It's a cold and rainy weekend. Working on a story for a new anthology from Whortleberry Press. Also filling out forms for the VA on my claim. Reviews from Harriet follow.
Kisser
Stuart Woods
Putnam, Jan 19 2010, $25.95
ISBN: 9780399156113
Stone Barrington, of counsel at Woodman & Weld, is at Elaine’s restaurant in Manhattan when he notices beautiful Carrie Cox who is in New York with dreams of becoming an actress. After she tells Stone about a great audition she had with a director who tried to rape her afterward so she threw his dinner onto his lap at a gala they both attended separately.
Stone advises her how to handle the situation; she soon gets the part and a great agent. Stone and Carrie like each other’s company, but he has to place his personal life on hold when Bill Eggers wants him to get Hildy Parsons out of trouble. Her father is a client at Woodman & Weld and knows his daughter is involved with a gigolo who anxiously waits for her trust fund to revert back to her control. Stone learns the con artist is also dealing drugs and partnered with Larsen who is managing a Ponzi scheme. They become Stone’s problem when someone he cares about wants to bring them down. Making matters more dangerous is Carrie believes her former husband is trying to kill her; she needs protection that she wants only from Stone until they obtain proof of her assertion.
Although Stone proves there are a zillion stories in New York even in one novel, Stuart Woods provides another exhilarating Barrington tale filled with serial sex, plenty of other action, and several fun investigations. After Key West (see Loitering with Intent), Stone vows divorce cases only, but he wonders how he got so involved in so many other matters though he knows the exhausting answer is women, women, and more women. Kisser is a fun lighthearted Stone Barrington thriller as the lawyer finds the mean streets of Manhattan as both welcoming and dangerous.
Harriet Klausner
The Bone Chamber
Robin Burcell
Poisoned Pen, Dec 1 2009, $24.99
ISBN: 9781590583753
Her superior SAC Harcourt cut short her family vacation before it began so that FBI forensic artist Sydney Fitzpatrick can draw in the features of a faceless corpse of a young woman. When the victim is identified as Alessandra the adopted daughter of the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Fitzpatrick accompanies FBI Special Agent Zach Griffin to Rome to assist on the investigation.
They search for something called the “Third key” mentioned to Zach by FBI forensic anthropologist Tasha Gilbert who said she has been cursed by a two thousand year old spell before she died in a suspicious hit-and-run accident in the DC area. The two Feds assume the key will lead to a map buried in the crypts of Rome or Naples. They also think that is a clue to a bioterrorist plot being concocted by Carlo Adami.
This is an exciting action packed FBI Brownian thriller. The story line is fast-paced although Sydney’s constant whine with no cheese (unlike her emotional personal previous case in Face of a Killer) becomes irritating as if she is the first person to have a vacation delayed. Still the mysterious Zach and Sydney make a strong team as they try to break the Third Key code and find out what Adami has planned. Harriet Klausner
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Supernatural Reviews from Harriet
Dream Stalker
Jenna Kernan
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2009, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373618255
In Alberta, Canada, the nightmares and hallucinations are increasing in frequency and intensity leading to Native American Michaela Proud fearing she might be going insane. However, her nocturnal dreams turn uglier when she is attacked. She wakes up in pain to find a man kneeling near her bed soothing her aches.
Inanoka shapeshifting skinwalker and healer Sebastian tells Michaela she is perfectly normal except that her spirit is under assault by an evil spirit Nagi. He also says he cannot heal her spirit but takes her to someone who can even as he is confused by his feelings towards the non believing human who is his soul mate.
This is an enjoyable romantic fantasy that uses Native American mythology as the basis for the strong story line. The lead couple makes a fascinating pairing as neither wants love, but have no choice while the villain is sinister and evil torturing the mind of the proud female. Sub-genre fans will appreciate Jenna Kernan’s superb thriller as beauty and the beast battle the evil that holds all the cards in the deck except for two: the king and queen of hearts. Harriet Klausner
Holiday With A Vampire III
Linda Winstead Jones, Lisa Childs and Bonnie Vanak
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2009, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373618248
"Sundown" by Linda Winstead Jones. Vampiric bar owner Abby Brown is attracted to police detective Leo Stryker as she assist him on his investigation into a homicide related to her establishment.
"Nothing Says Christmas Like a Vampire" by Lisa Childs. After burying her beloved Nana, Sienna Briggs learns that vampires exist. The Secret Vampire Society orders Julian Vossimer to kill her as demanded by their laws; instead he wants to love her.
"Unwrapped" by Vampire Bonnie Vanak. In Maine six gremlins give vampire Adrian Thorne a Christmas gift. They dump draicon werewolf Sarah Roberts on him. He never forgave her for breaking his heart refusing to accept their species are natural enemies, but he needs the werewolf to help him track down some nasty intruder.
These are three delightful urban fantasy vampire romances that will charm those readers who enjoy a Holiday with a Vampire. Harriet Klausner
Demon Bound
Caitlin Kittredge
St. Martin’s, Dec 1 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312943639
Punk rocker Jack Winter died thirteen years ago, but walks the streets of London because he made a Faustian deal with a demon in which he bought time (see Street Magic) but now the mage is back on the brink of death again. As the demon scorns his mortality, Jack fought death before and plans to do so again; as he will not go mildly into the night. His muse to live is Detective Inspector Pete Caldecott who saw him make that original deal when she was a teen.
Jack has kept Pete in the dark about his deal. She is irritated with him because she senses he is hiding something from her. When he goes to Thailand in a Hail Mary ploy to save his life, she follows him; not understanding what is going on, but knowing whatever it is will prove nasty.
The second grim tour of Caitlin Kittredge’s Black London is bleak and gruesome as the shadows seem ubiquitously ready to reach out to abduct the souls, minds, and bodies of the innocent. Jack is terrific as he faces his “maker” while Pete is his reason to live; in his mind she is a much nobler cause than his previous quest for life. Fans will relish this extremely dark urban fantasy as the malevolent and sinister stalk and lurk everywhere while wondering if Jack can survive having died once before. Harriet Klausner
Jenna Kernan
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2009, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373618255
In Alberta, Canada, the nightmares and hallucinations are increasing in frequency and intensity leading to Native American Michaela Proud fearing she might be going insane. However, her nocturnal dreams turn uglier when she is attacked. She wakes up in pain to find a man kneeling near her bed soothing her aches.
Inanoka shapeshifting skinwalker and healer Sebastian tells Michaela she is perfectly normal except that her spirit is under assault by an evil spirit Nagi. He also says he cannot heal her spirit but takes her to someone who can even as he is confused by his feelings towards the non believing human who is his soul mate.
This is an enjoyable romantic fantasy that uses Native American mythology as the basis for the strong story line. The lead couple makes a fascinating pairing as neither wants love, but have no choice while the villain is sinister and evil torturing the mind of the proud female. Sub-genre fans will appreciate Jenna Kernan’s superb thriller as beauty and the beast battle the evil that holds all the cards in the deck except for two: the king and queen of hearts. Harriet Klausner
Holiday With A Vampire III
Linda Winstead Jones, Lisa Childs and Bonnie Vanak
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2009, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373618248
"Sundown" by Linda Winstead Jones. Vampiric bar owner Abby Brown is attracted to police detective Leo Stryker as she assist him on his investigation into a homicide related to her establishment.
"Nothing Says Christmas Like a Vampire" by Lisa Childs. After burying her beloved Nana, Sienna Briggs learns that vampires exist. The Secret Vampire Society orders Julian Vossimer to kill her as demanded by their laws; instead he wants to love her.
"Unwrapped" by Vampire Bonnie Vanak. In Maine six gremlins give vampire Adrian Thorne a Christmas gift. They dump draicon werewolf Sarah Roberts on him. He never forgave her for breaking his heart refusing to accept their species are natural enemies, but he needs the werewolf to help him track down some nasty intruder.
These are three delightful urban fantasy vampire romances that will charm those readers who enjoy a Holiday with a Vampire. Harriet Klausner
Demon Bound
Caitlin Kittredge
St. Martin’s, Dec 1 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312943639
Punk rocker Jack Winter died thirteen years ago, but walks the streets of London because he made a Faustian deal with a demon in which he bought time (see Street Magic) but now the mage is back on the brink of death again. As the demon scorns his mortality, Jack fought death before and plans to do so again; as he will not go mildly into the night. His muse to live is Detective Inspector Pete Caldecott who saw him make that original deal when she was a teen.
Jack has kept Pete in the dark about his deal. She is irritated with him because she senses he is hiding something from her. When he goes to Thailand in a Hail Mary ploy to save his life, she follows him; not understanding what is going on, but knowing whatever it is will prove nasty.
The second grim tour of Caitlin Kittredge’s Black London is bleak and gruesome as the shadows seem ubiquitously ready to reach out to abduct the souls, minds, and bodies of the innocent. Jack is terrific as he faces his “maker” while Pete is his reason to live; in his mind she is a much nobler cause than his previous quest for life. Fans will relish this extremely dark urban fantasy as the malevolent and sinister stalk and lurk everywhere while wondering if Jack can survive having died once before. Harriet Klausner
Thursday, January 28, 2010
J D Salinger dies
J D Salinger has died at 91. His THE CATCHER IN THE RYE is one of those novels that every boy reads at least once in his lifetime.
Here are some reviews from Harriet.
Night Of The Wolves
Heather Graham
Harlequin HQN, Nov 24 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774043
In 1864 in New Orleans a deadly serial killer shakes up the locals as well as the occupying army. Union officer Lieutenant Aldridge asks for former Confederate soldier Dr. Cody Fox who is sent to investigate as he has previous experience with these types of killings back in Alexandria in 1859 with a decapitating vicious serial killer. His assignment is to solve who is behind the mass murders and prevent more from happening.
Alex Green heads west to be with her father, but she arrives in Victory, Texas to learn he is dead although she is unaware how he died as no one will whisper a word of it as if they feared his fate if they say anything. Meanwhile deadly outlaw Milo Roundtree arrives in town as does Cody tracking the culprit who most believe is the vicious criminal. When Milo places a knife at Alex's throat, Cody kills him saving her life. However, nothing is resolved as the mass graves are empty and rumors abound to stay in-doors once the sun goes down.
This is a refreshing vampire historical romantic fantasy. The cast is solid especially the lead couple, the townsfolk, and the key second in command of the bloodsuckers who cleverly is hidden in plain sight. The prime weapon against the undead seems much more effective and realistic than the usual stake as Heather Graham provides a fun fast-paced story line as vampires and hunters collide in Civil War Texas. Harriet Klausner
Veil Of Shadows
Jennifer Armintrout
Mira, Nov 24 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778326786
With the deaths of her royal parents Queen Ayla and Malachai during the battle between Lightworld and the Darkworld elves and waterhorses (see the second book Child of Darkness); the heir to the throne of Faery Queene, Cerridwen flees to the Upworld human realm. Accompanying her in order to keep her safe is her late mom’s chosen betrothed for her Cedric. They make it to Eire, the last fairy realm amidst the mortals.
Ruling over Eire in the new queene’s absence is the High Priestess Danae. Although she pretends to bow to Cerridwen as the rightful ruler of the Fae, she is setting up her highness to destroy her so she can reign as the rightful ruler. With no experience as a leader making life and death decisions, Cerridwen must learn fast or see the usurper take her crown, kill her allies, and plunge her people into civil war at a time they need unity to battle the Darkworld denizen.
The third Lightworld/ Darkworld (see the first book Queene of Light) centers on the next generation as Cerridwen with Cedric at her side having her back covered battles an internal betrayal as well as the Darkworld invaders. The story line is fast-paced with the romantic subplot enhancing the political seditious intrigue that threatens the heroine. Although it helps considerably to have read the previous two tales especially the Child of Darkness to understand how Cerridwen finds herself struggling to survive, fans will enjoy this exhilarating fantasy as the war has moved to Eire in the Upworld. Harriet Klausner
A Mermaid's Ransom
Joey W. Hill
Berkley, Dec 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425230688
Alexis has grown up in clam serene waters. The daughter of Jonah the angel and Anna the mermaid (see A Mermaid’s Kiss) decides to go to college. However, she begins having dark dreams that frighten the innocent mer-angel.
Dante the Dark One vampire rules the Underground although he prefers to escape his destiny. His scheme is to kidnap the beautiful mer-angel daughter of the enemy’s military leader. However, when he snatches the Prime Legion Commander’s daughter he is stunned by the purity of her soul reaching out to his tortured mind. She makes him believe even he has goodness. Before he turns, Dante realizes he must rid himself of Alexis, but cannot as she not just brought back his soul, she also owns it.
The latest Daughters of Arianne oceanic-urban romantic fantasy (see A Witches Beauty) is much darker than the previous entries as Dante appears evil through much of the first part of the book. His potential transition from total darkness comes at a cost to Alexis who has lived a warm loving life until the dreams assault her followed by his appearance; as he has brought malevolent shadows into her previous 100% light. He is a hybrid too; the offspring of hellish violence between a vampire and a Dark One, Dante knows abuse and loathing domination fuel existence until he meets Alexis. Readers will be spellbound as the prize in the battle between good and evil is the soul of the loser as one of them must turn. Harriet Klausne
Here are some reviews from Harriet.
Night Of The Wolves
Heather Graham
Harlequin HQN, Nov 24 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774043
In 1864 in New Orleans a deadly serial killer shakes up the locals as well as the occupying army. Union officer Lieutenant Aldridge asks for former Confederate soldier Dr. Cody Fox who is sent to investigate as he has previous experience with these types of killings back in Alexandria in 1859 with a decapitating vicious serial killer. His assignment is to solve who is behind the mass murders and prevent more from happening.
Alex Green heads west to be with her father, but she arrives in Victory, Texas to learn he is dead although she is unaware how he died as no one will whisper a word of it as if they feared his fate if they say anything. Meanwhile deadly outlaw Milo Roundtree arrives in town as does Cody tracking the culprit who most believe is the vicious criminal. When Milo places a knife at Alex's throat, Cody kills him saving her life. However, nothing is resolved as the mass graves are empty and rumors abound to stay in-doors once the sun goes down.
This is a refreshing vampire historical romantic fantasy. The cast is solid especially the lead couple, the townsfolk, and the key second in command of the bloodsuckers who cleverly is hidden in plain sight. The prime weapon against the undead seems much more effective and realistic than the usual stake as Heather Graham provides a fun fast-paced story line as vampires and hunters collide in Civil War Texas. Harriet Klausner
Veil Of Shadows
Jennifer Armintrout
Mira, Nov 24 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778326786
With the deaths of her royal parents Queen Ayla and Malachai during the battle between Lightworld and the Darkworld elves and waterhorses (see the second book Child of Darkness); the heir to the throne of Faery Queene, Cerridwen flees to the Upworld human realm. Accompanying her in order to keep her safe is her late mom’s chosen betrothed for her Cedric. They make it to Eire, the last fairy realm amidst the mortals.
Ruling over Eire in the new queene’s absence is the High Priestess Danae. Although she pretends to bow to Cerridwen as the rightful ruler of the Fae, she is setting up her highness to destroy her so she can reign as the rightful ruler. With no experience as a leader making life and death decisions, Cerridwen must learn fast or see the usurper take her crown, kill her allies, and plunge her people into civil war at a time they need unity to battle the Darkworld denizen.
The third Lightworld/ Darkworld (see the first book Queene of Light) centers on the next generation as Cerridwen with Cedric at her side having her back covered battles an internal betrayal as well as the Darkworld invaders. The story line is fast-paced with the romantic subplot enhancing the political seditious intrigue that threatens the heroine. Although it helps considerably to have read the previous two tales especially the Child of Darkness to understand how Cerridwen finds herself struggling to survive, fans will enjoy this exhilarating fantasy as the war has moved to Eire in the Upworld. Harriet Klausner
A Mermaid's Ransom
Joey W. Hill
Berkley, Dec 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425230688
Alexis has grown up in clam serene waters. The daughter of Jonah the angel and Anna the mermaid (see A Mermaid’s Kiss) decides to go to college. However, she begins having dark dreams that frighten the innocent mer-angel.
Dante the Dark One vampire rules the Underground although he prefers to escape his destiny. His scheme is to kidnap the beautiful mer-angel daughter of the enemy’s military leader. However, when he snatches the Prime Legion Commander’s daughter he is stunned by the purity of her soul reaching out to his tortured mind. She makes him believe even he has goodness. Before he turns, Dante realizes he must rid himself of Alexis, but cannot as she not just brought back his soul, she also owns it.
The latest Daughters of Arianne oceanic-urban romantic fantasy (see A Witches Beauty) is much darker than the previous entries as Dante appears evil through much of the first part of the book. His potential transition from total darkness comes at a cost to Alexis who has lived a warm loving life until the dreams assault her followed by his appearance; as he has brought malevolent shadows into her previous 100% light. He is a hybrid too; the offspring of hellish violence between a vampire and a Dark One, Dante knows abuse and loathing domination fuel existence until he meets Alexis. Readers will be spellbound as the prize in the battle between good and evil is the soul of the loser as one of them must turn. Harriet Klausne
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
More from Harriet
Impact
Douglas Preston
Forge, Jan 5 2010, $25.99
ISBN: 9780765317681
College dropout turned waitress and amateur astronomer Abbey Straw believes she and her BFF Jackie saw a meteor crash near the Maine coast where she lives. The two young females agree to search the nearby barrier islands as Abbey using wave theory believes the meteor struck land. The plan is to sell the finds on E-Bay.
Meanwhile the president's science adviser Stanton Lockwood III asks former CIA filed operative Wyman Ford to investigate the sudden flooding of radioactive gemstones in Cambodia. At about the same time Stanton makes his request that seems more like an order to Wyman,on the West Coast, just before he is murdered Professor Jason Freeman sends a classified file containing proof of abnormal gamma ray activity on Mars to mission technician Mark Corso of the National Propulsion Facility. Soon these three diverse scenarios converge with sixty hours to countdown impact.
This is an engaging science fiction thriller that hooks the audience from the moment Wyman begins his inquiry and never slows down as California, Maine and Cambodia hook up. The story line is fast-paced as fans will welcome the return of Wyman (see Blasphemy), but in many ways the brilliant slacker with her naive innocence makes the tale fresh. Harriet Klausner
Hiding Hand
Lee Denning
Twilight Times, Oct 2008, $19.95
www.twilighttimesbooks.com
ISBN: 9781606190166
In Ireland, the Mullah waits impatiently for the moment to strike as his aid the Crone cautions him. They plot to abduct eight year old Eva Connard, a chimera of sorts as Nova sapiens. Her eighteen years old step-brother Joshua “Magician” O’Donnell vows to keep her safe.
However, in spite of his efforts and that of their Uncle Hamilton O’Donnell, the Mullah abducts Eva as he wants to control the power of this new evolutionary line as some insist she is the new Messiah. Joshua tries to rescue his sibling, but his attempts prove futile. Instead of saving Eva from the “pious” Muslim cleric, he manages to rescue Elia. As they fall in love, Josh, with the help of “Unca Ham”, mounts a rescue mission only to have his beloved abducted.
The next generation offspring from the heroes of MONKEY TRAP make for a terrific romantic science fiction tale as the young precocious hybrid seeks a place in the world of Neanderthals while caught between ambitious modern day Lady Macbeths especially the psychopath Mullah. Although the villain is obvious early on unlike the first book, team Dennng keeps the suspense high with a strong cast starring in the middle Nova Sapiens thriller. Harriet Klausner
What I Wore to Save the World
Maryrose Wood
Berkley Jam, Dec 2009, $9.99
ISBN: 9780425229675
Millenia ago Queen Titania of Faerie and a mortal produced a hybrid offspring. In the present Morgan Rawlinsonis a direct descendent of that long ago child; her DNA is half faerie Faerie although her parents are totally human. They pressure Morgan to choose a college although she has poor grades, a low SAT score, and no community service.
She is sent to a paying advisor who insists he can get her into Oxford on a full scholarship. While she prepares to go to England (not Mississippi); her Irish boyfriend Colin asks her to meet him at a resort in Wales. When she arrives, Colin swears he never sent her an email, but she soon learns the Oxford offer and the odd email has to do with Queen Titania lifting the veil between the two realms. She has to be stopped, but Colin believes she lied to him because she omitted to tell him she is a demi goddess. Between saving the world and her relationship, college has fallen to the bottom of Morgan’s agenda just after what she should wear to save the world.
The third Morgan teen fantasy (see Why I Let My Hair Grow Out and How I Found the Perfect Dress) is a fun fast-paced frolic that young adolescents will especially enjoy the wee bit of magic in the world of Maryrose Wood. The seventeen years old heroine is a down to earth and pragmatic with a touch of romance in her soul as she loves her Colin, but fears he will reject her once he learns of her bloodline. Colin is science so Mojo magic goes against his belief in physics; yet he must adapt if he wants to remain with the woman he loves as she tries to save the world from the actions of her great ancestor many generations removed. Harriet Klausner
Douglas Preston
Forge, Jan 5 2010, $25.99
ISBN: 9780765317681
College dropout turned waitress and amateur astronomer Abbey Straw believes she and her BFF Jackie saw a meteor crash near the Maine coast where she lives. The two young females agree to search the nearby barrier islands as Abbey using wave theory believes the meteor struck land. The plan is to sell the finds on E-Bay.
Meanwhile the president's science adviser Stanton Lockwood III asks former CIA filed operative Wyman Ford to investigate the sudden flooding of radioactive gemstones in Cambodia. At about the same time Stanton makes his request that seems more like an order to Wyman,on the West Coast, just before he is murdered Professor Jason Freeman sends a classified file containing proof of abnormal gamma ray activity on Mars to mission technician Mark Corso of the National Propulsion Facility. Soon these three diverse scenarios converge with sixty hours to countdown impact.
This is an engaging science fiction thriller that hooks the audience from the moment Wyman begins his inquiry and never slows down as California, Maine and Cambodia hook up. The story line is fast-paced as fans will welcome the return of Wyman (see Blasphemy), but in many ways the brilliant slacker with her naive innocence makes the tale fresh. Harriet Klausner
Hiding Hand
Lee Denning
Twilight Times, Oct 2008, $19.95
www.twilighttimesbooks.com
ISBN: 9781606190166
In Ireland, the Mullah waits impatiently for the moment to strike as his aid the Crone cautions him. They plot to abduct eight year old Eva Connard, a chimera of sorts as Nova sapiens. Her eighteen years old step-brother Joshua “Magician” O’Donnell vows to keep her safe.
However, in spite of his efforts and that of their Uncle Hamilton O’Donnell, the Mullah abducts Eva as he wants to control the power of this new evolutionary line as some insist she is the new Messiah. Joshua tries to rescue his sibling, but his attempts prove futile. Instead of saving Eva from the “pious” Muslim cleric, he manages to rescue Elia. As they fall in love, Josh, with the help of “Unca Ham”, mounts a rescue mission only to have his beloved abducted.
The next generation offspring from the heroes of MONKEY TRAP make for a terrific romantic science fiction tale as the young precocious hybrid seeks a place in the world of Neanderthals while caught between ambitious modern day Lady Macbeths especially the psychopath Mullah. Although the villain is obvious early on unlike the first book, team Dennng keeps the suspense high with a strong cast starring in the middle Nova Sapiens thriller. Harriet Klausner
What I Wore to Save the World
Maryrose Wood
Berkley Jam, Dec 2009, $9.99
ISBN: 9780425229675
Millenia ago Queen Titania of Faerie and a mortal produced a hybrid offspring. In the present Morgan Rawlinsonis a direct descendent of that long ago child; her DNA is half faerie Faerie although her parents are totally human. They pressure Morgan to choose a college although she has poor grades, a low SAT score, and no community service.
She is sent to a paying advisor who insists he can get her into Oxford on a full scholarship. While she prepares to go to England (not Mississippi); her Irish boyfriend Colin asks her to meet him at a resort in Wales. When she arrives, Colin swears he never sent her an email, but she soon learns the Oxford offer and the odd email has to do with Queen Titania lifting the veil between the two realms. She has to be stopped, but Colin believes she lied to him because she omitted to tell him she is a demi goddess. Between saving the world and her relationship, college has fallen to the bottom of Morgan’s agenda just after what she should wear to save the world.
The third Morgan teen fantasy (see Why I Let My Hair Grow Out and How I Found the Perfect Dress) is a fun fast-paced frolic that young adolescents will especially enjoy the wee bit of magic in the world of Maryrose Wood. The seventeen years old heroine is a down to earth and pragmatic with a touch of romance in her soul as she loves her Colin, but fears he will reject her once he learns of her bloodline. Colin is science so Mojo magic goes against his belief in physics; yet he must adapt if he wants to remain with the woman he loves as she tries to save the world from the actions of her great ancestor many generations removed. Harriet Klausner
Monday, January 25, 2010
Atlanta Comic Convention
The Atlanta Comic Convention will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2010 from 11:00am to 5:00pm at the Atlanta Marriot Century Center, 2000 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345. The special guest is Joseph Michael Linsner creator of Dawn and the Goddess series of comics. He is also well known for his Conan and other comics’ covers. Joe is always very approachable and has a good time whenever he’s a guest.
For more details, check out the website at AtlantaComicConvention.com or call 404-325-0000. There will be multiple door prize drawings, millions of golden, silver and modern age comics, anime, toys, games, movies and more. A good time is always had by all.
For more details, check out the website at AtlantaComicConvention.com or call 404-325-0000. There will be multiple door prize drawings, millions of golden, silver and modern age comics, anime, toys, games, movies and more. A good time is always had by all.
Interesting Reviews from Harriet
Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever
Molly Harper
Pocket, Jan 10 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9781416589440
A drunk thought Jane Jameson was a deer and shot her. As she lay dying, the vampire Gabriel turns her into a creature of the night like he is (see Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs). They forge a unique relationship of sire and fledgling as well as lovers. They are touring Europe, but Jane knows her mate is not having a good time because at each hotel they stop at he receives a letter that he refuses to discuss with her.
In Brussels, Jane finally sees one of letters sent by Jeanine; it reads like a love letter. Tired of the strange calls, the secret letters, and his refusal to explain what is bothering him, she leaves returning to Half Moon Hollow by herself. She opens a new bookstore aimed at vampires as customers. She also tries to find a way to get her friend’s Zeb’s house built as his wife’s family keeps sending the construction crews away. Jane begins receiving threatening letters warning her to stay away from Gabriel or else. With her life in danger, she needs to persuade her sire to tell her the truth.
Molly Harper has written another delightful vampire tale (see Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men) filled with romance, intrigue and a strong cast. Some family members are in denial refusing to accept Jane’s Undead living condition especially her sister and grandmother who want her booted out the family. This leads to some humorous scenarios that act as a counter to the threat. Although the plot is a bit thin, fans will enjoy this nice girl who has adapted quickly to living forever. Harriet Klausner
Brooklyn Knight
C.J. Henderson
Tor, Jan 5 2010, $14.99
ISBN: 9780765320834
A legend, Brooklyn Museum curator Professor Piers Knight enjoys collecting paranormal artifacts. His newest employee, summer intern Bridget Elkins is in awe and shock before she meets the mythical Professor Knight, known for finding the historical ancient lost and arcane.
Dr. Ashur Ungari in panic calls from the Middle East while Professor Knight shows Manhattan Island from a different perspective than Bridget ever noticed or hace been aware exists; explaining further that Jersey on the other side of the water is insignificant and Queens is the dumping ground. However Ashur tells Knight he found the site of Memak’tori in Assad’s Syria; the birthplace of civilization. However, as Ashur describes the dig in terms of future archeologists uncovering the Empire State Building, astral thieves including a fire elemental and a terrorist try to steal the mysterious Dream Stone, the heart of an incredible find. Another elemental also comes for the stone with Knight leading the counterinsurgency against the paranormal horde and their evil allies.
Although the Professor never lets his hair down even when Briget throws herself at him (blushes and nitrates are not enough) and the NuYawk accent feels forced, fans will enjoy this over the top of at least the Observation Tower of the Empire State Building. Readers will relish the fast-pace from the frantic call by Ungari to the final climax in National Historic Landmark Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery as this is a fun pulp fiction paranormal thriller. Harriet Klausner
Veracity
Laura Bynum
Pocket, Jan 5 2010, $25.00
ISBN: 9781439123348
In 2012, a virus terrorism attack annihilated a bout half the American population. A new government with martial law enforcement is forged out of the abyss. The Confederation of the Willing implant an electronic device in the necks of all citizens that so that if a person utters any of the red-listed words, they trigger the slate gizmo and die as the Blue Coats police are everywhere sadistically relishing punishing felons.
In 2012 Harper Adams was a little girl when she survived the disaster. She is careful not to activate the slate in her neck. In 2026, Sentient Baumfree selects her as a Potential because she has paranormal skills. Harper works hard to be the best Monitor until 2045 however, when she has an apostasy when her daughter’s name Veracity is added to the death list of banned words. The resistance movement guided by the pre-doomsday pandemic tome, The Book of Noah, recruits Harper to join their counterinsurgency from within a corrupt system.
This is an exciting 1984 type futuristic thriller that grips the audience from the onset with its word list and never slows down as ban has new meaning. The story line is driven by Harper who will do anything to be able to say her daughter’s name with impunity. Although the Confederation of the Willing never seems quite as nasty as say Big Brother except when the tall eerie Baumfree recruits twelfth graders, fans will appreciate this dark post apocalyptic future. Harriet Klausner
Molly Harper
Pocket, Jan 10 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9781416589440
A drunk thought Jane Jameson was a deer and shot her. As she lay dying, the vampire Gabriel turns her into a creature of the night like he is (see Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs). They forge a unique relationship of sire and fledgling as well as lovers. They are touring Europe, but Jane knows her mate is not having a good time because at each hotel they stop at he receives a letter that he refuses to discuss with her.
In Brussels, Jane finally sees one of letters sent by Jeanine; it reads like a love letter. Tired of the strange calls, the secret letters, and his refusal to explain what is bothering him, she leaves returning to Half Moon Hollow by herself. She opens a new bookstore aimed at vampires as customers. She also tries to find a way to get her friend’s Zeb’s house built as his wife’s family keeps sending the construction crews away. Jane begins receiving threatening letters warning her to stay away from Gabriel or else. With her life in danger, she needs to persuade her sire to tell her the truth.
Molly Harper has written another delightful vampire tale (see Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men) filled with romance, intrigue and a strong cast. Some family members are in denial refusing to accept Jane’s Undead living condition especially her sister and grandmother who want her booted out the family. This leads to some humorous scenarios that act as a counter to the threat. Although the plot is a bit thin, fans will enjoy this nice girl who has adapted quickly to living forever. Harriet Klausner
Brooklyn Knight
C.J. Henderson
Tor, Jan 5 2010, $14.99
ISBN: 9780765320834
A legend, Brooklyn Museum curator Professor Piers Knight enjoys collecting paranormal artifacts. His newest employee, summer intern Bridget Elkins is in awe and shock before she meets the mythical Professor Knight, known for finding the historical ancient lost and arcane.
Dr. Ashur Ungari in panic calls from the Middle East while Professor Knight shows Manhattan Island from a different perspective than Bridget ever noticed or hace been aware exists; explaining further that Jersey on the other side of the water is insignificant and Queens is the dumping ground. However Ashur tells Knight he found the site of Memak’tori in Assad’s Syria; the birthplace of civilization. However, as Ashur describes the dig in terms of future archeologists uncovering the Empire State Building, astral thieves including a fire elemental and a terrorist try to steal the mysterious Dream Stone, the heart of an incredible find. Another elemental also comes for the stone with Knight leading the counterinsurgency against the paranormal horde and their evil allies.
Although the Professor never lets his hair down even when Briget throws herself at him (blushes and nitrates are not enough) and the NuYawk accent feels forced, fans will enjoy this over the top of at least the Observation Tower of the Empire State Building. Readers will relish the fast-pace from the frantic call by Ungari to the final climax in National Historic Landmark Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery as this is a fun pulp fiction paranormal thriller. Harriet Klausner
Veracity
Laura Bynum
Pocket, Jan 5 2010, $25.00
ISBN: 9781439123348
In 2012, a virus terrorism attack annihilated a bout half the American population. A new government with martial law enforcement is forged out of the abyss. The Confederation of the Willing implant an electronic device in the necks of all citizens that so that if a person utters any of the red-listed words, they trigger the slate gizmo and die as the Blue Coats police are everywhere sadistically relishing punishing felons.
In 2012 Harper Adams was a little girl when she survived the disaster. She is careful not to activate the slate in her neck. In 2026, Sentient Baumfree selects her as a Potential because she has paranormal skills. Harper works hard to be the best Monitor until 2045 however, when she has an apostasy when her daughter’s name Veracity is added to the death list of banned words. The resistance movement guided by the pre-doomsday pandemic tome, The Book of Noah, recruits Harper to join their counterinsurgency from within a corrupt system.
This is an exciting 1984 type futuristic thriller that grips the audience from the onset with its word list and never slows down as ban has new meaning. The story line is driven by Harper who will do anything to be able to say her daughter’s name with impunity. Although the Confederation of the Willing never seems quite as nasty as say Big Brother except when the tall eerie Baumfree recruits twelfth graders, fans will appreciate this dark post apocalyptic future. Harriet Klausner
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Seven Deadly Pleasures
SEVEN DEADLY PLEASURES, Michael Aronovitz, Hippocampus Press, $15, 250 pages, ISBN: 9780982429600, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Once in a while a new writer comes along and shows a knack for surprising the reader and presenting his story in a new and interesting way. Aronovitz is one of those writers who has surprised me in this first encounter with his work. Three of the stories have appeared in other venues and the other four appear here for the first time.
“How Bria Died” is a high school ghost story and a tale about broken promises. “The Clever Mask” tells of a man who makes a bet with the Grim Reaper only to learn that it would have been better to make a deal with the devil. “Quest for Sadness” is the story of a man seeking to find the origin of woe. “The Legend of the Slither-Shifter” introduces us to one of the strangest baby sitters ever. “The Exterminator” gives us another reason to dislike clowns. “Passive Passenger” is an online game where gaining experience points takes on a completely new meaning.
“Toll Booth” is the longest and best story in the collection. It is a tale of teenage pranks, betrayal, and death. It shows the development of character and a mastery of storytelling.
Aronovitz will be a name that will be seen more in the future. Pick this volume up to be one of the first to experience a new name in horror.
Once in a while a new writer comes along and shows a knack for surprising the reader and presenting his story in a new and interesting way. Aronovitz is one of those writers who has surprised me in this first encounter with his work. Three of the stories have appeared in other venues and the other four appear here for the first time.
“How Bria Died” is a high school ghost story and a tale about broken promises. “The Clever Mask” tells of a man who makes a bet with the Grim Reaper only to learn that it would have been better to make a deal with the devil. “Quest for Sadness” is the story of a man seeking to find the origin of woe. “The Legend of the Slither-Shifter” introduces us to one of the strangest baby sitters ever. “The Exterminator” gives us another reason to dislike clowns. “Passive Passenger” is an online game where gaining experience points takes on a completely new meaning.
“Toll Booth” is the longest and best story in the collection. It is a tale of teenage pranks, betrayal, and death. It shows the development of character and a mastery of storytelling.
Aronovitz will be a name that will be seen more in the future. Pick this volume up to be one of the first to experience a new name in horror.
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