THE DARK TOWER COMPANION, A Guide to Stephen King’s Epic Fantasy, Bev Vincent, New American Library, $16, 560 pages, ISBN: 9780451237996, reviewed by Barry Hunter.
This is an an edition of all new material to update King’s additions to the canon of Roland, The Gunslinger. Bev Vincent is the author of THE ROAD TO THE DARK TOWER which Stephen King called "Wonderful". This new edition includes everything up to THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE and the graphic novels from Marvel which may or may not be the last volume of the saga. King can’t even say if there are any more stories tucked away before they pop out someday.
Each book has its’ own section and gives a brief synopsis of the book along with listing characters, places, things and crossovers from other titles. Following that is a listing of other books written by King that have ties to The Dark Tower Canon. There is also a listing of the artwork in each volume as well as information on the contributors of the Marvel comics.
There are also interviews with Robin Furth, Brian Stark, Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman. The listings of places and people in our world and mid-world as well as how things change along the timelines help the reader to understand some of the happenings that may not be clear without re-reading the series as each new one comes along.
Vincent has done a terrific job in putting this together and it fills a need for each “Constant Reader”. It demands a place on the shelf next to The Dark Tower Canon where it can be easily found when a question comes up.
Don’t wait for the April 2, 2013 release date, reserve it at your local bookseller to make sure that it doesn’t slip away.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Shadow Wars by Rod Reese
THE SHADOW WARS
Rod Reese
First Daughter Norma Williams is stranded in the sinister cyber-world of the not-so-distant future called the Demi-Monde, a world inhabited by some of history’s most menacing villains and where nothing is as it seems. Norma knows she was a fool to be lured into this virtual nightmare of a world, and when the agent sent in the game to save her goes rogue and a long forgotten evil is awoken, it falls to Norma to lead the resistance.
As the shadows of war grow ever darker across the Demi-Monde and Norma is betrayed by those she thought were friends, she must helm the battle against a terrifying force if she wants to survive.
Lost, without a plan, and with the army of the ForthRight marching ever closer, she must come to terms with terrible new responsibilities and with the knowledge that those she thought were her friends are now her enemies. To triumph in this surreal cyber-world she must be more than she ever believed she could be . . . or perish.
Pick up THE SHADOW WARS, the second volume of the Demi-Monde Saga
Rod Reese
First Daughter Norma Williams is stranded in the sinister cyber-world of the not-so-distant future called the Demi-Monde, a world inhabited by some of history’s most menacing villains and where nothing is as it seems. Norma knows she was a fool to be lured into this virtual nightmare of a world, and when the agent sent in the game to save her goes rogue and a long forgotten evil is awoken, it falls to Norma to lead the resistance.
As the shadows of war grow ever darker across the Demi-Monde and Norma is betrayed by those she thought were friends, she must helm the battle against a terrifying force if she wants to survive.
Lost, without a plan, and with the army of the ForthRight marching ever closer, she must come to terms with terrible new responsibilities and with the knowledge that those she thought were her friends are now her enemies. To triumph in this surreal cyber-world she must be more than she ever believed she could be . . . or perish.
Pick up THE SHADOW WARS, the second volume of the Demi-Monde Saga
Friday, February 22, 2013
Press Release
Solaris Rising 2
Edited by Ian Whates
The new SF rises on March 26th (Us & Can) and April 11th (UK)
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-087-0
$8.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-088-7
Available in paperback and ebook
The New Solaris Book of Science Fiction
“One of the best SF anthologies published this year…
there’s almost nothing here that isn’t good or outstanding”
– Locus on Solaris Rising
Featuring new short stories from top names in the genre, Solaris Rising 2 is the latest galaxy-spanning collection of science-fiction from the leader in SF anthologies.
Showcasing the finest new science fiction from both celebrated authors and the most exciting of emerging writers, it follows in the footsteps of the critically-acclaimed first volume, editor Ian Whates has once again gathered together a plethora of thrilling and daring talent.
From unexplored frontiers to common themes of the genre – alien worlds, time travel, artificial intelligence – this is science-fiction made entirely new in the telling. Paul Cornell, Nancy Kress, James Lovegrove, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Nick Harkaway, Allen Steele, Kay Kenyon, Norman Spinrad and many more prove once again why SF continues to be the most innovative, satisfying, and downright exciting genre of all.
About the series
The SF short story is a groundbreaking tradition that has brought us some of the greatest science-fiction writers in the world. Solaris continues this tradition with Solaris Rising, its series of SF collections featuring both new and established voices in the modern genre.
Bizarre futures, gritty other worlds and strange realms, Solaris Rising exemplifies the diversity and innovation that continue to make science fiction the most thrilling genre there is.
About the Editor
Ian Whates is a director of both the Science-Fiction Writers Association and the British Science-Fiction Association. He is the proprietor and editor of NewCon Press. His novels The Noise Within and The Noise Revealed are published by Solaris, he has also written City of Dreams & Nightmare and City of Hope & Despair.
www.ianwhates.com
Edited by Ian Whates
The new SF rises on March 26th (Us & Can) and April 11th (UK)
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-087-0
$8.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-088-7
Available in paperback and ebook
The New Solaris Book of Science Fiction
“One of the best SF anthologies published this year…
there’s almost nothing here that isn’t good or outstanding”
– Locus on Solaris Rising
Featuring new short stories from top names in the genre, Solaris Rising 2 is the latest galaxy-spanning collection of science-fiction from the leader in SF anthologies.
Showcasing the finest new science fiction from both celebrated authors and the most exciting of emerging writers, it follows in the footsteps of the critically-acclaimed first volume, editor Ian Whates has once again gathered together a plethora of thrilling and daring talent.
From unexplored frontiers to common themes of the genre – alien worlds, time travel, artificial intelligence – this is science-fiction made entirely new in the telling. Paul Cornell, Nancy Kress, James Lovegrove, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Nick Harkaway, Allen Steele, Kay Kenyon, Norman Spinrad and many more prove once again why SF continues to be the most innovative, satisfying, and downright exciting genre of all.
About the series
The SF short story is a groundbreaking tradition that has brought us some of the greatest science-fiction writers in the world. Solaris continues this tradition with Solaris Rising, its series of SF collections featuring both new and established voices in the modern genre.
Bizarre futures, gritty other worlds and strange realms, Solaris Rising exemplifies the diversity and innovation that continue to make science fiction the most thrilling genre there is.
About the Editor
Ian Whates is a director of both the Science-Fiction Writers Association and the British Science-Fiction Association. He is the proprietor and editor of NewCon Press. His novels The Noise Within and The Noise Revealed are published by Solaris, he has also written City of Dreams & Nightmare and City of Hope & Despair.
www.ianwhates.com
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Kiss of Temptation by Sandra Hill
KISS OF TEMPTATION:
A Deadly Angels Book
By Sandra Hill
(Avon| On Sale: 3/26/2013| ISBN 9780062064639| $5.99 |E-Book ISBN 9780062063878 | $5.99)
It’s finally here! New York Times best-selling author Sandra Hill’s Deadly Angels series has been high on the list of fan-favorites since book one, Kiss of Pride, and its sequel, Kiss of Surrender. But a romance series centering on the seven deadly sins, and sexy Vikings turned into angels, is bound to have one break-out star, and this is it—the one you’ve been waiting for!
Kiss of Temptation is all about reformed vangel Ivak Sigurdsson’s battle to find balance between lust and love—with feisty lawyer Gabrielle Sonnier. With Hill’s trademark wicked humor, this book hits all the right notes: sexy and steamy, laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly sweet—and it doesn’t hurt that there are vampire Viking angels. Vampire. Viking. Angels. It’s like a trifecta of what romance readers want, created by the inimitable Sandra Hill, and available to readers at a bargain $5.99 price!
***
Men wanted to be him, and women just wanted him…
In his life as a fearsome Viking warrior, Ivak Sigurdsson was no stranger to the sin of lust, leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake. But when a man is as careless about the consequences of his actions as Ivak, he can only go so long without paying the price for his sins—and Viking justice is swift and harsh. After betraying his best friend—and paying the ultimate price for it—Ivak is given a choice: die, or serve the archangel Michael and become a vangel.
One thousand years of temptation…
For one thousand years, Ivak remains celibate, serving a personal penance to Michael, going where he is commanded, and fighting the good fight against the demonic lucipires. But Gabrielle Sonnier is everything that Ivak can’t resist: a sassy, smart lawyer with a heart of gold—and she’s gorgeous, too. Serving as a prison chaplain where Gabrielle’s brother is wrongfully incarcerated means that Ivak can’t seem to avoid her—and he doesn’t even know if he wants to, anymore. Between dealing with a rowdy inmate talent show, a cranky archangel, and the crazy Cajun LeDeux brood of Tante Lulu, Ivak has more than enough to deal with. But when the lucipires start acting up in New Orleans, it’s up to Ivak to protect Gabrielle, and the temptation she provides may just be too great for him to resist.
A Deadly Angels Book
By Sandra Hill
(Avon| On Sale: 3/26/2013| ISBN 9780062064639| $5.99 |E-Book ISBN 9780062063878 | $5.99)
It’s finally here! New York Times best-selling author Sandra Hill’s Deadly Angels series has been high on the list of fan-favorites since book one, Kiss of Pride, and its sequel, Kiss of Surrender. But a romance series centering on the seven deadly sins, and sexy Vikings turned into angels, is bound to have one break-out star, and this is it—the one you’ve been waiting for!
Kiss of Temptation is all about reformed vangel Ivak Sigurdsson’s battle to find balance between lust and love—with feisty lawyer Gabrielle Sonnier. With Hill’s trademark wicked humor, this book hits all the right notes: sexy and steamy, laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly sweet—and it doesn’t hurt that there are vampire Viking angels. Vampire. Viking. Angels. It’s like a trifecta of what romance readers want, created by the inimitable Sandra Hill, and available to readers at a bargain $5.99 price!
***
Men wanted to be him, and women just wanted him…
In his life as a fearsome Viking warrior, Ivak Sigurdsson was no stranger to the sin of lust, leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake. But when a man is as careless about the consequences of his actions as Ivak, he can only go so long without paying the price for his sins—and Viking justice is swift and harsh. After betraying his best friend—and paying the ultimate price for it—Ivak is given a choice: die, or serve the archangel Michael and become a vangel.
One thousand years of temptation…
For one thousand years, Ivak remains celibate, serving a personal penance to Michael, going where he is commanded, and fighting the good fight against the demonic lucipires. But Gabrielle Sonnier is everything that Ivak can’t resist: a sassy, smart lawyer with a heart of gold—and she’s gorgeous, too. Serving as a prison chaplain where Gabrielle’s brother is wrongfully incarcerated means that Ivak can’t seem to avoid her—and he doesn’t even know if he wants to, anymore. Between dealing with a rowdy inmate talent show, a cranky archangel, and the crazy Cajun LeDeux brood of Tante Lulu, Ivak has more than enough to deal with. But when the lucipires start acting up in New Orleans, it’s up to Ivak to protect Gabrielle, and the temptation she provides may just be too great for him to resist.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Jack Campbell, Terry Pratchett and Tina Connolly
The Lost Stars: Tarnished Knight
Jack Campbell
Ace, $26.95
ISBN: 9781937077822
The ruthless Syndicate finds its violent control of its people in peril because of the inability to defeat the Alliance forces led by "Black Jack" Geary nor defend some of their worlds from aliens. As the Syndicate appears on the verge of implosion, The Midway Star System becomes a hotbed of activity because the sector is a nexus of hypergates to and from other Syndicate systems. Distrust of the brutal Syndicate forces runs throughout this sector as the locals expect to feel the terrorizing crush of their “protectors” and worse from the “snakes”.
Syndicate Commander Arthur Drakon led the ground forces in the Midway Star System, but he and what is left of his units are exiled. Instead of hiding, Drakon makes a rebellious bid to take over leadership of Midway starting with ridding the system of the snakes. To succeed, he needs to ally with a natural enemy CEO Gwen Iceni. Together they mount a counter attack on Syndicate units in the sector with a strong focus on those dominated by snakes. After declaring their independence from the Syndicate, each distrusts the other, but failure to do so will allow the snakes to regroup abetted by traitors.
This brilliant sidebar new series occurs during a period between the Beyond the Frontier last two entries: Dreadnaught and Invincible. Though there is plenty of military outer space combat, the storyline centers on the strange bedfellows’ codependent but tremulous alliance that Drakon and Iceni forge to bring their nebulous vision of a better democratic future for Midway. Jack Campbell runs a strong saga shown from the viewpoints of the Syndicate at a time when the vicious totalitarian military regime teeters on the brink of total collapse. Harriet Klausner
Dodger
Terry Pratchett
HarperCollins, $17.99
ISBN: 9780062009494
In London, two thugs beat up a young woman when Dodger the thieving tosher jumping out of a drain intervenes. She begs him to help her escape as her assaulters want to take her back to the monster she has run away from whose battering of her led to a miscarriage. As he lives up to his name with his snake like speed, Charlie Dickens the author and Henry Mayhew the social reformer arrive at the scene causing the brutes to flee. Charlie and Henry call Dodger Galahad.
Calling the mystery girl he rescued Simplicity, Dodger tries to help this woman he is attracted to; while also trying to prove he is worthy of her. Dodger soon meets Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria and Sweeney Todd in his quest to live up to the reputation of Sir Galahad.
Dodger is an enjoyable historical fiction tale that brings to life Victorian England. The key to this entertaining thriller is Terry Pratchett capturing the vernacular of the era and the tone of several real historical personas though mostly through their interplay with the title character. Although the mystery of Simplicity is more a device to propel the plot forward and there is not a disc in sight, fans will feel they are touring London with Dodger as their guide. Harriet Klausner
Ironskin
Tina Connolly
Tor, $24.99
ISBN: 9780765330598
Several years ago, humans and the forest dwelling fey fought The Great War to end all wars. Now, everyone is trying to return to normal. A victim of a fey curse that forces her to wear an iron mask to prevent the scar on her face from causing others to go into a rage, Jane Eliot answers an ad for a governess in a “delicate situation."
The child's father Edward Rochart the enigmatic mask-maker hires Jane to work with his son Dorie, whose late mother was "taken over" by a fey while she carried the lad. Dorie possesses telekinetic powers that Jane hopes she can teach him to control. However, to her horror and fear, Jane concludes the hostility with the fey apparently is not over.
This is a super Victorian gothic fantasy that provides a paranormal take on Jane Eyre. Fast-paced with a growing sense of foreboding built on what has already happened to the lead triangle, fans will relish the survivors struggling, in a war ravaged alternate Victorian world, to cope with their personal cursed PTSD. Harriet Klausner
Jack Campbell
Ace, $26.95
ISBN: 9781937077822
The ruthless Syndicate finds its violent control of its people in peril because of the inability to defeat the Alliance forces led by "Black Jack" Geary nor defend some of their worlds from aliens. As the Syndicate appears on the verge of implosion, The Midway Star System becomes a hotbed of activity because the sector is a nexus of hypergates to and from other Syndicate systems. Distrust of the brutal Syndicate forces runs throughout this sector as the locals expect to feel the terrorizing crush of their “protectors” and worse from the “snakes”.
Syndicate Commander Arthur Drakon led the ground forces in the Midway Star System, but he and what is left of his units are exiled. Instead of hiding, Drakon makes a rebellious bid to take over leadership of Midway starting with ridding the system of the snakes. To succeed, he needs to ally with a natural enemy CEO Gwen Iceni. Together they mount a counter attack on Syndicate units in the sector with a strong focus on those dominated by snakes. After declaring their independence from the Syndicate, each distrusts the other, but failure to do so will allow the snakes to regroup abetted by traitors.
This brilliant sidebar new series occurs during a period between the Beyond the Frontier last two entries: Dreadnaught and Invincible. Though there is plenty of military outer space combat, the storyline centers on the strange bedfellows’ codependent but tremulous alliance that Drakon and Iceni forge to bring their nebulous vision of a better democratic future for Midway. Jack Campbell runs a strong saga shown from the viewpoints of the Syndicate at a time when the vicious totalitarian military regime teeters on the brink of total collapse. Harriet Klausner
Dodger
Terry Pratchett
HarperCollins, $17.99
ISBN: 9780062009494
In London, two thugs beat up a young woman when Dodger the thieving tosher jumping out of a drain intervenes. She begs him to help her escape as her assaulters want to take her back to the monster she has run away from whose battering of her led to a miscarriage. As he lives up to his name with his snake like speed, Charlie Dickens the author and Henry Mayhew the social reformer arrive at the scene causing the brutes to flee. Charlie and Henry call Dodger Galahad.
Calling the mystery girl he rescued Simplicity, Dodger tries to help this woman he is attracted to; while also trying to prove he is worthy of her. Dodger soon meets Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria and Sweeney Todd in his quest to live up to the reputation of Sir Galahad.
Dodger is an enjoyable historical fiction tale that brings to life Victorian England. The key to this entertaining thriller is Terry Pratchett capturing the vernacular of the era and the tone of several real historical personas though mostly through their interplay with the title character. Although the mystery of Simplicity is more a device to propel the plot forward and there is not a disc in sight, fans will feel they are touring London with Dodger as their guide. Harriet Klausner
Ironskin
Tina Connolly
Tor, $24.99
ISBN: 9780765330598
Several years ago, humans and the forest dwelling fey fought The Great War to end all wars. Now, everyone is trying to return to normal. A victim of a fey curse that forces her to wear an iron mask to prevent the scar on her face from causing others to go into a rage, Jane Eliot answers an ad for a governess in a “delicate situation."
The child's father Edward Rochart the enigmatic mask-maker hires Jane to work with his son Dorie, whose late mother was "taken over" by a fey while she carried the lad. Dorie possesses telekinetic powers that Jane hopes she can teach him to control. However, to her horror and fear, Jane concludes the hostility with the fey apparently is not over.
This is a super Victorian gothic fantasy that provides a paranormal take on Jane Eyre. Fast-paced with a growing sense of foreboding built on what has already happened to the lead triangle, fans will relish the survivors struggling, in a war ravaged alternate Victorian world, to cope with their personal cursed PTSD. Harriet Klausner
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Behind the Sun by Sister Hazel
I saw Sister Hazel in concert a week ago and have been constantly playing this song ever since. If you have a chance to catch them in concert please do so. If you like good music, pick up Heartland Highway and any of their other cds.
Behind The Sun
You stand aside and watch the angels pass you by
Just open up to the cathedrals in your mind
Cause no one here can stop a single sand of time
But you try
Oh you try
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
Believe me when I say I’ll see you once again
And it’s ok, babe, I don’t’ expect you to understand
Cause after all we’re just a part of a bigger plan So don’t you cry, don’t you cry
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
Now tomorrow you can find your way home
And you’ll see a light if you let love be your guide
But you’re not the same as
You change your heart and you change your name
And I know it’s painful just to say goodbye
When all is said and done I’ll meet you behind the sun
When all is said and done I’ll meet you behind the sun
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
Copyright 2010 by Sister Hazel
Behind The Sun
You stand aside and watch the angels pass you by
Just open up to the cathedrals in your mind
Cause no one here can stop a single sand of time
But you try
Oh you try
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
Believe me when I say I’ll see you once again
And it’s ok, babe, I don’t’ expect you to understand
Cause after all we’re just a part of a bigger plan So don’t you cry, don’t you cry
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
Now tomorrow you can find your way home
And you’ll see a light if you let love be your guide
But you’re not the same as
You change your heart and you change your name
And I know it’s painful just to say goodbye
When all is said and done I’ll meet you behind the sun
When all is said and done I’ll meet you behind the sun
I’m waiting, I’m waiting, I’m waiting for you here behind the sun
Copyright 2010 by Sister Hazel
Saturday, February 16, 2013
More Fantasy Reviews
Ember's Kiss
Deborah Cooke
Signet, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451238252
Brandon Merrick denies his Pyr heritage as he refuses to use his dragon-shifting ability to protect mankind from the Slayers who plan to eradicate both races. His action has isolated him from his heartbroken family and his race, but he cares not one iota. Instead he has become a professional surfer working the waves off Hawaii. Chen the Slayer pretends to be an older friend of Brandon, who insists he can help the surfer control his undesirable dragon side. However, Chen in reality has been casting a binding spell on Brandon that will force the dolt to do his bidding.
Marine biologist Liz Barrett arrives in Hawaii to study the reefs. Like Brandon she flees her ancestry as a witch firedaughter. When they meet, their essence ignites the Firestorm as each recognizes their mate in the other. However, Chen has Brandon captured with only Liz, if she deploys her heritage, able to save her loved one and the innocent on the island.
The latest Dragonfire urban fantasy (see Flashfire) is a super thriller starring two protagonists rejecting genetics and a diabolical villain manipulating that denial. Action-packed, series fans will relish this superb entry that profoundly digs into an individual’s desires to include rejecting their inherited nature while also bringing witches into the Cooke mythos. Harriet Klausner
Werewolf in Denver
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Signet, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451238641
Werecon2012 hosted in Estes Park near Denver focuses on the theme of “Our future in a changing environment.” Scottish were Duncan MacDowell the founder of Werewolves Optimizing Our Future (WOOF) and American were Kate Stillman the founder of “Honoring Our Werewolf Legacy” will debate marriage to human partners. Duncan supports the Wallace Experiment (see Werewolf in the North Woods and A Werewolf in Manhattan) while Kate believes that inter-species relationships are doomed to fail.
When the head WOOF and head HOWLER meet, they are chagrined by their attraction to each other. As they fight their feelings, he knows making her his mate will destroy his work and affirm hers. She knows he only will wed a human to validate his belief. Love may not be enough for this arguing pair.
The latest Wild About You romantic urban fantasy (see Werewolf in Seattle) is a clever lighthearted tale that will remind readers of the marriage between Mary Matalin and James Carville but with fur literally flying. The storyline is fast-paced as the lead couple fights each other and their respective hearts. Harriet Klausner
Fury's Kiss
Karen Chance
Signet, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451413239
Working undercover with teammates trying to learn how magical weapons were being smuggled out of Faerie, Dorina Basarab the dhampir awakens to a bloodbath in a lab which she is the sole survivor except for a male staring at her. She tries to kill him, but master vampire Louis-Cesare prevents her from doing so.
The Vampire Senate demands answers to what went wrong as they assume the worst of Dory as everyone knows the hybrid dhampir species fly into berserker rages rather easily. Dory has controlled her urges by going after rogue vampires and evil demons. She does not recall what happened that led to the massacre as if her memory cells were tampered with. As she seeks the truth, Dory faces mad scientists wanting to continue their experiment, fallen angels with malice, and a more malevolent violent vampire subspecies.
The third Midnight's Daughter urban fantasy (see Death’s Mistress) is a dark exhilarating thriller filled with nonstop action yet also enables the audience to look deep at the self-destructive dhampir species. Dory holds the storyline focused as she investigates what occurred in the lab only to run into a horde of nasty adversaries with Louis-Cesare and perhaps her dad having her back. Fury’s Kiss is a strong entry in a fabulous saga. Harriet Klausner
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