Bitten in Two
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Nov 8 2010, $13.99
ISBN: 9780316043786
Jaz Parks, her vampire lover Vayl, Cole and Bergman are on the road to Morocco. Their mission is to find an artifact that might enable Jaz to purge Brude the demon who shares her body though she muses hiking in Marrakech on her birthday is unfair.
In Morocco, the quest turns frighteningly strange when Vayl wakes up insisting it is 1777. His behavior has Jaz and their other compatriots believing the vampire has been cursed somehow to relive traumatic events from his long life. Scaring his team further is he never heard of Uma Thurman and does not recognize any of them as they are; for instance he believes his beloved Jaz is his middle-aged housekeeper Madame Berggia. To prevent a new tragedy and keep Vayl’s suddenly explosive temper from igniting, Jaz with the help of Cole and Bergman role pay the parts Vayl assigns them while trying to figure how to remove the curse.
The latest Jaz and company fantasy is a great thriller with a super twist with what has happened to Vayl, the CIA’s top operative. With plenty of trademark biting humor and non-stop action, fans of the saga will enjoy the current on the road show while newcomers will look for the backlist (see Bite Marks). After completing the tale, readers will park Jennifer Rardin’s enjoyable Bitten in Two on the keeper shelf. Harriet Klausner
The Bone Palace
Amanda Downum
Orbit, Dec 1 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780316069007
In 499 Ab Urbe Condita in the royal city of Erisin, corpses are not a rare occurrence; but a dead prostitute wearing the ring of deceased queen has no precedent. Police Inspector Khelsea Shar shows the Necromancer Agent of the Crown Isyllt Iskaldur the body of the whore who possessed a regal signet and had no violent marks. Reluctantly Isyllt investigates who magically murdered the woman, and how and why she had the ring. To her chagrin, the case leads to the tombs below the city where the revolting vile vrykoloi vampires reside in lightless lairs.
Her inquiry spins worse than she imagined even with the vrykoloi involved as Isyllt learns a truth she must conceal from her King. Apparently a dead sorceress plans to return to take the throne; and she has support from Isyllt’s former lover Kiril and the Crown Prince Ionais’ mistress Sevedra Severos; as well as unknowing dupes.
Staying at home in her second Necromancer’s Chronicles, Isyllt has once again moral selections to make as espionage, politics, insurgency and military merge with magic in a fascinating investigative fantasy. Isyllt is a great protagonist because of her moral fiber as she must select between choices that she abhors. Readers will relish her brisk adventures as home proves as harrowing as her stay in the Drowning City, but worse because it is home. Harriet Klausner
Wicked Highlander
Donna Grant
St. Martin’s, Nov 2 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312381240
The McLeod brothers (Fallon, Lucan and Quinn) were descendants from a cadre of warriors created by Druids to repel the Romans from Scotland and England. For three centuries the siblings hid from Deirdre who wants their magic. However in 1603, Lucan meets his soulmate (see Dangerous Highlander), but Quinn was captured by their enemy. Since Quinn’s imprisonment, his other sibling met his soulmate too (see Forbidden Highlander). Now free again, Quinn is the most volatile of the three brothers. He remains tormented by guilt as he has for centuries and his rage has taken its toll on his mind and his soul. Only his desire for true love keeps him from going totally over to the dark although each breath darkens his soul
Marcail has been raised by Druids. Their ancient magic flows freely through her blood. Quinn thinks she may be his soul savior as his heart belongs to her. However, Deirdre plans to use her as a lure to recapture Quinn and his McLeod growing family.
The third McLeod brother historical romantic fantasy is a fabulous finish to a strong entertaining saga. The story line is fast-paced as the villainous sets in motion her endgame in which she uses love to destroy her enemies and to re-enslave the siblings. The Scottish Highlands has rarely looked as beautiful and forbidden as they have in Donna grant’s wonderful early seventeenth century thriller. Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Reviews from Barry & Jim
HELLHOLE, Brian Herbert & Kevin J Anderson, Tor, $25.99, 544 pages, ISBN: 9780765322692, reviewed by Jim Brock.
The twenty planets of the Constellation are known as the Crown Jewels. They are controlled by noble families who are ruled by the dowager Diadem Michella Duchenet. The Constellation in turn controls and exploits 54 planets in a far away area of space known as the Deep Zone.
The foremost of the 54 is named Hallholme but is more and suitably known as Hellhole. It was to Hellhole that General Tiber Adolphus was exiled after his failed rebellion against the Constellation. And it is on Hellhole that Adolphus, his followers, and some of the dregs of Constellation society have learned to deal with the harshest of conditions. Not only has Adolphus been the driving force behind survival on Hellhole, he has been secretly developing and implementing a plan to establish the political and economic independence of the 54 and end the ever increasing amounts of tribute being paid to the Crown Jewels.
Herbert & Anderson mirror the vastness of space with the vastness in scope of this novel. Hellhole’s original inhabitants were destroyed when a massive asteroid struck the planet – except that they weren’t – and now they resurrect with multiple factions and perhaps hidden agendas. Not only is there conflict and intrigue between Adolphus and the Constellation, there is conflict and intrigue within the planetary groups. There is politics and murder and an ingenious system for space flight. This book is a veritable buffet of imaginative plots and impressive action. The authors weave a tapestry of action and excitement and grand adventure.
I don’t read a lot of science fiction these days but HELLHOLE was just too good to resist. I’m already looking forward to the continuation of the saga. // This is a March release but I wanted to let you know about it early so you could put it on your must have list. //
COZENED, Nicole Givens Kurtz, Parker Publishing, $12.95, 232 pages, ISBN: 9781600430640, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
After too long a wait, PI Cybil Lewis has returned in a new adventure. Cybil lives in a future that comes close to the reality that is entirely possible if we continue on the course we are headed.
This time out she is hired to find a blackmailer and a missing son for one of the major political families of the day. At the same time, she is involved with the death of a former lover whose family has a mixed agenda for her.
It is a plot filled with twists and turns that show politics has some really strange bedfellows and into what beds they fall makes for a very interesting scenario. Kurtz really shows her pacing and creative ability in this one.
COZENED means “to deceive, cheat or defraud someone”; be sure of one thing, the definition has a lot of meaning for the book, but not for the reader. It is a fulfilling, extremely enjoyable book. Nicole Givens Kurtz is a solid writer, always delivers and has yet to disappoint. If you aren’t already a fan, give this one a try and join her fanbase.
TEMPTING PROVIDENCE AND OTHER STORIES, Jonathan Thomas, Hippocampus Press, $20, 264 pages, ISBN: 9780984480203, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Providence, the home to H. P. Lovecraft and his sense of eerie and dread, but would he recognize it today? Has it changed or is it still the home of sinister events? Thomas shows us here that whatever you think, it is still home to literary pleasures and uncommon stories.
Sometimes a backpacker might end up in a strange place, especially when he ends up wearing “Dead Men’s Shoes”. Justin is having a gallery show of his work and ends up following some of Lovecraft’s footsteps and finds out about “Tempting Providence”. In “A Different Kind of Heartworm” it seems that some secrets in a marriage are better to remain secrets. “The Lord of the Animals” shows how love of a pet can continue on.
Have you ever searched for an extremely rare album? Find out what happens to Craig as he finds the “Power of Midnight”. Other tales show that no matter what the locale, Providence is a state of mind and writing ability. Thomas shows that he has both and I look forward to his future offerings.
The twenty planets of the Constellation are known as the Crown Jewels. They are controlled by noble families who are ruled by the dowager Diadem Michella Duchenet. The Constellation in turn controls and exploits 54 planets in a far away area of space known as the Deep Zone.
The foremost of the 54 is named Hallholme but is more and suitably known as Hellhole. It was to Hellhole that General Tiber Adolphus was exiled after his failed rebellion against the Constellation. And it is on Hellhole that Adolphus, his followers, and some of the dregs of Constellation society have learned to deal with the harshest of conditions. Not only has Adolphus been the driving force behind survival on Hellhole, he has been secretly developing and implementing a plan to establish the political and economic independence of the 54 and end the ever increasing amounts of tribute being paid to the Crown Jewels.
Herbert & Anderson mirror the vastness of space with the vastness in scope of this novel. Hellhole’s original inhabitants were destroyed when a massive asteroid struck the planet – except that they weren’t – and now they resurrect with multiple factions and perhaps hidden agendas. Not only is there conflict and intrigue between Adolphus and the Constellation, there is conflict and intrigue within the planetary groups. There is politics and murder and an ingenious system for space flight. This book is a veritable buffet of imaginative plots and impressive action. The authors weave a tapestry of action and excitement and grand adventure.
I don’t read a lot of science fiction these days but HELLHOLE was just too good to resist. I’m already looking forward to the continuation of the saga. // This is a March release but I wanted to let you know about it early so you could put it on your must have list. //
COZENED, Nicole Givens Kurtz, Parker Publishing, $12.95, 232 pages, ISBN: 9781600430640, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
After too long a wait, PI Cybil Lewis has returned in a new adventure. Cybil lives in a future that comes close to the reality that is entirely possible if we continue on the course we are headed.
This time out she is hired to find a blackmailer and a missing son for one of the major political families of the day. At the same time, she is involved with the death of a former lover whose family has a mixed agenda for her.
It is a plot filled with twists and turns that show politics has some really strange bedfellows and into what beds they fall makes for a very interesting scenario. Kurtz really shows her pacing and creative ability in this one.
COZENED means “to deceive, cheat or defraud someone”; be sure of one thing, the definition has a lot of meaning for the book, but not for the reader. It is a fulfilling, extremely enjoyable book. Nicole Givens Kurtz is a solid writer, always delivers and has yet to disappoint. If you aren’t already a fan, give this one a try and join her fanbase.
TEMPTING PROVIDENCE AND OTHER STORIES, Jonathan Thomas, Hippocampus Press, $20, 264 pages, ISBN: 9780984480203, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
Providence, the home to H. P. Lovecraft and his sense of eerie and dread, but would he recognize it today? Has it changed or is it still the home of sinister events? Thomas shows us here that whatever you think, it is still home to literary pleasures and uncommon stories.
Sometimes a backpacker might end up in a strange place, especially when he ends up wearing “Dead Men’s Shoes”. Justin is having a gallery show of his work and ends up following some of Lovecraft’s footsteps and finds out about “Tempting Providence”. In “A Different Kind of Heartworm” it seems that some secrets in a marriage are better to remain secrets. “The Lord of the Animals” shows how love of a pet can continue on.
Have you ever searched for an extremely rare album? Find out what happens to Craig as he finds the “Power of Midnight”. Other tales show that no matter what the locale, Providence is a state of mind and writing ability. Thomas shows that he has both and I look forward to his future offerings.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Subject Seven by Jim Moore
SUBJECT SEVEN, James A. Moore, Razorbill, $9.99, 336 pages, ISBN: 9781595143044, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
This time out James A. Moore is taking us on a journey of discovery and adventure. It is a journey that reeks of paranoia and scientific research gone off the deep end. SUBJECT SEVEN is on a journey to discover who he is and what happened to the others that were part of his “litter” as it was.
As he discovers information about his origins, he wants to know more about himself and the “Other” that seems to share his memories and causes his blackouts. He does whatever necessary to obtain information; Moore leaves a lot of it to our imagination rather than filling in the details.
As Hunter, the normal side of the doppelganger, seeks the other members and arranges for them to meet, we discover the stories of Cody, Gene, Tina, and Kyrie. They have all experienced the blackouts and come to Boston to meet Joe Bronx, who promises to explain what is happening in their lives.
Moore continues the story with plenty of action as the parties behind their creation want to put their “failures” to rest. SUBJECT SEVEN is a powerful book that is a nice fit for Moore’s writing style and pacing. This will be a memorable series for him, it’s off to a fantastic start and I’m ready too see what happens next.
This time out James A. Moore is taking us on a journey of discovery and adventure. It is a journey that reeks of paranoia and scientific research gone off the deep end. SUBJECT SEVEN is on a journey to discover who he is and what happened to the others that were part of his “litter” as it was.
As he discovers information about his origins, he wants to know more about himself and the “Other” that seems to share his memories and causes his blackouts. He does whatever necessary to obtain information; Moore leaves a lot of it to our imagination rather than filling in the details.
As Hunter, the normal side of the doppelganger, seeks the other members and arranges for them to meet, we discover the stories of Cody, Gene, Tina, and Kyrie. They have all experienced the blackouts and come to Boston to meet Joe Bronx, who promises to explain what is happening in their lives.
Moore continues the story with plenty of action as the parties behind their creation want to put their “failures” to rest. SUBJECT SEVEN is a powerful book that is a nice fit for Moore’s writing style and pacing. This will be a memorable series for him, it’s off to a fantastic start and I’m ready too see what happens next.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Demon Trapper's Daughter
THE DEMON TRAPPER’S DAUGHTER, Jana Oliver, St Martin’s Griffin, $9.99, 352 Pages, ISBN: 9780312614782, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
If this is your first introduction to Jana Oliver, prepare to have your socks knocked off. If you are familiar with Jana’s previous work, prepare to have your socks knocked off. While this is marketed as a YA title, it is a great read for everyone. No matter what her topic is, Jana creates outstanding characters and makes them live and breathe. They become like friends and family and you really care for them.
This time out it’s Riley Blackthorne, a seventeen year old apprentice demon trapper living in the demon filled Atlanta of 2018. The economy has constantly gotten worse and Lucifer has increased his minions on Earth and it is up to Trappers Guild to eliminate them. Demons are ranked from one to five and come in all shapes, sizes and talents. Riley is apprenticed to her father and is dealing mostly with the small devils
As the book opens, Riley is after a biblio-demon in the library, when a problem arises and she goes before the Guild. Things go downhill from there. Her father is killed by a five and Beck, his other apprentice is injured.
Other problems come to pass as the demons appear to be working together, Holy Water is not working, and the demons all know Riley’s name. Riley must protect her father’s body from the Necros, go to school, fall in love and learn everything she can about her craft while facing obstacles at every turn.
This is a tremendous novel. It is also a memorable novel that should spawn a number of sequels. There are some books that stay with you and you always remember the first time you discovered them; THE DEMON TRAPPER’S DAUGHTER is one of those novels. It reminds me of the first time I read TWILIGHT and Jana Oliver should make demons the next big thing.
The Demon Trapper’s Daughter, Jana G. Oliver, St. Martin’s, Feb 1 2011, $9.99, ISBN: 9780312614782, reviewed by Harriet Klausner.
In 2018, Atlanta is like much of the country and the world in economic ruin. The residents follow the Golden Rule of do unto your neighbor before they do unto to you as survival is the only game in town. Adding to the misery index is Lucifer’s demonic minions are everywhere causing pain and suffering.
Seventeen year old Riley Blackthorne understands how miserable life has become. Her mother died from cancer while she and her dad Paul owe so much they have no chance of escaping their debts. However, like her father, Riley becomes a demon trapper joining the guild as an apprentice (while also attending school); as a way of bringing in income though from her hard childhood she always wanted to join her dad on the job. However, when a demon kills him, she has no choice but to keep working handling Grade One demons. However a Grade Five hellish killer attacks her as Lucifer targets Riley when she is most vulnerable while she grieves her loss.
This is a great opening urban fantasy as Jane G. Oliver deftly blends the creation of her mythos with non-stop action. The fast-paced story line starts at an incredible pace and never decelerates as the armchair audience needs to wear seatbelts. However, even with this faster than light speed, Atlanta and the heroine are fully developed while the support cast (a peer she romantically likes, her father, other trappers and demons) enhance the setting or the star. Readers will enjoy a joy ride around Atlanta escorted by The Demon Trapper’s Daughter.
If this is your first introduction to Jana Oliver, prepare to have your socks knocked off. If you are familiar with Jana’s previous work, prepare to have your socks knocked off. While this is marketed as a YA title, it is a great read for everyone. No matter what her topic is, Jana creates outstanding characters and makes them live and breathe. They become like friends and family and you really care for them.
This time out it’s Riley Blackthorne, a seventeen year old apprentice demon trapper living in the demon filled Atlanta of 2018. The economy has constantly gotten worse and Lucifer has increased his minions on Earth and it is up to Trappers Guild to eliminate them. Demons are ranked from one to five and come in all shapes, sizes and talents. Riley is apprenticed to her father and is dealing mostly with the small devils
As the book opens, Riley is after a biblio-demon in the library, when a problem arises and she goes before the Guild. Things go downhill from there. Her father is killed by a five and Beck, his other apprentice is injured.
Other problems come to pass as the demons appear to be working together, Holy Water is not working, and the demons all know Riley’s name. Riley must protect her father’s body from the Necros, go to school, fall in love and learn everything she can about her craft while facing obstacles at every turn.
This is a tremendous novel. It is also a memorable novel that should spawn a number of sequels. There are some books that stay with you and you always remember the first time you discovered them; THE DEMON TRAPPER’S DAUGHTER is one of those novels. It reminds me of the first time I read TWILIGHT and Jana Oliver should make demons the next big thing.
The Demon Trapper’s Daughter, Jana G. Oliver, St. Martin’s, Feb 1 2011, $9.99, ISBN: 9780312614782, reviewed by Harriet Klausner.
In 2018, Atlanta is like much of the country and the world in economic ruin. The residents follow the Golden Rule of do unto your neighbor before they do unto to you as survival is the only game in town. Adding to the misery index is Lucifer’s demonic minions are everywhere causing pain and suffering.
Seventeen year old Riley Blackthorne understands how miserable life has become. Her mother died from cancer while she and her dad Paul owe so much they have no chance of escaping their debts. However, like her father, Riley becomes a demon trapper joining the guild as an apprentice (while also attending school); as a way of bringing in income though from her hard childhood she always wanted to join her dad on the job. However, when a demon kills him, she has no choice but to keep working handling Grade One demons. However a Grade Five hellish killer attacks her as Lucifer targets Riley when she is most vulnerable while she grieves her loss.
This is a great opening urban fantasy as Jane G. Oliver deftly blends the creation of her mythos with non-stop action. The fast-paced story line starts at an incredible pace and never decelerates as the armchair audience needs to wear seatbelts. However, even with this faster than light speed, Atlanta and the heroine are fully developed while the support cast (a peer she romantically likes, her father, other trappers and demons) enhance the setting or the star. Readers will enjoy a joy ride around Atlanta escorted by The Demon Trapper’s Daughter.
Friday, December 31, 2010
The Last of 2010
Hope everyone is looking forward to the new opportunities of the new year and not worrying about the missed chances of 2010. Best wishes to everyone.
Phantom Four
Roger Wilson
Outskirts Press, $14.95
www.outskirtspress.com
ISBN: 9781432761226
In 1735 in Nepal, the Historian Professor Stevens lead Memory to the remote site where she learns her god Lucifer’s scheme to dominate the world has four Chosen ones in the way. Memory kills the professor, but concludes the Chosen Ones have not been born yet. She places a curse on them to die when they turn five years old.
In 1985 in Brooklyn Julie Smith gives birth to a quartet of fraternal boys. Her euphoric husband Damon names them Rex, Kevin, Paul and Oscar. Five years later the four brothers and their two years old sister Erica are at playground with their parents when a beam comes from a comet in space killing the quartet.
In 2010, the four shadows of the Smith quartet arise from their graveyard, but as muscular adults. They are confused as to what happened to them and who their family is though they know each other’s first names. The foursome meets women they like and grow stronger as does the curse inside of them. Soon, they find themselves at the front of a war; the battle zone is New York City and the enemy is Lucifer’s devils from hell with their beloved women their only anchor to sanity.
This is an exciting urban fantasy with a key romantic subplot that is cleverly interwoven into the action-packed story line. The lead fantastic four are clearly delineated even when they are five by their particular prowess even though having a quartet of heroes and their support can be overwhelming at times. Readers will enjoy taking the “subway to hell” as train conductor Roger Wilson provides a thrilling ride. Harriet Klausner
Haunted Echoes
Julie Ann Howell
Perseverance Press, $19.95
ISBN: 9781936051694
Having one book to her credit, Sarah Reddington faces writer’s block while her deadline to hand over her second novel to her publisher is nearing. She is staying at the Otter Cove Inn in Cape Elizabeth, Maine for a few weeks as the only guest; not even the innkeepers are around when she arrives.
Strange sounds reverberate throughout the walls; so loud that Sarah hears them. A noise in the room on the third floor scares her into running back to her writing area. She does not hear the doorknob slowly being turned until she realizes an entity besides herself is in the inn and guarding it. Her sister Abby knows she is in danger and intends to get her out of there. Before she can do that, Abby’s daughter Tessa is taken in by the spirit of the inn with no way for Abby to reach her daughter until Riley, who knows what is going on helps Abby. They must find a way in to rescue Sarah and Tessa before aunt and niece are lost forever.
Haunted Echoes’ main characters are the Victorian inn and the spirit that inhabits the haunted house. Together along with the Atlantic coast of Maine they create an eerie gothic like atmosphere. The arrival of Sarah triggers the supernatural events as the Keeper wants the visitor’s soul. Mindful of King’s The Shining even with its radically different locale, fan will enjoy this old fashion spooky haunted house thriller. Harriet Klausner
The Bards of Bone Plain
Patricia McKillip
Ace, $24.95
ISBN: 9780441019571
He wants to finish his class work so he can graduate from the school on the hill. Phelan Cle chose an easy topic for his final report, the frequently studied Bone Plain. For five centuries the legendary locale has been argued about by academia as to whether it is myth fostered by romantic poets or a lost land. Even at his bardic school, Phelan knows most assume the Bone Plain is legend with its alleged trio triad of Trials, Terrors and treasures.
Phelan’s research uncovers the story of a wandering bard Nairn the Unforgiven and the student wants to know more about him. At the same time his archeologist father Jonah digs at the ancient ruins of the city. Working at the excavation sites is Princess Beatrice, who prefers digs to dances. When the team uncovers an enigmatic disk with ancient runes on it, Phelan believes this is the key to solving the riddle of Nairn the Unforgiven while Beatrice begins to notice what has been hidden in plain sight.
This is a strange but enjoyable tale that feels like a fantasy, but is not; as Patricia McKillip provides a scholarly atmosphere in which the Lovin’ Spoonful tune “Do You Believe in Magic?” seems so apropos as there is no paranormal. The story line switches effortlessly between Phelan, Beatrice and Nairn with the language of the runes connecting the trio (everything is in threes). Fans will appreciate the low-keyed look at The Bards of Bone Plain as the present interprets the past with a contemporary filter that can lead to misinterpretation. Harriet Klausner
Phantom Four
Roger Wilson
Outskirts Press, $14.95
www.outskirtspress.com
ISBN: 9781432761226
In 1735 in Nepal, the Historian Professor Stevens lead Memory to the remote site where she learns her god Lucifer’s scheme to dominate the world has four Chosen ones in the way. Memory kills the professor, but concludes the Chosen Ones have not been born yet. She places a curse on them to die when they turn five years old.
In 1985 in Brooklyn Julie Smith gives birth to a quartet of fraternal boys. Her euphoric husband Damon names them Rex, Kevin, Paul and Oscar. Five years later the four brothers and their two years old sister Erica are at playground with their parents when a beam comes from a comet in space killing the quartet.
In 2010, the four shadows of the Smith quartet arise from their graveyard, but as muscular adults. They are confused as to what happened to them and who their family is though they know each other’s first names. The foursome meets women they like and grow stronger as does the curse inside of them. Soon, they find themselves at the front of a war; the battle zone is New York City and the enemy is Lucifer’s devils from hell with their beloved women their only anchor to sanity.
This is an exciting urban fantasy with a key romantic subplot that is cleverly interwoven into the action-packed story line. The lead fantastic four are clearly delineated even when they are five by their particular prowess even though having a quartet of heroes and their support can be overwhelming at times. Readers will enjoy taking the “subway to hell” as train conductor Roger Wilson provides a thrilling ride. Harriet Klausner
Haunted Echoes
Julie Ann Howell
Perseverance Press, $19.95
ISBN: 9781936051694
Having one book to her credit, Sarah Reddington faces writer’s block while her deadline to hand over her second novel to her publisher is nearing. She is staying at the Otter Cove Inn in Cape Elizabeth, Maine for a few weeks as the only guest; not even the innkeepers are around when she arrives.
Strange sounds reverberate throughout the walls; so loud that Sarah hears them. A noise in the room on the third floor scares her into running back to her writing area. She does not hear the doorknob slowly being turned until she realizes an entity besides herself is in the inn and guarding it. Her sister Abby knows she is in danger and intends to get her out of there. Before she can do that, Abby’s daughter Tessa is taken in by the spirit of the inn with no way for Abby to reach her daughter until Riley, who knows what is going on helps Abby. They must find a way in to rescue Sarah and Tessa before aunt and niece are lost forever.
Haunted Echoes’ main characters are the Victorian inn and the spirit that inhabits the haunted house. Together along with the Atlantic coast of Maine they create an eerie gothic like atmosphere. The arrival of Sarah triggers the supernatural events as the Keeper wants the visitor’s soul. Mindful of King’s The Shining even with its radically different locale, fan will enjoy this old fashion spooky haunted house thriller. Harriet Klausner
The Bards of Bone Plain
Patricia McKillip
Ace, $24.95
ISBN: 9780441019571
He wants to finish his class work so he can graduate from the school on the hill. Phelan Cle chose an easy topic for his final report, the frequently studied Bone Plain. For five centuries the legendary locale has been argued about by academia as to whether it is myth fostered by romantic poets or a lost land. Even at his bardic school, Phelan knows most assume the Bone Plain is legend with its alleged trio triad of Trials, Terrors and treasures.
Phelan’s research uncovers the story of a wandering bard Nairn the Unforgiven and the student wants to know more about him. At the same time his archeologist father Jonah digs at the ancient ruins of the city. Working at the excavation sites is Princess Beatrice, who prefers digs to dances. When the team uncovers an enigmatic disk with ancient runes on it, Phelan believes this is the key to solving the riddle of Nairn the Unforgiven while Beatrice begins to notice what has been hidden in plain sight.
This is a strange but enjoyable tale that feels like a fantasy, but is not; as Patricia McKillip provides a scholarly atmosphere in which the Lovin’ Spoonful tune “Do You Believe in Magic?” seems so apropos as there is no paranormal. The story line switches effortlessly between Phelan, Beatrice and Nairn with the language of the runes connecting the trio (everything is in threes). Fans will appreciate the low-keyed look at The Bards of Bone Plain as the present interprets the past with a contemporary filter that can lead to misinterpretation. Harriet Klausner
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Autumn, Seed Seeker, and A Darker Shade of Dead reviews
Autumn
David Moody
St. Martin’s Griffin, $13.99
ISBN: 9780312569983
In less than twenty-four hours, billions are dead. The virus killed so fast that on one block a William Price was first to go and within five minutes his entire street had become a cemetery. Less than 1% of mankind survived the first wave. Those who do are in shock as they say good-bye to loved ones and in Britain they soon realize when no one responds to 999 or anything on the radio that civilization as they know it is over.
Factory mechanic Carl Henshawe cannot believe his beloved wife and their little girl is dead. Computer company executive Michael Collins gives lecture to a class of teens ignoring him when he horrifically watches them die. Fighting a cold medical student Emma Mitchell skips class and goes to the nearby shop to buy food only to see the owner and other patrons die. The few survivors find one another at a dilapidated community center waiting for first responders who never come. Instead as supplies dwindle, the dead begin to reanimate. The noise of the living disturbs the undead and even loved ones are coming to silence those who have not changed; the only thing that stops them is their rotting flesh.
This is an enjoyable cerebral zombie thriller in which David Moody looks deep into the souls of those who survived the virus; for instance others like Phillip struggle to move on pass a deceased loved one. Slowly the few humans find civilization stripped bare until the only thing left is whether it is worth the fight to stay alive. Though the story line is at times deliberately slow as Michael, Carl and Emma rotate internal pensive musings, readers who relish a different bite on zombies will appreciate the grim moody atmosphere of Autumn.
Harriet Klausner
Seed Seeker
Pamela Sargent
Tor, $25.99
ISBN: 9780765314284
The sentient space traveling vessel Ship plants the human seeds on many worlds. Before disembarking, Ship always promises to return to judge humanity. On the planet Home, Ship left behind humanity (see Earthseed), but after he left the species divided into two branches (see Farseed). Inside of the dome left behind by Ship lives the Dome Dwellers who believe they only abide to the creator’s admonition of being “true humanity” while waiting for the second coming. Those who left the dome to live off the land near the great river as farmers and hunters are technologically low. These River People believe Ship’s vision for mankind is to live in harmony on Home. Each side believes strongly the other side is “contaminated”.
The River People see the strange light in the sky they assume means Ship has returned for Judgment Day. Inside the dome, excitement and fear is high that Ship has come back to see how humanity has fared. However, the dome radio operators find their communication devices fail to make contact with Ship. The River Dwellers are concerned that the Dome Dwellers have sold them out as impure. Teenagers Bian and Arnagh begin a journey to the dome to learn what is going on.
With obvious religious implications of a second coming judgment day in which each side of humanity expects Ship to choose their way of life over the other as Pamela Sargent provides a deep science fiction story in which she lucidly makes the case that materialism (Dwellers) without purpose is futile. The reactions to the anticipated return is fascinating since the Dome Dwellers insist they are “true” yet fear Judgment while the River People fear the Dome Dwellers have left them to be condemned. Although the characters are somewhat interchangeable except for the teens, readers will enjoy this philosophical look at two cultures in which regardless of what Ship rules life will never be the same as the creator has returned. Harriet Klausner
A Darker Shade of Dead
Bianca D’Arc
Kensington Brava, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758247315
Dr. Sandra McCormick knows she will go to her grave seeing the marines brutally murdered eight months ago by the zombies created by her peers led by Dr. Rodriguez who used her genetic experiments on innocent people (see Once Bitten, Twice Dead). She hopes to at least find an antidote, but has little chance of doing so under current conditions as being persona non grata except by Rodriguez, who demands she return to the zombie project or he will expose her to the world as the creator.
Still she obtains a top secret government assignment to work with the military and civilian agencies on creating the antidote under the direction of Commander Matt Sykes before the virus goes pandemic. He distrusts her as he senses she conceals something critical from him. She fears his reaction if he learns her research led to the zombie plague that killed the marines and others. Then there is Rodriguez threatening to destroy her unless she hands over her research to him.
Zombie fever fans will enjoy this entertaining romantic urban fantasy in which, as she did in Once Bitten, Twice Dead (whose leads support this tale), Bianca D’Arc refreshingly (and shockingly) has two humans fall in love. The story line is fast-paced for the most part as the stars battle zombies and Rodriquez and their attraction; however it slows down when Sandra turns lecturer explaining the zombie virus and her efforts for an antidote. Readers will want to join the scientist and the soldier at the front trying to prevent a zombie pandemic even as they fall in love. Harriet Klausner
David Moody
St. Martin’s Griffin, $13.99
ISBN: 9780312569983
In less than twenty-four hours, billions are dead. The virus killed so fast that on one block a William Price was first to go and within five minutes his entire street had become a cemetery. Less than 1% of mankind survived the first wave. Those who do are in shock as they say good-bye to loved ones and in Britain they soon realize when no one responds to 999 or anything on the radio that civilization as they know it is over.
Factory mechanic Carl Henshawe cannot believe his beloved wife and their little girl is dead. Computer company executive Michael Collins gives lecture to a class of teens ignoring him when he horrifically watches them die. Fighting a cold medical student Emma Mitchell skips class and goes to the nearby shop to buy food only to see the owner and other patrons die. The few survivors find one another at a dilapidated community center waiting for first responders who never come. Instead as supplies dwindle, the dead begin to reanimate. The noise of the living disturbs the undead and even loved ones are coming to silence those who have not changed; the only thing that stops them is their rotting flesh.
This is an enjoyable cerebral zombie thriller in which David Moody looks deep into the souls of those who survived the virus; for instance others like Phillip struggle to move on pass a deceased loved one. Slowly the few humans find civilization stripped bare until the only thing left is whether it is worth the fight to stay alive. Though the story line is at times deliberately slow as Michael, Carl and Emma rotate internal pensive musings, readers who relish a different bite on zombies will appreciate the grim moody atmosphere of Autumn.
Harriet Klausner
Seed Seeker
Pamela Sargent
Tor, $25.99
ISBN: 9780765314284
The sentient space traveling vessel Ship plants the human seeds on many worlds. Before disembarking, Ship always promises to return to judge humanity. On the planet Home, Ship left behind humanity (see Earthseed), but after he left the species divided into two branches (see Farseed). Inside of the dome left behind by Ship lives the Dome Dwellers who believe they only abide to the creator’s admonition of being “true humanity” while waiting for the second coming. Those who left the dome to live off the land near the great river as farmers and hunters are technologically low. These River People believe Ship’s vision for mankind is to live in harmony on Home. Each side believes strongly the other side is “contaminated”.
The River People see the strange light in the sky they assume means Ship has returned for Judgment Day. Inside the dome, excitement and fear is high that Ship has come back to see how humanity has fared. However, the dome radio operators find their communication devices fail to make contact with Ship. The River Dwellers are concerned that the Dome Dwellers have sold them out as impure. Teenagers Bian and Arnagh begin a journey to the dome to learn what is going on.
With obvious religious implications of a second coming judgment day in which each side of humanity expects Ship to choose their way of life over the other as Pamela Sargent provides a deep science fiction story in which she lucidly makes the case that materialism (Dwellers) without purpose is futile. The reactions to the anticipated return is fascinating since the Dome Dwellers insist they are “true” yet fear Judgment while the River People fear the Dome Dwellers have left them to be condemned. Although the characters are somewhat interchangeable except for the teens, readers will enjoy this philosophical look at two cultures in which regardless of what Ship rules life will never be the same as the creator has returned. Harriet Klausner
A Darker Shade of Dead
Bianca D’Arc
Kensington Brava, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758247315
Dr. Sandra McCormick knows she will go to her grave seeing the marines brutally murdered eight months ago by the zombies created by her peers led by Dr. Rodriguez who used her genetic experiments on innocent people (see Once Bitten, Twice Dead). She hopes to at least find an antidote, but has little chance of doing so under current conditions as being persona non grata except by Rodriguez, who demands she return to the zombie project or he will expose her to the world as the creator.
Still she obtains a top secret government assignment to work with the military and civilian agencies on creating the antidote under the direction of Commander Matt Sykes before the virus goes pandemic. He distrusts her as he senses she conceals something critical from him. She fears his reaction if he learns her research led to the zombie plague that killed the marines and others. Then there is Rodriguez threatening to destroy her unless she hands over her research to him.
Zombie fever fans will enjoy this entertaining romantic urban fantasy in which, as she did in Once Bitten, Twice Dead (whose leads support this tale), Bianca D’Arc refreshingly (and shockingly) has two humans fall in love. The story line is fast-paced for the most part as the stars battle zombies and Rodriquez and their attraction; however it slows down when Sandra turns lecturer explaining the zombie virus and her efforts for an antidote. Readers will want to join the scientist and the soldier at the front trying to prevent a zombie pandemic even as they fall in love. Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Interesting Reviews from Harriet
In the Company of Vampires
Katie MacAlister
Signet, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451231604
The Fates declared that Francesca Ghetti was Benedikt Czerny’s beloved soul mate. However, Fran loves Ben, but refuses to accept destiny when she believes in free will. She leaves her beloved in Europe while returning to America (see the young adult teen fantasies CIRCUS OF THE DARNED and GOT FANGS, written as Katie Maxwell).
Five years have passed since Fran said goodbye to Ben. After rescuing her roommate from an otherworldly assault, Fran returns to the Gothfaire where they first met when she learns her mom, who remained with the troupe, vanished. Fran knows her mom would never just leave as she takes her role as the witch seriously. Accompanying her are three Viking ghosts assigned to banish Loki. She also has a rival for Ben’s affection as Naomi the tattoo artist overtly makes it clear she wants him. Finally there is the villagers’ paying homage to Wagner. With all that floating around mom still remains missing while an evil necromancer begins a deadly incantation.
This zany clever Dark Ones sentry (see The Last of the Red Hot Vampires) stars the six foot (no longer teen) in an adult role as she finds her vampiric soul mate with an apparent lover and meets his sibling. As is her personality, Fran charges ahead ready to fight anyone even her own heart while ripping skin off of everyone even Viking ghosts. Although the reunion lacks intensity beyond jealousy and sex, fans will enjoy the return as Ben and Fran lead readers on a wild tour of Europe. Harriet Klausner
Ecstasy in Darkness
Gena Showalter
Pocket, $7.99
ISBN: 9781439175774
In New Chicago Ava Sans is nearing the end of her training at Alien Investigation and Renewal. Noted for being one of the rough and tough girls, her “graduation” assignment is to capture the former leader of the vampire army, Victor McKell. The AIR trainee understands that this undead has become mentally deranged in his hatred of humanity. He believes they are low on the food chain even though his kind avoids his hostility, but in spite of being a psychotic he still can manipulate time.
Although Ava assumes Victor sees her as dinner, she walks boldly on to his estate where he fails to kill her like he normally does to intruders. Instead admires her incredible body and he offers a deal to team up with her to prevent an alien queen from infecting the planet. Planning to use her as an expendable lure to draw vampires to him, McKell soon falls in love.
Gena Showalter displays her romantic fantasy writing skills with her seventh Alien Huntress thriller (see Savor Me Slowly and Seduce the Darkness) with this fascinating, seemingly improbable pairing of a predator with a huntress and somehow makes it feel plausible. He is a human consumer (literally that is) while she is a rough vampire and other alien investigative human. She prefers nips and sensual bites while he rips throats for sustenance. Although the alien queen subplot takes a back seat to the dynamic duo’s “war”, readers will appreciate this pairing as she gives as much or more than she takes. Harriet Klausner
Stronger Than Sin
Caridad Pineiro
Forever, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446543842
The Wardwell scientists almost killed Dr. Liliana Carrera so she has dedicated her life to save others from these evil maniacs. Her current patient is former NFL player Jesse Bradford whose receiving career was cut short by an injury. As she tries to help the football star recover, he conceals from her that he works for her enemy, the Wardell scientists who are blackmailing him to steal her secrets by threatening to harm his ailing sister.
Liliana falls in love with her patient; he feels the same way about his healer. Thus he also feels guilt as he is caught between the two women he loves in the world; for whichever one he saves the other is dead.
The second scintillating Sin story (see Sins of the Flesh) is a stupendous action-packed science fiction romance starring two survivors. She is a dedicated doctor while he is tacked behind the line between saving his sister and his soul mate. With a terrific medical twist re his health, fans will enjoy the latest mad scientists’’ saga as love is Stronger than Sin, but love also leads to conflicting multiple relationships. Harriet Klausner
Luck of the Wolf
Susan Krinard
Harlequin HQN, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774692
In 1882 Cort Renier left his werewolf clan as an outcast in exile. He pursues a life of revenge. In San Francisco, Cort gets in on a high stakes poker game and wins the biggest stake.
Raised in isolation in mountainous Carantia by Franz who hid her to keep her safe, Aria di Reinardus travels to California seeking other Caranthian exiles and hopefully wehrwolfe entities like her. In San Francisco she was abducted, but Cort won her in gambling game. Cort thinks the European is perfect for his plans of revenge. With allies, he will pass Aria off as the lost Reinardus heiress and escort her to her clan in New Orleans. However, he is so consumed with vengeance, Cort fails to recognize his life mate when he met her; she knows from the start who her rescuer is. As his plans go awry due to his traitorous heart, Cort risks his life to keep his beloved safe from adversaries who fear she may be royalty and want her dead.
The latest Renier historical werewolf romance (see Bride of the Wolf) is a superb entry as the hero learns being a an avenging lone wolf is cold now that he has met his mate; although he took a long time to accept who she is. Fast-paced, sub-genre fans will enjoy this fine late nineteenth century paranormal with a touch of mystery while wondering just like Cort does whether his beloved actually is the Reinardus heiress; regardless he knows the Luck of the Wolf is winning her love.
Harriet Klausner
Touch of Temptation
Rhyannon Byrd
Harlequin HQN, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774791
Kellan Scott is the youngest member of his werewolf pack. He is an emotional wreck who conceals his heart from everyone even himself to avoid being hurt. He is very attracted to witch Chloe Harcourt, but works diligently to deny his feelings.
However, even with his efforts to deny his desire, Kellan begins to believe Chloe is his one. As he fears what that means, Chloe assumes her sexual need for Kellan is symptomatic of her Merrick sexual hunger heritage and the Mallory curse, which embellishes the emotions of people who come into contact with her. Both sing I’m not in love yet each wonders why this feels different.
The latest Primal Instinct romantic urban fantasy (see Touch of Seduction and Touch of Surrender) is a wonderful entry mostly due to Kellan’s denial as his refrain is I’m Not in Love (10 CC). The story line is at its best when it remains in the present conflict; when the tale focuses on the past, it loses some of its speed. Still readers will enjoy visiting the Byrd universe as the author’s deft touch makes the werewolf society seem genuine. Harriet Klausner
Katie MacAlister
Signet, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451231604
The Fates declared that Francesca Ghetti was Benedikt Czerny’s beloved soul mate. However, Fran loves Ben, but refuses to accept destiny when she believes in free will. She leaves her beloved in Europe while returning to America (see the young adult teen fantasies CIRCUS OF THE DARNED and GOT FANGS, written as Katie Maxwell).
Five years have passed since Fran said goodbye to Ben. After rescuing her roommate from an otherworldly assault, Fran returns to the Gothfaire where they first met when she learns her mom, who remained with the troupe, vanished. Fran knows her mom would never just leave as she takes her role as the witch seriously. Accompanying her are three Viking ghosts assigned to banish Loki. She also has a rival for Ben’s affection as Naomi the tattoo artist overtly makes it clear she wants him. Finally there is the villagers’ paying homage to Wagner. With all that floating around mom still remains missing while an evil necromancer begins a deadly incantation.
This zany clever Dark Ones sentry (see The Last of the Red Hot Vampires) stars the six foot (no longer teen) in an adult role as she finds her vampiric soul mate with an apparent lover and meets his sibling. As is her personality, Fran charges ahead ready to fight anyone even her own heart while ripping skin off of everyone even Viking ghosts. Although the reunion lacks intensity beyond jealousy and sex, fans will enjoy the return as Ben and Fran lead readers on a wild tour of Europe. Harriet Klausner
Ecstasy in Darkness
Gena Showalter
Pocket, $7.99
ISBN: 9781439175774
In New Chicago Ava Sans is nearing the end of her training at Alien Investigation and Renewal. Noted for being one of the rough and tough girls, her “graduation” assignment is to capture the former leader of the vampire army, Victor McKell. The AIR trainee understands that this undead has become mentally deranged in his hatred of humanity. He believes they are low on the food chain even though his kind avoids his hostility, but in spite of being a psychotic he still can manipulate time.
Although Ava assumes Victor sees her as dinner, she walks boldly on to his estate where he fails to kill her like he normally does to intruders. Instead admires her incredible body and he offers a deal to team up with her to prevent an alien queen from infecting the planet. Planning to use her as an expendable lure to draw vampires to him, McKell soon falls in love.
Gena Showalter displays her romantic fantasy writing skills with her seventh Alien Huntress thriller (see Savor Me Slowly and Seduce the Darkness) with this fascinating, seemingly improbable pairing of a predator with a huntress and somehow makes it feel plausible. He is a human consumer (literally that is) while she is a rough vampire and other alien investigative human. She prefers nips and sensual bites while he rips throats for sustenance. Although the alien queen subplot takes a back seat to the dynamic duo’s “war”, readers will appreciate this pairing as she gives as much or more than she takes. Harriet Klausner
Stronger Than Sin
Caridad Pineiro
Forever, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446543842
The Wardwell scientists almost killed Dr. Liliana Carrera so she has dedicated her life to save others from these evil maniacs. Her current patient is former NFL player Jesse Bradford whose receiving career was cut short by an injury. As she tries to help the football star recover, he conceals from her that he works for her enemy, the Wardell scientists who are blackmailing him to steal her secrets by threatening to harm his ailing sister.
Liliana falls in love with her patient; he feels the same way about his healer. Thus he also feels guilt as he is caught between the two women he loves in the world; for whichever one he saves the other is dead.
The second scintillating Sin story (see Sins of the Flesh) is a stupendous action-packed science fiction romance starring two survivors. She is a dedicated doctor while he is tacked behind the line between saving his sister and his soul mate. With a terrific medical twist re his health, fans will enjoy the latest mad scientists’’ saga as love is Stronger than Sin, but love also leads to conflicting multiple relationships. Harriet Klausner
Luck of the Wolf
Susan Krinard
Harlequin HQN, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774692
In 1882 Cort Renier left his werewolf clan as an outcast in exile. He pursues a life of revenge. In San Francisco, Cort gets in on a high stakes poker game and wins the biggest stake.
Raised in isolation in mountainous Carantia by Franz who hid her to keep her safe, Aria di Reinardus travels to California seeking other Caranthian exiles and hopefully wehrwolfe entities like her. In San Francisco she was abducted, but Cort won her in gambling game. Cort thinks the European is perfect for his plans of revenge. With allies, he will pass Aria off as the lost Reinardus heiress and escort her to her clan in New Orleans. However, he is so consumed with vengeance, Cort fails to recognize his life mate when he met her; she knows from the start who her rescuer is. As his plans go awry due to his traitorous heart, Cort risks his life to keep his beloved safe from adversaries who fear she may be royalty and want her dead.
The latest Renier historical werewolf romance (see Bride of the Wolf) is a superb entry as the hero learns being a an avenging lone wolf is cold now that he has met his mate; although he took a long time to accept who she is. Fast-paced, sub-genre fans will enjoy this fine late nineteenth century paranormal with a touch of mystery while wondering just like Cort does whether his beloved actually is the Reinardus heiress; regardless he knows the Luck of the Wolf is winning her love.
Harriet Klausner
Touch of Temptation
Rhyannon Byrd
Harlequin HQN, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774791
Kellan Scott is the youngest member of his werewolf pack. He is an emotional wreck who conceals his heart from everyone even himself to avoid being hurt. He is very attracted to witch Chloe Harcourt, but works diligently to deny his feelings.
However, even with his efforts to deny his desire, Kellan begins to believe Chloe is his one. As he fears what that means, Chloe assumes her sexual need for Kellan is symptomatic of her Merrick sexual hunger heritage and the Mallory curse, which embellishes the emotions of people who come into contact with her. Both sing I’m not in love yet each wonders why this feels different.
The latest Primal Instinct romantic urban fantasy (see Touch of Seduction and Touch of Surrender) is a wonderful entry mostly due to Kellan’s denial as his refrain is I’m Not in Love (10 CC). The story line is at its best when it remains in the present conflict; when the tale focuses on the past, it loses some of its speed. Still readers will enjoy visiting the Byrd universe as the author’s deft touch makes the werewolf society seem genuine. Harriet Klausner
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