterans and our Active Duty Service Members, you are on my mind today and everyday.
All the veterans from all the wars, from the Revolutionary War to those serving today are men and women to be proud of. Many of them have paid the ultimate price to show that Freedom is never really free. The price may be steep, but it is a price that can not afford to be paid.
We may not need to be the policemen of the world but someone has to do it. Other countries would let it fall by the wayside, including too many people in this marvelous country we call our home. Even though we may not agree with what they have to say, many have laid down their lives to guarantee their right to say it. But just because they have the right to say it doesn't mean we have to agree with it or listen to it. You have as much a right to your opinion as they do theirs.
When I moved to Rome, one of the first friends I made was a James Dean looking guy named Johnny Gantt. We both like the same type movies and music. We rarely saw each other outside of school because we didn't live close enough to do so. We both ended up at different high schools and drifted apart as childhood friends often do. After high school, he joined the Army. The last time I was in touch with his family was shortly after his funeral. He died in Viet Nam. His name is on The Wall.
My Dad was in World War II and was a Medical Corpsman at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital during his tour. Kathy's Dad was also in World War II in Europe. He won two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, but never talked about it. That's the thing most people don't realize about Vets - they do their duty, but don't brag.
God Bless our Veterans and our Active Duty Service Members, you are on my mind today and everyday.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Slices by James A. Moore
Here is an older review, but the book was delayed for a while. The original plan was to only print enough copies to cover the pre-orders, but there may be some available. Check with Earthling Press, www.earthlingpub.com. It's a tremendous collection.
Slices
James A. Moore
Earthling Press, $45, Out of Print
reviewed by Barry Hunter
This is going to be an extremely hard book to get a hold of. It was available only during the month of October, 2006 and was limited to the number of pre-orders only. I don’t know if you will be able to find this on the secondary market, but it will be well worth the hunt because there is plenty of fine reading between the covers. It may be called SLICES because of the individual servings presented here, but be sure of one thing – it is a very enjoyable pie.
A Vietnam vet hears some World War II "War Stories", and learns about John Crowley fifty years later. "Harvest Moon" features Summittville and Lake Overtree and is a stepping stone to his latest novel. Sometimes a "Grease Painted Smile" doesn’t always reflect the true face of the clown. We all look for "A Place Where There Is Peace", but are we sure we will like what we find there. Indian Myth takes center stage as the "Skinwalker" stalks. There are almost a dozen other stories here including "Simon’s Muse" that lets us in on where one author gets his ideas.
This is a wonderful collection showcasing the shorter fiction of Moore who is well known for his masterpieces of horror in novel length. It’s well worth the hunt.
Slices
James A. Moore
Earthling Press, $45, Out of Print
reviewed by Barry Hunter
This is going to be an extremely hard book to get a hold of. It was available only during the month of October, 2006 and was limited to the number of pre-orders only. I don’t know if you will be able to find this on the secondary market, but it will be well worth the hunt because there is plenty of fine reading between the covers. It may be called SLICES because of the individual servings presented here, but be sure of one thing – it is a very enjoyable pie.
A Vietnam vet hears some World War II "War Stories", and learns about John Crowley fifty years later. "Harvest Moon" features Summittville and Lake Overtree and is a stepping stone to his latest novel. Sometimes a "Grease Painted Smile" doesn’t always reflect the true face of the clown. We all look for "A Place Where There Is Peace", but are we sure we will like what we find there. Indian Myth takes center stage as the "Skinwalker" stalks. There are almost a dozen other stories here including "Simon’s Muse" that lets us in on where one author gets his ideas.
This is a wonderful collection showcasing the shorter fiction of Moore who is well known for his masterpieces of horror in novel length. It’s well worth the hunt.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Worlds Best SF
Here are a couple of reviews by me for a change. One is for the 2008 Worlds Best SF and the other for Adam Nimoy's book about growing up as the son of Spock and how his life has turned out. Both are on sale now.
MY INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, MISERABLE LIFE, An Anti-Memoir, Adam Nimoy, Pocket Books, $15, 296 pages, ISBN: 1439125465, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
I’m sure a lot of folks have wondered what it would be like to grow up with a popular iconic movie star as one of your parents, but after reading this you may want to change your mind. This volume tells of the struggles, the disappointments and the ultimate out come of his life.
The story is sometimes sad, sometimes funny and painfully truthful. Adam has been a lawyer, director, a substitute teacher and now teaches directing at a film school. He has two children and an ex-wife.
Some of his vignettes tell of his drug addiction, his re-entering the dating scene, and the successes and mistakes he made while growing with his famous father.
This is called an anti-memoir for a good reason, but it is a very interesting look at the good times and the bad times and the times of just getting by.
YEAR’S BEST SF 14, edited by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer, EOS Books, $7.99, 500 pages, ISBN: 9780061721748, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Here are the editor’s choices for the best stories of 2008. This is a varied collection with some of the oddest stories collected in one volume. I admit that I was unfamiliar with the stories, but not with the talented assortment of writers. “Arkfall” by Carolyn Ives Gilman opens the collection with unlikely explorers discovering more about their world. Kathleen Ann Goonan tells of a man’s penance as a “Memory Dog”. You know things are going to be strange in “Boojum” by Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette when we first read about the spaceship named Lavinia Whatley. The last story is probably my favorite. “Spiders” by Sue Burke is a father showing his son the creatures of a new planet with an interesting ending.
MY INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, MISERABLE LIFE, An Anti-Memoir, Adam Nimoy, Pocket Books, $15, 296 pages, ISBN: 1439125465, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
I’m sure a lot of folks have wondered what it would be like to grow up with a popular iconic movie star as one of your parents, but after reading this you may want to change your mind. This volume tells of the struggles, the disappointments and the ultimate out come of his life.
The story is sometimes sad, sometimes funny and painfully truthful. Adam has been a lawyer, director, a substitute teacher and now teaches directing at a film school. He has two children and an ex-wife.
Some of his vignettes tell of his drug addiction, his re-entering the dating scene, and the successes and mistakes he made while growing with his famous father.
This is called an anti-memoir for a good reason, but it is a very interesting look at the good times and the bad times and the times of just getting by.
YEAR’S BEST SF 14, edited by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer, EOS Books, $7.99, 500 pages, ISBN: 9780061721748, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Here are the editor’s choices for the best stories of 2008. This is a varied collection with some of the oddest stories collected in one volume. I admit that I was unfamiliar with the stories, but not with the talented assortment of writers. “Arkfall” by Carolyn Ives Gilman opens the collection with unlikely explorers discovering more about their world. Kathleen Ann Goonan tells of a man’s penance as a “Memory Dog”. You know things are going to be strange in “Boojum” by Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette when we first read about the spaceship named Lavinia Whatley. The last story is probably my favorite. “Spiders” by Sue Burke is a father showing his son the creatures of a new planet with an interesting ending.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Harriet's reviews
Some more reviews from Harriet to get you by for another day.
Kiss & Hell
Dakota Cassidy
Berkley, Jun 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425227855
Fifteen years ago Delaney Markham met the devil and sort of survived with her soul intact. Since that hellish encounter, Delaney has been able to communicate with spirits at the cost of friendships and boyfriends as everyone who meets her assumes she is playing electronic hearts with herself. Her only pal is Marcella the kindhearted demon.
Of course there is Clyde Atwell, a rookie demon, who the devil has sent to harass Delaney. Though she feels sorry for the tyro, she wishes he would return to whence he came. However, he refuses and not because his superior vows to burn him for eternity if he fails at his mission; ironically he has fallen in love. For that matter Delaney is beginning to realize there is more to Clyde than meets the devil’s eye and decides his contention that he does not belong in hell or a hand-basket might actually be true; so how the hell did he end up there.
Delaney with her amusing sarcastic asides makes for an entertaining romantic fantasy with a wonderful mystery subplot. The story line is breezy from the opening chime and never slows down as Markham knows the world is in a hand basket traveling to hell. She never slows down even when she is passionately kissing her significant other, which has quite a meaning in this fun tale. Readers will relish this lighthearted jocular frolic while humming "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band even though the heroine’s herb store is in Manhattan’s East Village. Harriet Klausner
Demon Mistress
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425228647s
In Seattle, Menolly D’Atigo still adjusts to being a vampire while working with her sisters Camille the witch (see DRAGON WYTCH) and Delilah the shapeshifting Death Maiden (see NIGHT HUNTER) for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. However, while cleaning the bar where she works, she finds fascinating items left behind by the elf bartender who returned to Otherworld. A diary the elf kept insists he felt he was stalked and implies he may have been killed instead of going home.
However, while Menolly considers what to do, a new radically different demonic assault begins to absorb the life force out of the fae. There appears no counterattack to prevent this threat from succeeding and evidence mounts that a quisling human group is abetting the demon Lord Shadow Wing.
The latest Otherworld urban romantic fantasy is a super entry as Menolly leads the charge this time. Once again there is a ton of support players allies and villains that make the well written numerous subplots even more complex. Fans will enjoy the latest D'Atigo sister's take on their adventures as this time the trio tries solve the mystery of the bartending elf while also attempting to keep two worlds safe from the demon horde. Harriet Klausner
Kissing Midnight
Emma Holly
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425223390
In 1933 Edmund Fitz Clare conceals the fact that he is a shapeshifting upyr vampire from everyone. He hides his secret from the orphans he has adopted, from his best friend, and mostly concealing it from his buddy’s daughter Estelle Berenger who he is attracted to. His goal is redemption to make up for nefarious deeds he once committed. He remains ignorant that Estelle hides her new odd abilities she gained ever since lightning hit her.
In London, hostilities are growing amongst vampires. War seems imminent. To survive along with his wards, Edmund and Estelle will need to depend on one another. Togetherness in Bedford Square allows their attraction to become love.
The latest “Midnight” historical urban romantic fantasy is a terrific tale that plays on several fronts including M15 Graham Fitz Clare’s activities as well as the above. The story line is fast-paced, but even with paranormal species and elements, Emma Holly provides her audience with a strong sense of time and place. Edmund and Estelle are fabulous lead characters whose love seems impossible to turn into a relationship as time means something different for the pair. Ms. Holly writes another winner in her strong saga (see COURTING MIDNIGHT).Harriet Klausner
Kiss & Hell
Dakota Cassidy
Berkley, Jun 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425227855
Fifteen years ago Delaney Markham met the devil and sort of survived with her soul intact. Since that hellish encounter, Delaney has been able to communicate with spirits at the cost of friendships and boyfriends as everyone who meets her assumes she is playing electronic hearts with herself. Her only pal is Marcella the kindhearted demon.
Of course there is Clyde Atwell, a rookie demon, who the devil has sent to harass Delaney. Though she feels sorry for the tyro, she wishes he would return to whence he came. However, he refuses and not because his superior vows to burn him for eternity if he fails at his mission; ironically he has fallen in love. For that matter Delaney is beginning to realize there is more to Clyde than meets the devil’s eye and decides his contention that he does not belong in hell or a hand-basket might actually be true; so how the hell did he end up there.
Delaney with her amusing sarcastic asides makes for an entertaining romantic fantasy with a wonderful mystery subplot. The story line is breezy from the opening chime and never slows down as Markham knows the world is in a hand basket traveling to hell. She never slows down even when she is passionately kissing her significant other, which has quite a meaning in this fun tale. Readers will relish this lighthearted jocular frolic while humming "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band even though the heroine’s herb store is in Manhattan’s East Village. Harriet Klausner
Demon Mistress
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425228647s
In Seattle, Menolly D’Atigo still adjusts to being a vampire while working with her sisters Camille the witch (see DRAGON WYTCH) and Delilah the shapeshifting Death Maiden (see NIGHT HUNTER) for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. However, while cleaning the bar where she works, she finds fascinating items left behind by the elf bartender who returned to Otherworld. A diary the elf kept insists he felt he was stalked and implies he may have been killed instead of going home.
However, while Menolly considers what to do, a new radically different demonic assault begins to absorb the life force out of the fae. There appears no counterattack to prevent this threat from succeeding and evidence mounts that a quisling human group is abetting the demon Lord Shadow Wing.
The latest Otherworld urban romantic fantasy is a super entry as Menolly leads the charge this time. Once again there is a ton of support players allies and villains that make the well written numerous subplots even more complex. Fans will enjoy the latest D'Atigo sister's take on their adventures as this time the trio tries solve the mystery of the bartending elf while also attempting to keep two worlds safe from the demon horde. Harriet Klausner
Kissing Midnight
Emma Holly
Berkley, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425223390
In 1933 Edmund Fitz Clare conceals the fact that he is a shapeshifting upyr vampire from everyone. He hides his secret from the orphans he has adopted, from his best friend, and mostly concealing it from his buddy’s daughter Estelle Berenger who he is attracted to. His goal is redemption to make up for nefarious deeds he once committed. He remains ignorant that Estelle hides her new odd abilities she gained ever since lightning hit her.
In London, hostilities are growing amongst vampires. War seems imminent. To survive along with his wards, Edmund and Estelle will need to depend on one another. Togetherness in Bedford Square allows their attraction to become love.
The latest “Midnight” historical urban romantic fantasy is a terrific tale that plays on several fronts including M15 Graham Fitz Clare’s activities as well as the above. The story line is fast-paced, but even with paranormal species and elements, Emma Holly provides her audience with a strong sense of time and place. Edmund and Estelle are fabulous lead characters whose love seems impossible to turn into a relationship as time means something different for the pair. Ms. Holly writes another winner in her strong saga (see COURTING MIDNIGHT).Harriet Klausner
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Angels & Demons 2000
From out of the past is this review of ANGELS & DEMONS by Dan Brown. It appeared in the Spring 2000 issue of Baryon. This actually is the first novel to feature Robert Langdon. We all know what happened when he went on to solve THE DAVINCI CODE and there is a third book coming out soon and Ron Howard already has it penciled in for movie production.
So here is a time capsule review from Baryon 76, March, 2000.
ANGELS & DEMONS, Dan Brown, Pocket Books, $24.95, 448 pages, May 2000, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
CERN is a scientific research facility in Switzerland and renowned physicist Leonardo Vetra has been found murdered in his suite with the word Illuminati branded on his chest. Robert Langdon, a symboligist, is called to help out and finds himself involved in more than a simple murder case.
As Langdon and Vetra’s daughter, Vittoria, seek to find the Illuminati – supposedly disolvelve for over 400 years, they become involved with the theft of Vetra’s creation of anti-matter, a plot to destroy the Vatican while a new Pope is being elected, kidnapping and murder.
Brown has done his homework with this one. He is well versed in the history of the original Illuminati, the history of the Vatican and how today news media works. It’s an exciting and fast moving read that should be enjoyed by all. The Illuminati conspirists should have plenty of fun with it as well.
So here is a time capsule review from Baryon 76, March, 2000.
ANGELS & DEMONS, Dan Brown, Pocket Books, $24.95, 448 pages, May 2000, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
CERN is a scientific research facility in Switzerland and renowned physicist Leonardo Vetra has been found murdered in his suite with the word Illuminati branded on his chest. Robert Langdon, a symboligist, is called to help out and finds himself involved in more than a simple murder case.
As Langdon and Vetra’s daughter, Vittoria, seek to find the Illuminati – supposedly disolvelve for over 400 years, they become involved with the theft of Vetra’s creation of anti-matter, a plot to destroy the Vatican while a new Pope is being elected, kidnapping and murder.
Brown has done his homework with this one. He is well versed in the history of the original Illuminati, the history of the Vatican and how today news media works. It’s an exciting and fast moving read that should be enjoyed by all. The Illuminati conspirists should have plenty of fun with it as well.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Reviews by Harriet
Errand running day. Here are some reviews by Harriet to get you by.
Terribly Twisted Tales
Edited by Jean Rabe and Martin H. Greenberg
DAW, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780756405540
These eighteen entries will remind readers of Rocky and Bullwinkle’s Fractured Fairy Tales as the authors take an irrelevant spin on famous stories. Almost all the contributions are excellent with a couple, though well written, disappointingly changing the personalities of the key players without explanation. Fans will enjoy what happens to Snow White after she owns the Prince and the Mirror in Chris Pierson’s superb “Once They Were Seven”, the witch chasing after violent Hansel and Gretel in “Waifs” by Dennis L. McKiernan and the scary science fiction twister “Jack and the Genetic Beanstalk by Robert E. Vardeman. Overall this is a great collection that pays homage to the brilliant zany minds of Jay Ward and Bill Scott.
The Edge of the World
Kevin J. Anderson
Orbit, Jun 2009, $14.99
ISBN 9780316004183
The war between the followers of the two Gods, Aiden and Urec, the sons of the creator, has been going on forever. Both nations have suffered from the constant battles and need for vigil. An inferno devastates the city of Ishalem that sits on the isthmus separating the two kingdoms. Each side blames the other for the disaster and back and forth reprisals heats up the hostilities over the next thirteen years.
Hope to end the conflict seems unlikely as massacres especially of civilians are the acceptable norm. Yet each nation decides victory is theirs if they are the first to find a legendary land on THE EDGE OF THE WORLD that hints of divine truths, which also means a dangerous sea race venturing into the treacherous sea beyond the isthmus.
The first Terra Incognita tale showcases Kevin J. Anderson’s skills as he leaves outer space (see the Saga of Seven Suns) for an apparent fantasy saga. However, although there are hints of otherworldly elements, none surface so that the hostilities make the story line seem more like a historical military novel. Still the tale is engaging as Mr. Anderson begins to explore the causes of the conflict; hopefully in future entries he will go core deep into how the constant war impacts societies; as the fight rules these two nations.
The Revolution Business
Charles Stross
Tor, Apr 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780765316721
The Clan Corporate believes they are invincible in spite of growing evidence that rebel activity from within their feudal system is growing rapidly. They base their logic on their magical ability to cross into parallel worlds like that of an advanced earth; as with the internal threat, the Clan fails to understand that the scientific based world knows of their cross dimensional ventures and have labeled the Clan a terrorist group by the USA.
At the same time the Clan fails to read the facts, Boston reporter Miriam Beckstein has been freed from jail, but is pregnant and remains at the crosshairs of political rivals on two worlds who either want her dead or incarcerated. She becomes front and center on the American terrorist list when apparently world crossers steal nuclear weapons from the United States at the same time American engineering and science is close to finding a way to cross over to the Clan dominated world.
Exciting and action-packed as political intrigue on two worlds makes for an interesting read filled with twists and betrayals. Miriam is terrific as she goes from the frying pan to the nuclear fire while somewhat serving as the closest character to a lead protagonist; with people moving in and people moving out, the temptation is to assume no star exists with the story line to some extent overwhelmed by the masses. Still this is an entertaining entry that sets the table for what appears to be coming: when worlds collide.
Terribly Twisted Tales
Edited by Jean Rabe and Martin H. Greenberg
DAW, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780756405540
These eighteen entries will remind readers of Rocky and Bullwinkle’s Fractured Fairy Tales as the authors take an irrelevant spin on famous stories. Almost all the contributions are excellent with a couple, though well written, disappointingly changing the personalities of the key players without explanation. Fans will enjoy what happens to Snow White after she owns the Prince and the Mirror in Chris Pierson’s superb “Once They Were Seven”, the witch chasing after violent Hansel and Gretel in “Waifs” by Dennis L. McKiernan and the scary science fiction twister “Jack and the Genetic Beanstalk by Robert E. Vardeman. Overall this is a great collection that pays homage to the brilliant zany minds of Jay Ward and Bill Scott.
The Edge of the World
Kevin J. Anderson
Orbit, Jun 2009, $14.99
ISBN 9780316004183
The war between the followers of the two Gods, Aiden and Urec, the sons of the creator, has been going on forever. Both nations have suffered from the constant battles and need for vigil. An inferno devastates the city of Ishalem that sits on the isthmus separating the two kingdoms. Each side blames the other for the disaster and back and forth reprisals heats up the hostilities over the next thirteen years.
Hope to end the conflict seems unlikely as massacres especially of civilians are the acceptable norm. Yet each nation decides victory is theirs if they are the first to find a legendary land on THE EDGE OF THE WORLD that hints of divine truths, which also means a dangerous sea race venturing into the treacherous sea beyond the isthmus.
The first Terra Incognita tale showcases Kevin J. Anderson’s skills as he leaves outer space (see the Saga of Seven Suns) for an apparent fantasy saga. However, although there are hints of otherworldly elements, none surface so that the hostilities make the story line seem more like a historical military novel. Still the tale is engaging as Mr. Anderson begins to explore the causes of the conflict; hopefully in future entries he will go core deep into how the constant war impacts societies; as the fight rules these two nations.
The Revolution Business
Charles Stross
Tor, Apr 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780765316721
The Clan Corporate believes they are invincible in spite of growing evidence that rebel activity from within their feudal system is growing rapidly. They base their logic on their magical ability to cross into parallel worlds like that of an advanced earth; as with the internal threat, the Clan fails to understand that the scientific based world knows of their cross dimensional ventures and have labeled the Clan a terrorist group by the USA.
At the same time the Clan fails to read the facts, Boston reporter Miriam Beckstein has been freed from jail, but is pregnant and remains at the crosshairs of political rivals on two worlds who either want her dead or incarcerated. She becomes front and center on the American terrorist list when apparently world crossers steal nuclear weapons from the United States at the same time American engineering and science is close to finding a way to cross over to the Clan dominated world.
Exciting and action-packed as political intrigue on two worlds makes for an interesting read filled with twists and betrayals. Miriam is terrific as she goes from the frying pan to the nuclear fire while somewhat serving as the closest character to a lead protagonist; with people moving in and people moving out, the temptation is to assume no star exists with the story line to some extent overwhelmed by the masses. Still this is an entertaining entry that sets the table for what appears to be coming: when worlds collide.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Comics and Angels and Fairies
Three new reviews from me. Two new comics and two new bo0oks. Be sure to check them out.
Baryon 111 is up at http://www.baryon-online.com
DIRT 1, 2, Scott Nicholson, Kewbwe Arruda Valdez &Rainer Petter, Post Mortem Comics, $2.95 each, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Scott Nicholson was one of the Writers of the Future winners a few years back and did a series of horror novels for Pinnacle. Not he is branching out into comics by revisioning some of his shorter works into comics. Scott has memories of the horror comics from EC and is presenting these for those of us that fed on the same vein, so to speak.
Our host for the books is The Digger, who appears in a top hat, a tattered longcoat and a shovel ready to do his job. “The Christening” tells of the Stamey family and the birth of the next generation. “Carnival Knowledge” is a short tale of a carnival freak. “Timing Chains of the Heart” is the story of Cammie, a ’69 Camaro and her jealousy about the girls that get taken for the ride of their lives.
The second issue opens with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” about a father and his son as they try to avoid the dead men walking. “Dumb Luck” tells what happens when you ignore a chain letter. “Second Chances” makes you wonder if everyone really deserves one.
The comics are black and white with color covers and are well written and the art is well suited to this genre. Ask for these at your local comics store or use the link from Scott’s web page, www.hauntedcomputer.com.
ANGEL’S ADVOCATE, Mary Stanton, Berkley, $7.99, 314 pages, ISBN: 9780425228753, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Bree Winston-Beaufort has a law practice in Savannah, the most haunted city in America. Her office is in the middle of the cemetery and she has no lack of clients wanting an appeal on their sentence. Her only problem is that the dead don’t pay very well.
When a local, well to do teenager steals the cookie money from a Girl Scout and zooms off in her Hummer, Bree takes the case as a favor to her aunt. Lindsey Chandler seems to be a normal rebellious teenager whose father died in a car wreck a few months earlier, but that is only one of her problems.
Bree ends up with Probert Chandler as a client as well. He says it was murder and wants to appeal his sentence to the ninth circle of hell. He was the owner of a chain of discount drug stores and partner in a drug research corporation. As Bree works to get Lindsey a reduced sentence, she becomes aware of drugs being stolen from the company, but no police reports were ever filed.
Bree discovers the history behind the family, the corporation, the business partners, and other things as she works to solve this case in spite of some evil spirits out to stop her.
This is another fabulous entry in the paranormal Beaufort & Company series. It’s a very enjoyable and fast paced novel that is filled with unconventional characters. In case you are not familiar with Mary Stanton, she also writes as Claudia Bishop. I don’t know whether to use the terms quaint and charming but they are the right words to use for this novel, but that’s what it is. If you missed the first book in the series, DEFENDING ANGELS, be sure and pick it up as well. This is definitely one of the top ten books of the year.
DREAMDARK: Blackbringer, Laini Taylor, Firebird, $9.99, 438 pages, ISBN: 9780142411681, an observation by Barry Hunter.
The best thing a book can do is to cause you to think. It doesn’t have to be deep world shattering thoughts. It can be the thoughts that bring back memories of your childhood, of your first discoveries of the world around you. The world that is physically around you and the world that is inside you. There is always the world that is and the world that could have been.
I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember when that new, at least to me, medium of television brought Mary Martin into my house in the guise of Peter Pan. And with Pan came Tinkerbell, the first of the fairies to make a home in my marvelous world of what might have been.
Now she has been joined some fifty odd years later by Magpie Windwitch, fairy and grand daughter of the West Wind. Magpie travels the world with her faithful band of crows that endeavor to eliminate the devils and imps that seek to cause trouble. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of Bellatrix who did the same thing 25,000 years ago.
Now she must hunt down the greatest threat the world has ever seen. The Blackbringer has been released from its confinement and it s up to Magpie to recapture it and stop it from destroying the world of fairy and man as well. During this quest Magpie makes new friends, new enemies and ultimately the true story of her birth and her powers that have been kept from her.
I don’t know if parents still read to their children or not. I’m sure some do, but either way this is a marvelously enchanting book to introduce them to the realm just beyond our gaze. You know the place, the one you see as your eyes close for the night or as the first light strikes the morning dew.
This is a book and series that need to be on your shelf. Adults need to read it as well and rediscover the joy and magic that is all too sadly, being forgotten. Even if you don’t have children yet, get a copy and after you read it save it for the ones you are going to have later; be it in this world or the world that could have been.
Baryon 111 is up at http://www.baryon-online.com
DIRT 1, 2, Scott Nicholson, Kewbwe Arruda Valdez &Rainer Petter, Post Mortem Comics, $2.95 each, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Scott Nicholson was one of the Writers of the Future winners a few years back and did a series of horror novels for Pinnacle. Not he is branching out into comics by revisioning some of his shorter works into comics. Scott has memories of the horror comics from EC and is presenting these for those of us that fed on the same vein, so to speak.
Our host for the books is The Digger, who appears in a top hat, a tattered longcoat and a shovel ready to do his job. “The Christening” tells of the Stamey family and the birth of the next generation. “Carnival Knowledge” is a short tale of a carnival freak. “Timing Chains of the Heart” is the story of Cammie, a ’69 Camaro and her jealousy about the girls that get taken for the ride of their lives.
The second issue opens with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” about a father and his son as they try to avoid the dead men walking. “Dumb Luck” tells what happens when you ignore a chain letter. “Second Chances” makes you wonder if everyone really deserves one.
The comics are black and white with color covers and are well written and the art is well suited to this genre. Ask for these at your local comics store or use the link from Scott’s web page, www.hauntedcomputer.com.
ANGEL’S ADVOCATE, Mary Stanton, Berkley, $7.99, 314 pages, ISBN: 9780425228753, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Bree Winston-Beaufort has a law practice in Savannah, the most haunted city in America. Her office is in the middle of the cemetery and she has no lack of clients wanting an appeal on their sentence. Her only problem is that the dead don’t pay very well.
When a local, well to do teenager steals the cookie money from a Girl Scout and zooms off in her Hummer, Bree takes the case as a favor to her aunt. Lindsey Chandler seems to be a normal rebellious teenager whose father died in a car wreck a few months earlier, but that is only one of her problems.
Bree ends up with Probert Chandler as a client as well. He says it was murder and wants to appeal his sentence to the ninth circle of hell. He was the owner of a chain of discount drug stores and partner in a drug research corporation. As Bree works to get Lindsey a reduced sentence, she becomes aware of drugs being stolen from the company, but no police reports were ever filed.
Bree discovers the history behind the family, the corporation, the business partners, and other things as she works to solve this case in spite of some evil spirits out to stop her.
This is another fabulous entry in the paranormal Beaufort & Company series. It’s a very enjoyable and fast paced novel that is filled with unconventional characters. In case you are not familiar with Mary Stanton, she also writes as Claudia Bishop. I don’t know whether to use the terms quaint and charming but they are the right words to use for this novel, but that’s what it is. If you missed the first book in the series, DEFENDING ANGELS, be sure and pick it up as well. This is definitely one of the top ten books of the year.
DREAMDARK: Blackbringer, Laini Taylor, Firebird, $9.99, 438 pages, ISBN: 9780142411681, an observation by Barry Hunter.
The best thing a book can do is to cause you to think. It doesn’t have to be deep world shattering thoughts. It can be the thoughts that bring back memories of your childhood, of your first discoveries of the world around you. The world that is physically around you and the world that is inside you. There is always the world that is and the world that could have been.
I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember when that new, at least to me, medium of television brought Mary Martin into my house in the guise of Peter Pan. And with Pan came Tinkerbell, the first of the fairies to make a home in my marvelous world of what might have been.
Now she has been joined some fifty odd years later by Magpie Windwitch, fairy and grand daughter of the West Wind. Magpie travels the world with her faithful band of crows that endeavor to eliminate the devils and imps that seek to cause trouble. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of Bellatrix who did the same thing 25,000 years ago.
Now she must hunt down the greatest threat the world has ever seen. The Blackbringer has been released from its confinement and it s up to Magpie to recapture it and stop it from destroying the world of fairy and man as well. During this quest Magpie makes new friends, new enemies and ultimately the true story of her birth and her powers that have been kept from her.
I don’t know if parents still read to their children or not. I’m sure some do, but either way this is a marvelously enchanting book to introduce them to the realm just beyond our gaze. You know the place, the one you see as your eyes close for the night or as the first light strikes the morning dew.
This is a book and series that need to be on your shelf. Adults need to read it as well and rediscover the joy and magic that is all too sadly, being forgotten. Even if you don’t have children yet, get a copy and after you read it save it for the ones you are going to have later; be it in this world or the world that could have been.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Three Reviews
Kathy and I are both on antibiotics fighting a round of bronchitis. This is her second time this year. It's rough to be getting older.
Still no luck on the job front. Interviews and resumes are all over the place but nothing has come through yet. Keep thinking good thoughts and maybe something will happen.
BOSTON SCREAM PIE, Rosemary & Larry Mild, Hilliard & Harris, $16.95, 188 pages, ISBN: 9781591332640, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
It’s not often I hate a character from the first line I read, but Delylah Upshaw is one of those. You know there’s something in her character that makes her despicable and by page eight, you know she is a cold hearted, conniving bitch. There are other unsavory characters in here as well, but as she watches her third husband die, you really don’t like her.
Caitlin Neuman is the lone survivor of a wreck that killed her parents and her twin sister, but now she is having dreams of another wreck that grows in intensity until she seeks help to see if it is a nightmare or if she is slowing losing her mind. She goes to the best source to find out what really happened.
Molly LeSoto is a part time house keeper for Caitlin and is married to a retired Baltimore detective, Paco, who helps out the local police department a few days a week. Caitlin goes to Paco with her problem and some sketches she made from her dreams.
Paco finds out that there was an accident seven months before that matches Caitlin’s dreams. As he investigates he finds Newton Boston and his new wife, Delylah, whose daughter, Laura is in a coma from the accident and her twin sister, Lisa, has just been murdered.
The Mild’s have written a charmer of a novel with interesting and despicable characters. There is another murder and events from the past are uncovered that help explain Caitlin’s dreams. Although this is my first meeting with Paco and Molly, I don’t think it will be my last. There are two other books in the series, HOT GRUDGE SUNDAY and LOCKS AND CREAM CHEESE. Put this one on you reading list. It’s a lot of fun for a mystery.
Deeper, James A Moore, Berkley, May 2009, $7.99, ISBN: 9780425228210, reviewed by Harriet Klausner.
As the New England seafaring season is almost over, the professor Dr. Martin Ward come to Bowden’s Point to hire Captain Joe Bierden to take him and his three associates to Devil’s Reef near the town of Golden Cove so they can explore an underwater cave. Although he, his wife Belle and his best friend and first mate Charlie Moncrief want to refuse the offer, the money is too good to say no.
On his biggest yacht Isabella’s Dream, Joe, Charlie and a couple of local teens take the customers for their month long exploration. The crew is shocked by the hostility of the townsfolk. As the professor, his athletic assistant Diana and a TV famous parapsychologist along with Jacob and Mary Parsons explore Devil’s Reef seeking evidence of a city Innsmouth rumored to be destroyed by the Feds, ghost ships and Deep Ones oceanic humanoids attack the crew and clients.
This is an excellent horror thriller due to a fully developed cast (human and paranormal) who seem genuine so that when the impossible occurs, James A. Moore makes it feels possible. Filled with action and suspense, DEEPER hooks readers into a one sitting tale as fans will wonder who will be left swimming in the ever increasingly darker and sinister aptly titled Golden Cove.
Relentless, Dean Koontz, Bantam, Jun 9 2009, $27.00, ISBN: 9780553807141, reviewed by Harriet Klausner.
The latest book by bestselling author Cullen "Cubby" Greenwich receives rave reviews from fans and critics except reviewer Shearman Waxx. Cubby is outraged by the so called “nation's premier literary critic" ripping his work because he doubts the man even read it as the review is loaded with factual errors about the story line. On a whim, he goes with his six year old son Milla to confront Waxx at a restaurant in Newport Beach, California. In the bathroom Cubby’s son almost urinates on Waxx so the critic has one word to say to the writer: “Doom”.
Cubby soon sees Waxx has been in his house, disabling security system and cutting off electricity and the phone lines. Soon afterward the house explodes though the family gets out in time. Cubby receives a warning from another author whom claims Waxx killed his parents, wife and children over an unfair disputed review. In order to keep his family safe, Cubby must kill Waxx and those conspirators abetting the man’s terrorist campaign especially the leader of this silent group of deadly operatives; however he only knows of Waxx.
Conspiracy buffs will enjoy Dean Koontz’s exciting thriller even if the secret society does not ring true and Waxx’s motives never fully surface. Milo in some ways steals the show with his “Inspector Gadget” gizmos that even his parents are awed by him and unsure what he will do next. He may be a prodigy, but he has vulnerabilities and fears. Fans of Mr. Koontz and those willing to accept an over the Sierra Mountains plot with an even higher over the stratosphere villain will enjoy RELENTLESS as Waxx and company leave a violent calling card.
Still no luck on the job front. Interviews and resumes are all over the place but nothing has come through yet. Keep thinking good thoughts and maybe something will happen.
BOSTON SCREAM PIE, Rosemary & Larry Mild, Hilliard & Harris, $16.95, 188 pages, ISBN: 9781591332640, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
It’s not often I hate a character from the first line I read, but Delylah Upshaw is one of those. You know there’s something in her character that makes her despicable and by page eight, you know she is a cold hearted, conniving bitch. There are other unsavory characters in here as well, but as she watches her third husband die, you really don’t like her.
Caitlin Neuman is the lone survivor of a wreck that killed her parents and her twin sister, but now she is having dreams of another wreck that grows in intensity until she seeks help to see if it is a nightmare or if she is slowing losing her mind. She goes to the best source to find out what really happened.
Molly LeSoto is a part time house keeper for Caitlin and is married to a retired Baltimore detective, Paco, who helps out the local police department a few days a week. Caitlin goes to Paco with her problem and some sketches she made from her dreams.
Paco finds out that there was an accident seven months before that matches Caitlin’s dreams. As he investigates he finds Newton Boston and his new wife, Delylah, whose daughter, Laura is in a coma from the accident and her twin sister, Lisa, has just been murdered.
The Mild’s have written a charmer of a novel with interesting and despicable characters. There is another murder and events from the past are uncovered that help explain Caitlin’s dreams. Although this is my first meeting with Paco and Molly, I don’t think it will be my last. There are two other books in the series, HOT GRUDGE SUNDAY and LOCKS AND CREAM CHEESE. Put this one on you reading list. It’s a lot of fun for a mystery.
Deeper, James A Moore, Berkley, May 2009, $7.99, ISBN: 9780425228210, reviewed by Harriet Klausner.
As the New England seafaring season is almost over, the professor Dr. Martin Ward come to Bowden’s Point to hire Captain Joe Bierden to take him and his three associates to Devil’s Reef near the town of Golden Cove so they can explore an underwater cave. Although he, his wife Belle and his best friend and first mate Charlie Moncrief want to refuse the offer, the money is too good to say no.
On his biggest yacht Isabella’s Dream, Joe, Charlie and a couple of local teens take the customers for their month long exploration. The crew is shocked by the hostility of the townsfolk. As the professor, his athletic assistant Diana and a TV famous parapsychologist along with Jacob and Mary Parsons explore Devil’s Reef seeking evidence of a city Innsmouth rumored to be destroyed by the Feds, ghost ships and Deep Ones oceanic humanoids attack the crew and clients.
This is an excellent horror thriller due to a fully developed cast (human and paranormal) who seem genuine so that when the impossible occurs, James A. Moore makes it feels possible. Filled with action and suspense, DEEPER hooks readers into a one sitting tale as fans will wonder who will be left swimming in the ever increasingly darker and sinister aptly titled Golden Cove.
Relentless, Dean Koontz, Bantam, Jun 9 2009, $27.00, ISBN: 9780553807141, reviewed by Harriet Klausner.
The latest book by bestselling author Cullen "Cubby" Greenwich receives rave reviews from fans and critics except reviewer Shearman Waxx. Cubby is outraged by the so called “nation's premier literary critic" ripping his work because he doubts the man even read it as the review is loaded with factual errors about the story line. On a whim, he goes with his six year old son Milla to confront Waxx at a restaurant in Newport Beach, California. In the bathroom Cubby’s son almost urinates on Waxx so the critic has one word to say to the writer: “Doom”.
Cubby soon sees Waxx has been in his house, disabling security system and cutting off electricity and the phone lines. Soon afterward the house explodes though the family gets out in time. Cubby receives a warning from another author whom claims Waxx killed his parents, wife and children over an unfair disputed review. In order to keep his family safe, Cubby must kill Waxx and those conspirators abetting the man’s terrorist campaign especially the leader of this silent group of deadly operatives; however he only knows of Waxx.
Conspiracy buffs will enjoy Dean Koontz’s exciting thriller even if the secret society does not ring true and Waxx’s motives never fully surface. Milo in some ways steals the show with his “Inspector Gadget” gizmos that even his parents are awed by him and unsure what he will do next. He may be a prodigy, but he has vulnerabilities and fears. Fans of Mr. Koontz and those willing to accept an over the Sierra Mountains plot with an even higher over the stratosphere villain will enjoy RELENTLESS as Waxx and company leave a violent calling card.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Catherine Coulter
Here’s the review that I mentioned a couple of days ago. It’s a first novel by a new writer on an uncommon topic. I hope you are interested enough to pick up a copy.
Harriet has sent a review of the new Catherine Coulter novel. It looks like it will be another winner for her.
Still not feeling well. Still have a bad sore throat and congestion, but I haven’t seen any pigs flying. I think that’s still a good thing.
LITTLE LAMB LOST, Margaret Fenton, Oceanview, 424.95, 254 pages, ISBN: 9781933515519, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Margaret Fenton has a Masters degree in Social Work and I feel her expertise and experience in this field add to the realism and understanding and the characters that take place in this sad, but well done mystery.
Claire Conover works in DFCS in Birmingham and feels that she is making a difference in her job. That is until she receives the dreaded call that one of her children has died and the mother is arrested for the murder. To make matters worse, the mother pleads guilty and is sentenced to prison. Claire can’t let it go, even after being told to let it go.
Claire starts digging into the background of the case. She becomes the focus of a newspaper reporter that might cost her job. She tries to find the source of the GHB that killed the child and who the mother is protecting.
From the nightclubs to the old money mansions and the new experimental drugs, Claire finds that there is a lot to hide that could ruin more lives or cause her to lose her own. Fenton has done an outstanding job with the characters and the story. She shows there are people out there who care and I hope Claire Conover graces the reading list again, and soon.
Knock Out
Catherine Coulter
Putnam, Jun 2009, $26.95
ISBN: 9780399155840
FBI agent Dillon Savich is on line in a bank when robbers enter with guns blazing. They have done this before killing guards and customers. This time Savich kills three of the robbers. As Lissy escapes, with the help of the getaway drived, she vows to kill Savich for killing her mom. However, she is caught and taken to a hospital for her injuries. Victor, using an FBI badge, frees her.
Savich and his FBI partner wife Lacey Sherlock tries to help Titusville Sheriff Ethan Merriweather protect Joanne Backman and seven-year-old Autumn, who is a strong telepath from her odious Uncle Blessed who can control minds when he looks into a person’s eyes. Autumn contacted Savich telepathically. The Feds capture Blessed, but he escapes. He plans to abduct his niece to take her to a place where her psychic skills can grow to the point where the cult he founded can use her. Meanwhile Savich and Sherlock return to DC where Lissy and Victor have surfaced. As soon as they leave, Blessed grabs Joanne and Autumn. Only a miracle might save the pair from being Blessed.
All of Catherine Coulter’s thrillers are excellent, but this one is special as the heroes are caught with conflicting cases. Both subplots are fully developed so that the audience understands the internal strife Savich especially feels as he and Sherlock want to capture the deadly bank robbers as well as Blessed; the laws of physics make achieving both impossible. Autumn will win the hearts of the audience from the moment she mentally contacts Savich after seeing his heroics on TV. Whereas the Lisa-Victor story line is typical of an FBI thriller, Autumn is refreshing as an ESP element augments the entry. Readers will enjoy S&S and want Autumn to return to assist them on a future case; if she survives her uncle.
Harriet Klausner
Harriet has sent a review of the new Catherine Coulter novel. It looks like it will be another winner for her.
Still not feeling well. Still have a bad sore throat and congestion, but I haven’t seen any pigs flying. I think that’s still a good thing.
LITTLE LAMB LOST, Margaret Fenton, Oceanview, 424.95, 254 pages, ISBN: 9781933515519, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Margaret Fenton has a Masters degree in Social Work and I feel her expertise and experience in this field add to the realism and understanding and the characters that take place in this sad, but well done mystery.
Claire Conover works in DFCS in Birmingham and feels that she is making a difference in her job. That is until she receives the dreaded call that one of her children has died and the mother is arrested for the murder. To make matters worse, the mother pleads guilty and is sentenced to prison. Claire can’t let it go, even after being told to let it go.
Claire starts digging into the background of the case. She becomes the focus of a newspaper reporter that might cost her job. She tries to find the source of the GHB that killed the child and who the mother is protecting.
From the nightclubs to the old money mansions and the new experimental drugs, Claire finds that there is a lot to hide that could ruin more lives or cause her to lose her own. Fenton has done an outstanding job with the characters and the story. She shows there are people out there who care and I hope Claire Conover graces the reading list again, and soon.
Knock Out
Catherine Coulter
Putnam, Jun 2009, $26.95
ISBN: 9780399155840
FBI agent Dillon Savich is on line in a bank when robbers enter with guns blazing. They have done this before killing guards and customers. This time Savich kills three of the robbers. As Lissy escapes, with the help of the getaway drived, she vows to kill Savich for killing her mom. However, she is caught and taken to a hospital for her injuries. Victor, using an FBI badge, frees her.
Savich and his FBI partner wife Lacey Sherlock tries to help Titusville Sheriff Ethan Merriweather protect Joanne Backman and seven-year-old Autumn, who is a strong telepath from her odious Uncle Blessed who can control minds when he looks into a person’s eyes. Autumn contacted Savich telepathically. The Feds capture Blessed, but he escapes. He plans to abduct his niece to take her to a place where her psychic skills can grow to the point where the cult he founded can use her. Meanwhile Savich and Sherlock return to DC where Lissy and Victor have surfaced. As soon as they leave, Blessed grabs Joanne and Autumn. Only a miracle might save the pair from being Blessed.
All of Catherine Coulter’s thrillers are excellent, but this one is special as the heroes are caught with conflicting cases. Both subplots are fully developed so that the audience understands the internal strife Savich especially feels as he and Sherlock want to capture the deadly bank robbers as well as Blessed; the laws of physics make achieving both impossible. Autumn will win the hearts of the audience from the moment she mentally contacts Savich after seeing his heroics on TV. Whereas the Lisa-Victor story line is typical of an FBI thriller, Autumn is refreshing as an ESP element augments the entry. Readers will enjoy S&S and want Autumn to return to assist them on a future case; if she survives her uncle.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sick
Just a quick note. Kathy and I are both sick with a really bad sore throat and general aches and pains. I hope Kathy's does not turn into bronchitis. I'll get something up as soon as we feel better.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Time
I took a little time for myself after having all the folks over for the weekend. I had tickets to Monday and Tuesdays Rome Braves baseball games. It was rained out Monday night and they played a double header on Tuesday. Rome won the first one and lost the second one and I got plenty of sun.
I've gotten a few books but have not gotten into them yet.
Here are some more reviews from Harriet. Hope there is something of interest.
Terribly Twisted Tales
Edited by Jean Rabe and Martin H. Greenberg
Daw, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9780756405540
These eighteen entries will remind readers of Rocky and Bullwinkle’s Fractured Fairy Tales as the authors take an irrelevant spin on famous stories. Almost all the contributions are excellent with a couple, though well written, disappointingly changing the personalities of the key players without explanation. Fans will enjoy what happens to Snow White after she owns the Prince and the Mirror in Chris Pierson’s superb “Once They Were Seven”, the witch chasing after violent Hansel and Gretel in “Waifs” by Dennis L. McKiernan and the scary science fiction twister “Jack and the Genetic Beanstalk by Robert E. Vardeman. Overall this is a great collection that pays homage to the brilliant zany minds of Jay Ward and Bill Scott.
Harriet Klausner
The Edge of the World
Kevin J. Anderson
Orbit, Jun 2009, $14.99
ISBN 9780316004183
The war between the followers of the two Gods, Aiden and Urec, the sons of the creator, has been going on forever. Both nations have suffered from the constant battles and need for vigil. An inferno devastates the city of Ishalem that sits on the isthmus separating the two kingdoms. Each side blames the other for the disaster and back and forth reprisals heats up the hostilities over the next thirteen years.
Hope to end the conflict seems unlikely as massacres especially of civilians are the acceptable norm. Yet each nation decides victory is theirs if they are the first to find a legendary land on THE EDGE OF THE WORLD that hints of divine truths, which also means a dangerous sea race venturing into the treacherous sea beyond the isthmus.
The first Terra Incognita tale showcases Kevin J. Anderson’s skills as he leaves outer space (see the Saga of Seven Suns) for an apparent fantasy saga. However, although there are hints of otherworldly elements, none surface so that the hostilities make the story line seem more like a historical military novel. Still the tale is engaging as Mr. Anderson begins to explore the causes of the conflict; hopefully in future entries he will go core deep into how the constant war impacts societies; as the fight rules these two nations.
Harriet Klausner
The Revolution Business
Charles Stross
Tor, Apr 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780765316721
The Clan Corporate believes they are invincible in spite of growing evidence that rebel activity from within their feudal system is growing rapidly. They base their logic on their magical ability to cross into parallel worlds like that of an advanced earth; as with the internal threat, the Clan fails to understand that the scientific based world knows of their cross dimensional ventures and have labeled the Clan a terrorist group by the USA.
At the same time the Clan fails to read the facts, Boston reporter Miriam Beckstein has been freed from jail, but is pregnant and remains at the crosshairs of political rivals on two worlds who either want her dead or incarcerated. She becomes front and center on the American terrorist list when apparently world crossers steal nuclear weapons from the United States at the same time American engineering and science is close to finding a way to cross over to the Clan dominated world.
The latest Merchant Princes fantasy-science fiction (see THE MERCHANTS' WAR) is exciting and action-packed as political intrigue on two worlds makes for an interesting read filled with twists and betrayals. Miriam is terrific as she goes from the frying pan to the nuclear fire while somewhat serving as the closest character to a lead protagonist; with people moving in and people moving out, the temptation is to assume no star exists with the story line to some extent overwhelmed by the masses. Still this is an entertaining entry that sets the table for what appears to be coming: when worlds collide.
Harriet Klausner
I've gotten a few books but have not gotten into them yet.
Here are some more reviews from Harriet. Hope there is something of interest.
Terribly Twisted Tales
Edited by Jean Rabe and Martin H. Greenberg
Daw, Jun 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9780756405540
These eighteen entries will remind readers of Rocky and Bullwinkle’s Fractured Fairy Tales as the authors take an irrelevant spin on famous stories. Almost all the contributions are excellent with a couple, though well written, disappointingly changing the personalities of the key players without explanation. Fans will enjoy what happens to Snow White after she owns the Prince and the Mirror in Chris Pierson’s superb “Once They Were Seven”, the witch chasing after violent Hansel and Gretel in “Waifs” by Dennis L. McKiernan and the scary science fiction twister “Jack and the Genetic Beanstalk by Robert E. Vardeman. Overall this is a great collection that pays homage to the brilliant zany minds of Jay Ward and Bill Scott.
Harriet Klausner
The Edge of the World
Kevin J. Anderson
Orbit, Jun 2009, $14.99
ISBN 9780316004183
The war between the followers of the two Gods, Aiden and Urec, the sons of the creator, has been going on forever. Both nations have suffered from the constant battles and need for vigil. An inferno devastates the city of Ishalem that sits on the isthmus separating the two kingdoms. Each side blames the other for the disaster and back and forth reprisals heats up the hostilities over the next thirteen years.
Hope to end the conflict seems unlikely as massacres especially of civilians are the acceptable norm. Yet each nation decides victory is theirs if they are the first to find a legendary land on THE EDGE OF THE WORLD that hints of divine truths, which also means a dangerous sea race venturing into the treacherous sea beyond the isthmus.
The first Terra Incognita tale showcases Kevin J. Anderson’s skills as he leaves outer space (see the Saga of Seven Suns) for an apparent fantasy saga. However, although there are hints of otherworldly elements, none surface so that the hostilities make the story line seem more like a historical military novel. Still the tale is engaging as Mr. Anderson begins to explore the causes of the conflict; hopefully in future entries he will go core deep into how the constant war impacts societies; as the fight rules these two nations.
Harriet Klausner
The Revolution Business
Charles Stross
Tor, Apr 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780765316721
The Clan Corporate believes they are invincible in spite of growing evidence that rebel activity from within their feudal system is growing rapidly. They base their logic on their magical ability to cross into parallel worlds like that of an advanced earth; as with the internal threat, the Clan fails to understand that the scientific based world knows of their cross dimensional ventures and have labeled the Clan a terrorist group by the USA.
At the same time the Clan fails to read the facts, Boston reporter Miriam Beckstein has been freed from jail, but is pregnant and remains at the crosshairs of political rivals on two worlds who either want her dead or incarcerated. She becomes front and center on the American terrorist list when apparently world crossers steal nuclear weapons from the United States at the same time American engineering and science is close to finding a way to cross over to the Clan dominated world.
The latest Merchant Princes fantasy-science fiction (see THE MERCHANTS' WAR) is exciting and action-packed as political intrigue on two worlds makes for an interesting read filled with twists and betrayals. Miriam is terrific as she goes from the frying pan to the nuclear fire while somewhat serving as the closest character to a lead protagonist; with people moving in and people moving out, the temptation is to assume no star exists with the story line to some extent overwhelmed by the masses. Still this is an entertaining entry that sets the table for what appears to be coming: when worlds collide.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Few Reviews to Get You By
Here are a few reviews from Harriet to get you by for the weekend.
Genesis
Bernard Beckett
Harcourt, Apr 2009, $20.00
ISBN: 9780547225494
Anaximander “Anax” is a student studying the history of the twenty-first century in school. She learns that century was the period of human decline as the Last War proved to be an accurate title as much of the globe was devastated and led to plague, environmental collapse, terrorism, and the end of civilization on the continents.
She also knows that the only pocket of true governance left in the world is her homeland, the Republic, an island in the Southern hemisphere modeled after Plato’s classic Republic. On the verge of taking the four hour exam that will determine her future as an elitist or a drone as the test decides whether she gains admittance to the elite Academy, Anax has also serendipitously studied the outlawed works of rebel with a cause Adam Forde. She likes his stand on human rights and dignity in a society run by a strict code of conduct that bans anything deemed deviant, but especially appreciates his stance as a soldier guarding the Great Sea Fence when he did not kill a young female on a boat breaching the barrier; but Amax knows she must hide her feelings from the panel of examiners.
This is Brave New World meets Plato in a devastated world with several fresh spins as Bernard Beckett provides an intriguing philosophical science fiction tlae that Huxley would have enjoyed. Anax is a terrific student historian who holds the story line together, but does so by concealing her adulation of Adam from her examiners. Fans will enjoy GENESIS as Anax learns the origin of the end of the world.
Harriet Klausner
Cemetery Dance
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Grand Central, May 12 2009, $26.99
ISBN: 9780446580298
In Manhattan, New York Times William Smithback and his wife Museum of Natural History anthropologist Nora Kelly arrive home after celebrating their first anniversary with plans to do more rejoicing. Instead they are attacked in their apartment building by a neighbor, out of work British actor Colin Fearing. To the horror of Kelly; her beloved spouse is killed during the assault while his crazed killer leaves.
NYPD obtains testimony from Nora and others who saw Fearing murder Smithback and the building’s surveillance tape captures Fearing leaving dripping blood everywhere. The case is solved except for one problem as FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast and New York Police Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta learn; Fearing died two weeks ago having been found in the Hudson River.
Fans will be stunned with the opening sequence when long time secondary character Smithback is killed. That just sets the table for a great tense police thriller as Agent Pendergast investigates how could a dead man commit murder? The above paragraphs are the beginning of a great taut tale that fans will appreciate and newcomers will look for Aloysius’ back cases (see THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS).
Harriet Klausner
Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang
Katie MacAlister
Signet, May 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451226723
How quickly her world changed without her consent while she was in Europe. Pia Thomason is now the magical Zorya of the Brotherhood whose reason for living is killing Dark Ones and married to her beloved Kristoff the grumpy Dark One though they reside on separate continents with her in Seattle and him in Europe; she knows her spouse distrusts her as she works for his enemy.
The Moravian Council accuses the couple of murder, embezzlement, and being behind the disappearance and probably homicide of Dark One Alec Darwin. Before she met Kristoff, Pia thought she loved Alec; which only angers her grump of a spouse. As they team up to search for the missing Alec and learn who framed them, Pia plans to enjoy her time with Kristoff while he cannot resist her lure.
As with the first Dark Ones saga (see ZEN AND THE ART OF DRAGONS), nothing goes right for the heroes as not only is the honeymoon over before it began, their lives may be over too. The story line is fast-paced, filled with humor and action as Katie MacAlister balances the two nicely. Fans will enjoy this enjoyable investigative urban romantic fantasy thanks to the antics of Pia.
Harriet Klausner
Genesis
Bernard Beckett
Harcourt, Apr 2009, $20.00
ISBN: 9780547225494
Anaximander “Anax” is a student studying the history of the twenty-first century in school. She learns that century was the period of human decline as the Last War proved to be an accurate title as much of the globe was devastated and led to plague, environmental collapse, terrorism, and the end of civilization on the continents.
She also knows that the only pocket of true governance left in the world is her homeland, the Republic, an island in the Southern hemisphere modeled after Plato’s classic Republic. On the verge of taking the four hour exam that will determine her future as an elitist or a drone as the test decides whether she gains admittance to the elite Academy, Anax has also serendipitously studied the outlawed works of rebel with a cause Adam Forde. She likes his stand on human rights and dignity in a society run by a strict code of conduct that bans anything deemed deviant, but especially appreciates his stance as a soldier guarding the Great Sea Fence when he did not kill a young female on a boat breaching the barrier; but Amax knows she must hide her feelings from the panel of examiners.
This is Brave New World meets Plato in a devastated world with several fresh spins as Bernard Beckett provides an intriguing philosophical science fiction tlae that Huxley would have enjoyed. Anax is a terrific student historian who holds the story line together, but does so by concealing her adulation of Adam from her examiners. Fans will enjoy GENESIS as Anax learns the origin of the end of the world.
Harriet Klausner
Cemetery Dance
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Grand Central, May 12 2009, $26.99
ISBN: 9780446580298
In Manhattan, New York Times William Smithback and his wife Museum of Natural History anthropologist Nora Kelly arrive home after celebrating their first anniversary with plans to do more rejoicing. Instead they are attacked in their apartment building by a neighbor, out of work British actor Colin Fearing. To the horror of Kelly; her beloved spouse is killed during the assault while his crazed killer leaves.
NYPD obtains testimony from Nora and others who saw Fearing murder Smithback and the building’s surveillance tape captures Fearing leaving dripping blood everywhere. The case is solved except for one problem as FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast and New York Police Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta learn; Fearing died two weeks ago having been found in the Hudson River.
Fans will be stunned with the opening sequence when long time secondary character Smithback is killed. That just sets the table for a great tense police thriller as Agent Pendergast investigates how could a dead man commit murder? The above paragraphs are the beginning of a great taut tale that fans will appreciate and newcomers will look for Aloysius’ back cases (see THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS).
Harriet Klausner
Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang
Katie MacAlister
Signet, May 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451226723
How quickly her world changed without her consent while she was in Europe. Pia Thomason is now the magical Zorya of the Brotherhood whose reason for living is killing Dark Ones and married to her beloved Kristoff the grumpy Dark One though they reside on separate continents with her in Seattle and him in Europe; she knows her spouse distrusts her as she works for his enemy.
The Moravian Council accuses the couple of murder, embezzlement, and being behind the disappearance and probably homicide of Dark One Alec Darwin. Before she met Kristoff, Pia thought she loved Alec; which only angers her grump of a spouse. As they team up to search for the missing Alec and learn who framed them, Pia plans to enjoy her time with Kristoff while he cannot resist her lure.
As with the first Dark Ones saga (see ZEN AND THE ART OF DRAGONS), nothing goes right for the heroes as not only is the honeymoon over before it began, their lives may be over too. The story line is fast-paced, filled with humor and action as Katie MacAlister balances the two nicely. Fans will enjoy this enjoyable investigative urban romantic fantasy thanks to the antics of Pia.
Harriet Klausner
Sorry about not posting
Sorry about not posting the last few days. Have had some things come up that had to be addressed
Will have tons of guests this weekend and may not get anything up til Sunday. I appreciate you folks understanding. Things should get back to normal soon.
Will have tons of guests this weekend and may not get anything up til Sunday. I appreciate you folks understanding. Things should get back to normal soon.
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