Night of Knives
Ian C. Esslemont
Tor, May 2009, $25.95 (hardcover); $14.95 (trade)
ISBN: 0765323699 (hardcover); 0765323710 (trade)
Every generation the isle of Malaz suffers from the convergence of the Shadow Moon when the real world becomes a shadow to other realities and these other realities come as shadows to Malaz. Rumors fly that this time will include the unique returns of Malazan Emperor Kellanved and his master assassin Dancer; neither has been seen in ages. Surly the Mistress of the Imperial Assassin the Claw ruled over the empire and is not taking any chances of losing her power so has traveled to the island to insure Kellanved and Dancer do not return.
As the moon rises, islanders stay in doors hoping to remain safe from the evil invaders, demon-hounds, walking dead and even more dreaded others things. Wanting to leave Malaz, Kiska feels joining the Imperial Forces is her only exit; battle tested veteran Temper hides from his past with a new identity on Malaz. Neither believed in the myths, but soon both become embroiled in the encroaching malevolence when a corpse asks Kiska to deliver a message as the ancient power of the Shadow Moon has arisen.
Ian C. Esslemont collaborated with Steven Erikson to create the multiple cultures of the Malazan World (see Mr. Erikson’s Book of the Fallen saga). In NIGHT OF KNIVES, he extrapolates on the prologue to Mr. Erikson’s the Gardens of the Moon to create a rich history that in the Book of the Fallen becomes mythical history. Fans of Malazan will be stunned with this super dark fantasy as Mr. Esslemont stays true to the essence of the latter years’ saga while providing a terrific tale.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Betrayal-Pati Nagle
The Betrayal
Pati Nagle
Ballantine, Mar 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780345503855
Eliani's spirit was shattered when her beloved rejected her after their after cup bonding. Despondent and feeling like she wasted a year and a day, Eliani enlists as an Alpinon Guard warrior, one of the most dangerous jobs an aelven can accept as death is a typical outcome but that no longer matters to her. She vows no male will ever get her heart again except her father whom she has become his top aid.
Turisan leaves Glenwhollow feeling upbeat about life as he goes to deliver a message from his father to congratulate the daughter of a family friend on her election as governor. He journeys through the invigorating woodlands but realizes someone is following him, whom he identifies as an Alpinon Guard. However, instead of an assault, he is taken to Hightstone where he receives great honors.
When he and Eliani meet they are not just attracted to one another; they share the legendary mindspeech. Both are appalled and frightened yet euphoric. Neither realizes their paranormal connection as much as their respective heart ties will be the main hope when the outlawed exiled former aelven clan Darkshore led by the bloodsucking Queen Shalr are crossing the Ebon Mountains to reclaim more than their lost status; they come to conquer and dine on the blood of their once allies.
This is an exciting romantic fantasy starring two intriguing protagonists and a solid support cast who add societal depth to the aelven clans or the vampiric alben. The reactions to the mindspeech between Eliani and Turisan are terrific as each covets the link but also fears what is going on. Fans will appreciate Pati Nagle’s appropriately titled tale and look forward to me adventures in Alpinon and beyond.
Harriet Klausner
Pati Nagle
Ballantine, Mar 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780345503855
Eliani's spirit was shattered when her beloved rejected her after their after cup bonding. Despondent and feeling like she wasted a year and a day, Eliani enlists as an Alpinon Guard warrior, one of the most dangerous jobs an aelven can accept as death is a typical outcome but that no longer matters to her. She vows no male will ever get her heart again except her father whom she has become his top aid.
Turisan leaves Glenwhollow feeling upbeat about life as he goes to deliver a message from his father to congratulate the daughter of a family friend on her election as governor. He journeys through the invigorating woodlands but realizes someone is following him, whom he identifies as an Alpinon Guard. However, instead of an assault, he is taken to Hightstone where he receives great honors.
When he and Eliani meet they are not just attracted to one another; they share the legendary mindspeech. Both are appalled and frightened yet euphoric. Neither realizes their paranormal connection as much as their respective heart ties will be the main hope when the outlawed exiled former aelven clan Darkshore led by the bloodsucking Queen Shalr are crossing the Ebon Mountains to reclaim more than their lost status; they come to conquer and dine on the blood of their once allies.
This is an exciting romantic fantasy starring two intriguing protagonists and a solid support cast who add societal depth to the aelven clans or the vampiric alben. The reactions to the mindspeech between Eliani and Turisan are terrific as each covets the link but also fears what is going on. Fans will appreciate Pati Nagle’s appropriately titled tale and look forward to me adventures in Alpinon and beyond.
Harriet Klausner
Forbidden Moon-Elysa Hendricks
Forbidden Moon
Elysa Hendricks
ImaJinn, Mar 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 1933417218
Exiled from Dramon due to her father’s avaricious attempts to steal the throne, Laila DiSanti lives alone in the mountains distrusting everyone and killing slave raiders and bandits while rescuing good people who find themselves in trouble. She sells her services, but no one wants to buy them more than Pace Alastar, who lives in the magically hidden Andacor Valley where the residents are immortal due to crystals; they pay the price of no emotions or desires
When they meet, she believes his valley is a myth; he explains about the earthquake that led to the breaking of some of the crystals. However, the remaining crystals are failing and consequently the people are dying. Their only hope of surviving is with his daughter Aria who can return the crystals back to health, but left the valley when her mother decided to leave because immortality without feelings is like death.. Laila agrees to help him find Aria. On their quest, they meet dangerous foes including the mountains, but it is the attraction between them that is most lethal; as he begins to learn what immortality’s true price is, but to pay the fee of love means leaving his beloved as a widow.
Elysa Hendricks’s delightful updating of Shangri-La is a beautiful adult fairy tale filled with romance, danger form various sentient species, other obstacles, and a quest filled with spins and detours. Part of the tension comes from the romance as viewers of the final scenes of the classic Capra film The Lost Horizon will wonder if that is how this couple’s relationship will end. Filled with varying cultures, the return to the Hendricks Moon realm of crystals (see CRYSTAL MOON and SHADOW MOON) is a winner.
Harriet Klausner
Elysa Hendricks
ImaJinn, Mar 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 1933417218
Exiled from Dramon due to her father’s avaricious attempts to steal the throne, Laila DiSanti lives alone in the mountains distrusting everyone and killing slave raiders and bandits while rescuing good people who find themselves in trouble. She sells her services, but no one wants to buy them more than Pace Alastar, who lives in the magically hidden Andacor Valley where the residents are immortal due to crystals; they pay the price of no emotions or desires
When they meet, she believes his valley is a myth; he explains about the earthquake that led to the breaking of some of the crystals. However, the remaining crystals are failing and consequently the people are dying. Their only hope of surviving is with his daughter Aria who can return the crystals back to health, but left the valley when her mother decided to leave because immortality without feelings is like death.. Laila agrees to help him find Aria. On their quest, they meet dangerous foes including the mountains, but it is the attraction between them that is most lethal; as he begins to learn what immortality’s true price is, but to pay the fee of love means leaving his beloved as a widow.
Elysa Hendricks’s delightful updating of Shangri-La is a beautiful adult fairy tale filled with romance, danger form various sentient species, other obstacles, and a quest filled with spins and detours. Part of the tension comes from the romance as viewers of the final scenes of the classic Capra film The Lost Horizon will wonder if that is how this couple’s relationship will end. Filled with varying cultures, the return to the Hendricks Moon realm of crystals (see CRYSTAL MOON and SHADOW MOON) is a winner.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Bloodline-Maggie Shayne
Bloodline
Maggie Shayne
Mira, May 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778326182
When Lilith awakens, she feels confused as to where she is, how she got there, and why she is nude. Although it is cold at dusk, she feels no discomfort except for her emotional bewilderment. Somehow she knows to walk to Ethan's nearby ranch though she has no idea why that feels right or how she knows the property is near.
Ethan, who was falling in love with her when they were prisoners, informs Lilith that she like him is a vampire trained by the top secret CIA Division of Paranormal Investigations as a killing operative. Also like him, she escaped from the Farm, the DPI's top-secret facility. DPI brass wants both brought in from the cold while Lilith feels an obsessive need to free others from the Farm.
This is a superb romantic fantasy thriller starring two likable legendary escapees struggling to survive as anyone who kills either of them becomes an instant legend and anyone who brings one of them in from the cold to the CIA owns the “farm”. The story line is fast-paced, but driven by the lead couple who knows the danger they confront especially if they try to assault the Farm. Maggie Shayne’s fans will relish this fun fantasy thriller as Lilith and Ethan fall in love while taking the fight to the DPI.
Harriet Klausner
Maggie Shayne
Mira, May 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778326182
When Lilith awakens, she feels confused as to where she is, how she got there, and why she is nude. Although it is cold at dusk, she feels no discomfort except for her emotional bewilderment. Somehow she knows to walk to Ethan's nearby ranch though she has no idea why that feels right or how she knows the property is near.
Ethan, who was falling in love with her when they were prisoners, informs Lilith that she like him is a vampire trained by the top secret CIA Division of Paranormal Investigations as a killing operative. Also like him, she escaped from the Farm, the DPI's top-secret facility. DPI brass wants both brought in from the cold while Lilith feels an obsessive need to free others from the Farm.
This is a superb romantic fantasy thriller starring two likable legendary escapees struggling to survive as anyone who kills either of them becomes an instant legend and anyone who brings one of them in from the cold to the CIA owns the “farm”. The story line is fast-paced, but driven by the lead couple who knows the danger they confront especially if they try to assault the Farm. Maggie Shayne’s fans will relish this fun fantasy thriller as Lilith and Ethan fall in love while taking the fight to the DPI.
Harriet Klausner
Storm Glass- Maria V. Snyder
Storm Glass
Maria V. Snyder
Mira, May 2009, $13.95
ISBN: 780778325642
In Sitia the Stormdancer clan is near panicked over some recent deadly incidents. An apparent diabolically clever traitor has killed some glassmakers and destroyed the glass orbs they were creating that is needed to catch elemental power. They know this unknown adversary must be stopped before the realm is devastated beyond recovery by the power of unabated torrents.
Master Magician Cowan assigns glassmaker and apprentice magician Opal Cowan to investigate the deadly incidents as he believes her two skills make her uniquely qualified to learn what is going on. The two males who seem interested in her, Kade the Stormdancer who grieves the death of his twin and Ulrick the glassmaker who is a long time friend, help her. None of them realize the peril they place themselves in from crafty foes; none of whom have any compunction with killing someone even a person they have known for years.
This is a terrific mystery fantasy told mostly by the unconfident Opal, who believes she is a failure due to her inability to expand her magical skills, which is ironic as she was a heroine in MAGIC STUDY. The action-packed story line is fast-paced, but character driven while the whodunit is fun to follow. Fans of the Study trilogy will enjoy returning to that world as Maria V. Snyder writes an entertaining coming of age simply superb fantasy whodunit.
Harriet Klausner
Maria V. Snyder
Mira, May 2009, $13.95
ISBN: 780778325642
In Sitia the Stormdancer clan is near panicked over some recent deadly incidents. An apparent diabolically clever traitor has killed some glassmakers and destroyed the glass orbs they were creating that is needed to catch elemental power. They know this unknown adversary must be stopped before the realm is devastated beyond recovery by the power of unabated torrents.
Master Magician Cowan assigns glassmaker and apprentice magician Opal Cowan to investigate the deadly incidents as he believes her two skills make her uniquely qualified to learn what is going on. The two males who seem interested in her, Kade the Stormdancer who grieves the death of his twin and Ulrick the glassmaker who is a long time friend, help her. None of them realize the peril they place themselves in from crafty foes; none of whom have any compunction with killing someone even a person they have known for years.
This is a terrific mystery fantasy told mostly by the unconfident Opal, who believes she is a failure due to her inability to expand her magical skills, which is ironic as she was a heroine in MAGIC STUDY. The action-packed story line is fast-paced, but character driven while the whodunit is fun to follow. Fans of the Study trilogy will enjoy returning to that world as Maria V. Snyder writes an entertaining coming of age simply superb fantasy whodunit.
Harriet Klausner
God Of Clocks-Alan Campbell
God Of Clocks
Alan Campbell
Bantam, Apr 2009, $25.00
ISBN: 9780553384185
The King of Hell Menoa appears on the brink of achieving what would have been universally thought of as impossible over the past eons. The god appears ready to take over Heaven and therefore the universe and recreate it in his image.
Perhaps the only potential meaningful opposition comes from Menoa’s half-brother Cospinol, but he has hurt his chances of usurping his sibling as he tries to boil out the life essence of mad angel Carnival. However, the fallen angel’s former allies keep seeking a miracle as humanity as we know it will be extinct if they fail. Assassin Rachel, blood-mage Mina, demon-dog Basilis, sop god Hasp and the ghost Dill turn desperately to whom they believe is the last prayer Sabor the god of clocks who controls time. Menoa sends his invincible arconites to kill the last insurgency, but finally aware of the urgency of stopping his half brother is Cospinol, who sends his top aid to destroy the breach that will release a zombie horde; however, he may be too late.
The exciting final tale of the Deepgate Codex fantasy (see SCAR NIGHT and IRON ANGEL) is a gruesome violent finish to a fine trilogy. The story line is fast-paced, filled with bloody action, and a sense of desperation. Adding to the overall feel of violence is none of the Gods care one iota about the lesser beings except as an energy source, which seems apropos for the war of the gods. Although the ending takes a plausible but Twilight Zone twist that supersedes too much history, fans of the saga will overall enjoy the GOD OF CLOCKS.
Harriet Klausner
Alan Campbell
Bantam, Apr 2009, $25.00
ISBN: 9780553384185
The King of Hell Menoa appears on the brink of achieving what would have been universally thought of as impossible over the past eons. The god appears ready to take over Heaven and therefore the universe and recreate it in his image.
Perhaps the only potential meaningful opposition comes from Menoa’s half-brother Cospinol, but he has hurt his chances of usurping his sibling as he tries to boil out the life essence of mad angel Carnival. However, the fallen angel’s former allies keep seeking a miracle as humanity as we know it will be extinct if they fail. Assassin Rachel, blood-mage Mina, demon-dog Basilis, sop god Hasp and the ghost Dill turn desperately to whom they believe is the last prayer Sabor the god of clocks who controls time. Menoa sends his invincible arconites to kill the last insurgency, but finally aware of the urgency of stopping his half brother is Cospinol, who sends his top aid to destroy the breach that will release a zombie horde; however, he may be too late.
The exciting final tale of the Deepgate Codex fantasy (see SCAR NIGHT and IRON ANGEL) is a gruesome violent finish to a fine trilogy. The story line is fast-paced, filled with bloody action, and a sense of desperation. Adding to the overall feel of violence is none of the Gods care one iota about the lesser beings except as an energy source, which seems apropos for the war of the gods. Although the ending takes a plausible but Twilight Zone twist that supersedes too much history, fans of the saga will overall enjoy the GOD OF CLOCKS.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pleasure Dome-L.F. Hampton
Pleasure Dome
L.F. Hampton
ImaJinn, Mar 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9781933417455
At thirty-eight years of age, Warship Captain Soledad Scott of the Icarus faces mandatory retirement. She travels to the Straits at the end of known space to visit the Pleasure Dome. Soledad is a maternity client who will be teamed up with a sex toy male with the DNA she wants for the sire who will make her pregnant. Due to worm-hole dyslexia, she misreads room 660 as 990; the hunk waiting in the wrong room is expecting a sterile female sex toy.
Sol acts as if half-breed Chakkra empath Commander Gabriel Merriweather is her sex toy and he acquiesces enjoying the role change. However, in the morning she learns of her mistake and sneaks out of his room. Most species believes that Chakkra are violent barbaric mercenaries who prefer to fight to the death than negotiate. The empath cannot forget Sol, but fears she will reject him because of the reputation for violence his Chakkra heritage has in spite of the irony that he works in the Diplomatic Corps. He uses his empath skills tring to find Sol but they fail him because his target is a tranq; a person with the ability to mute the emotions that empaths like Gabeare bombarded with. Still he is coming for the woman who ran away with his sperm and his heart.
This is a sizzling, energizing science fiction romance that takes place far into the future vividly described by L.F. Hampton to the point that readers will believe they are at the Pleasure Dome. The heroine is a brave combat veteran who displays vulnerability once she embarks on her first post-retirement deployment. Gabe is her wonderful counterpart showing the same leadership caring qualities along with a liability (in his mind) of being half-breed Chakkra. Together they bring to readers a pleasurable romantic outer space thriller.
Harriet Klausner
L.F. Hampton
ImaJinn, Mar 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9781933417455
At thirty-eight years of age, Warship Captain Soledad Scott of the Icarus faces mandatory retirement. She travels to the Straits at the end of known space to visit the Pleasure Dome. Soledad is a maternity client who will be teamed up with a sex toy male with the DNA she wants for the sire who will make her pregnant. Due to worm-hole dyslexia, she misreads room 660 as 990; the hunk waiting in the wrong room is expecting a sterile female sex toy.
Sol acts as if half-breed Chakkra empath Commander Gabriel Merriweather is her sex toy and he acquiesces enjoying the role change. However, in the morning she learns of her mistake and sneaks out of his room. Most species believes that Chakkra are violent barbaric mercenaries who prefer to fight to the death than negotiate. The empath cannot forget Sol, but fears she will reject him because of the reputation for violence his Chakkra heritage has in spite of the irony that he works in the Diplomatic Corps. He uses his empath skills tring to find Sol but they fail him because his target is a tranq; a person with the ability to mute the emotions that empaths like Gabeare bombarded with. Still he is coming for the woman who ran away with his sperm and his heart.
This is a sizzling, energizing science fiction romance that takes place far into the future vividly described by L.F. Hampton to the point that readers will believe they are at the Pleasure Dome. The heroine is a brave combat veteran who displays vulnerability once she embarks on her first post-retirement deployment. Gabe is her wonderful counterpart showing the same leadership caring qualities along with a liability (in his mind) of being half-breed Chakkra. Together they bring to readers a pleasurable romantic outer space thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Empress Of Mars-Kage Baker
The Empress Of Mars
Kage Baker
Tor, May 12 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 0765318903
After terraforming a moon colony into a mega profit, the British based Aerean Company has done likewise on Mars. However, unlike the great success on the moon, the Martian project has run into financial trouble as the profits have not been anywhere near the projections. Unable to retain the current workforce, Aerean downsizes many of the colonists, who have no alternatives once they are terminated.
Those unemployed must create work like Mary Griffith did as owner and brew-master of the only bar on the forth planet from the sun, The Empress of Mars. Others do likewise as Cochevelou forms an agricultural cooperative and Crosley establishes a casino-dental clinic. Others residing in the Martian Motel must find work as life on the aptly named Angry Red Planet for those discarded by the company is to generate a profit making cottage industry or die; Darwin is proving to be right as most of the stranded survivors know big business, Great Britain and mega religion except perhaps to the Ephesian Goddess worshippers are irrelevant.
With the Company taking a needed R&R, Kage Baker provides an intriguing look at a cast of outcasts struggling to survive, but those who do so throw away social convention (as defined by Aeran Company and Great Britain) in order to apply unconventional means. Rebellion seems impossible as the fired employees have no major market to buy weapons (this is not the Mexican cartels crossing into the United States and ironically applying their second amendment rights). The prime players have differing personalities yet share in common courage to make it; their mantra ought to be if I can make it on Mars I can make it anywhere even Manhattan. With a vast history hinted at like Luna terraforming and Great Britain winning the space race, fans will enjoy toasting these unlikely champions with a beer at the Empress of Mars.
Harriet Klausner
Kage Baker
Tor, May 12 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 0765318903
After terraforming a moon colony into a mega profit, the British based Aerean Company has done likewise on Mars. However, unlike the great success on the moon, the Martian project has run into financial trouble as the profits have not been anywhere near the projections. Unable to retain the current workforce, Aerean downsizes many of the colonists, who have no alternatives once they are terminated.
Those unemployed must create work like Mary Griffith did as owner and brew-master of the only bar on the forth planet from the sun, The Empress of Mars. Others do likewise as Cochevelou forms an agricultural cooperative and Crosley establishes a casino-dental clinic. Others residing in the Martian Motel must find work as life on the aptly named Angry Red Planet for those discarded by the company is to generate a profit making cottage industry or die; Darwin is proving to be right as most of the stranded survivors know big business, Great Britain and mega religion except perhaps to the Ephesian Goddess worshippers are irrelevant.
With the Company taking a needed R&R, Kage Baker provides an intriguing look at a cast of outcasts struggling to survive, but those who do so throw away social convention (as defined by Aeran Company and Great Britain) in order to apply unconventional means. Rebellion seems impossible as the fired employees have no major market to buy weapons (this is not the Mexican cartels crossing into the United States and ironically applying their second amendment rights). The prime players have differing personalities yet share in common courage to make it; their mantra ought to be if I can make it on Mars I can make it anywhere even Manhattan. With a vast history hinted at like Luna terraforming and Great Britain winning the space race, fans will enjoy toasting these unlikely champions with a beer at the Empress of Mars.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Dangerous Ties-Devyn Quinn, Jodi Lynn Copeland and Anya Howard
Dangerous Ties
Devyn Quinn, Jodi Lynn Copeland and Anya Howard
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228741
“Personal Possessions" by Devyn Quinn. During a drug deal, Nikki is shot. When she awakens she is in bed naked with nude hunk Jackson who welcomes her to his Helle.
"Captive Heat," by Jodi Lynn Copeland. The explosion knocked Leia out. When she regains consciousness she finds herself naked and tied down by vines in the underground abode of Sebastian. He plans to wakes up naked, underground and bound with vines as Leia's captor teaches her acceptance as he explores her sensual boundaries
"Liaison" by Anya Howard. Marcel tries to keep his beloved Carina safe from the ancient vampire using a magic collar; while the villagers, as they for ages, perform sexual rites to restrain the evil that resides in their monastery.
These three romantic fantasy novellas are dark well written heated thrillers, but not for everyone as the hunks in the Quinn and Copeland tales teeter on the line between mutually accepted bondage and abuse; on the other hand that also makes them seem plausible as they somewhat remain in character even when they find a love mate. This also leaves the Howard entry different as the lead male is a pure hero fighting a pure evil over the woman he cherishes. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the DANGEROUS TIES that bound the lead characters to one another.
Harriet Klausner
Devyn Quinn, Jodi Lynn Copeland and Anya Howard
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228741
“Personal Possessions" by Devyn Quinn. During a drug deal, Nikki is shot. When she awakens she is in bed naked with nude hunk Jackson who welcomes her to his Helle.
"Captive Heat," by Jodi Lynn Copeland. The explosion knocked Leia out. When she regains consciousness she finds herself naked and tied down by vines in the underground abode of Sebastian. He plans to wakes up naked, underground and bound with vines as Leia's captor teaches her acceptance as he explores her sensual boundaries
"Liaison" by Anya Howard. Marcel tries to keep his beloved Carina safe from the ancient vampire using a magic collar; while the villagers, as they for ages, perform sexual rites to restrain the evil that resides in their monastery.
These three romantic fantasy novellas are dark well written heated thrillers, but not for everyone as the hunks in the Quinn and Copeland tales teeter on the line between mutually accepted bondage and abuse; on the other hand that also makes them seem plausible as they somewhat remain in character even when they find a love mate. This also leaves the Howard entry different as the lead male is a pure hero fighting a pure evil over the woman he cherishes. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the DANGEROUS TIES that bound the lead characters to one another.
Harriet Klausner
Man After Midnight-Devyn Quinn
Man After Midnight
Devyn Quinn
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228512
Guardian of the Light Witch Dani Wallace seduces the hunk who oozes forbidden darkness to her that she cannot resist. However, she is clueless that he is Prince Casedren who comes from an underworld where Lucifer’s offspring thrive. He teaches her passion and demands her surrender as his consort, but though tempted and craving his touch, she refuses to obey his order.
Casedren also refuses to back away as his slightest caress sends her into ecstasy and him with an out of control libido; he knows Dani will be his royal mate once he seduces her soul like he has her body. As they play their gender war of lovemaking and denial, his younger twin tries to usurp the throne from him, but with Dani and the sex magic they create, he believes they can save her world and his realm.
MAN AFTER MIDNIGHT is an excellent romantic fantasy due to the powerful fully developed star-crossed lead lovers. Dani is spirited and brave while Casedren knows what he wants and goes after her. His chip off the old block twin brings skillful sinister malice to a terrific tale that will have readers rooting for the heroes and craving for more entries in the dark paranormal romantic world of Devyn Quinn.
Harriet Klausner
Devyn Quinn
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228512
Guardian of the Light Witch Dani Wallace seduces the hunk who oozes forbidden darkness to her that she cannot resist. However, she is clueless that he is Prince Casedren who comes from an underworld where Lucifer’s offspring thrive. He teaches her passion and demands her surrender as his consort, but though tempted and craving his touch, she refuses to obey his order.
Casedren also refuses to back away as his slightest caress sends her into ecstasy and him with an out of control libido; he knows Dani will be his royal mate once he seduces her soul like he has her body. As they play their gender war of lovemaking and denial, his younger twin tries to usurp the throne from him, but with Dani and the sex magic they create, he believes they can save her world and his realm.
MAN AFTER MIDNIGHT is an excellent romantic fantasy due to the powerful fully developed star-crossed lead lovers. Dani is spirited and brave while Casedren knows what he wants and goes after her. His chip off the old block twin brings skillful sinister malice to a terrific tale that will have readers rooting for the heroes and craving for more entries in the dark paranormal romantic world of Devyn Quinn.
Harriet Klausner
Sexy Beast VI-Kate Douglas, Anya Howard, Lydia Parks
Sexy Beast VI
Kate Douglas, Anya Howard, Lydia Parks
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228697
Chanku Honor” by Kate Douglas. The Wolfpack begins to turn into a Chanku family led by Logan and his lover Jazzy Blue along with four others; as they start to discover their shapeshifting legacy and sexual prowess.
“Wings of The Swan” by Anya Howard. Deep in the northern Germanic woods, the Saxon chief sees the daughter of the Goddess come from behind a waterfall, but knows she must not be human as no mortal could be that beautiful.
“Animal Instinct” by Lydia Parks. Rachel investigates the serial killings that look like a sentient animal as the culprit. Her inquiry leads to Siberia where she works with shapeshifting Russian detective Nikolai, whom she is attracted to but fears he knows more than he is telling her about the predator.
These hot erotic paranormal romances are entertaining tales though the novella format never enables the full loving relationships to gel to the point that the fantasy elements seem real. Still series fans will relish the latest “Sexy Beast” torrid tales as once again the heat is on amidst the mystical legends.
Harriet Klausner
Kate Douglas, Anya Howard, Lydia Parks
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228697
Chanku Honor” by Kate Douglas. The Wolfpack begins to turn into a Chanku family led by Logan and his lover Jazzy Blue along with four others; as they start to discover their shapeshifting legacy and sexual prowess.
“Wings of The Swan” by Anya Howard. Deep in the northern Germanic woods, the Saxon chief sees the daughter of the Goddess come from behind a waterfall, but knows she must not be human as no mortal could be that beautiful.
“Animal Instinct” by Lydia Parks. Rachel investigates the serial killings that look like a sentient animal as the culprit. Her inquiry leads to Siberia where she works with shapeshifting Russian detective Nikolai, whom she is attracted to but fears he knows more than he is telling her about the predator.
These hot erotic paranormal romances are entertaining tales though the novella format never enables the full loving relationships to gel to the point that the fantasy elements seem real. Still series fans will relish the latest “Sexy Beast” torrid tales as once again the heat is on amidst the mystical legends.
Harriet Klausner
Santa Olivia-Jacqueline Carey
Santa Olivia
Jacqueline Carey
Grand Central, May 29 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446198172
The town of Santa Olivia lies in between the United States and Mexico in a sort of no “flag” zone except the American military owns this isolated wasteland. Santa Olivia sprung up around a military base where human reengineering and other experiments are conducted that would be illegal in both countries.
The goal of the “Wolf Man” is to genetically alter humans to make them Captain America-like super soldiers. One of these Wolf Men impregnated a normal female who gave birth to aptly named Loup Garron. To keep her safe from the scientists, her mom and brother hid her existence, but her father was forced to flee. When her mother dies, she is forced to live with other orphans at the nearby church. Though the other kids are normal humans, they not only know she is a half-breed they go out of their way to help her hide her paternal heritage. The orphans know her secret and help her to conceal it, while they also try to make Santa Olivia a better place to live. However when her brother dies in a camp boxing match, Loup vows to challenge the winner though that will surely expose who she is to the commander.
Using a Dr. Moreau like science fiction background, Jacqueline Carey provides a deep well drawn coming of age character study of a half-breed offspring of an experiment. The exciting story line finds its groove once Loup joins the other orphans, as they accept her as one of them although they recognize she is radically different and protect her secrets from the military who would exploit her. Like her “peers”, Loup seeks her mate for life; knowing the danger she places any male in especially a purebred human when the day of reckoning she expects finally comes. This is a terrific romantic sci fi thriller starring a wonderful heroine.
Harriet Klausner
Jacqueline Carey
Grand Central, May 29 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446198172
The town of Santa Olivia lies in between the United States and Mexico in a sort of no “flag” zone except the American military owns this isolated wasteland. Santa Olivia sprung up around a military base where human reengineering and other experiments are conducted that would be illegal in both countries.
The goal of the “Wolf Man” is to genetically alter humans to make them Captain America-like super soldiers. One of these Wolf Men impregnated a normal female who gave birth to aptly named Loup Garron. To keep her safe from the scientists, her mom and brother hid her existence, but her father was forced to flee. When her mother dies, she is forced to live with other orphans at the nearby church. Though the other kids are normal humans, they not only know she is a half-breed they go out of their way to help her hide her paternal heritage. The orphans know her secret and help her to conceal it, while they also try to make Santa Olivia a better place to live. However when her brother dies in a camp boxing match, Loup vows to challenge the winner though that will surely expose who she is to the commander.
Using a Dr. Moreau like science fiction background, Jacqueline Carey provides a deep well drawn coming of age character study of a half-breed offspring of an experiment. The exciting story line finds its groove once Loup joins the other orphans, as they accept her as one of them although they recognize she is radically different and protect her secrets from the military who would exploit her. Like her “peers”, Loup seeks her mate for life; knowing the danger she places any male in especially a purebred human when the day of reckoning she expects finally comes. This is a terrific romantic sci fi thriller starring a wonderful heroine.
Harriet Klausner
The Island-Tim Lebbon
The Island
Tim Lebbon
Bantam, May 19 2009, $12.00
ISBN: 9780553384680
A secret organization consisting of a few hundred people of Noreela search out and kill Strangers who look human, but have gills on their neck and tendrils on the outside of their spine. The Strangers d not cooperate with the Core who they believe are the advances scouts before an invasion. Collateral damage of innocent people by the Core is deemed acceptable if it meant the destruction of the Strangers.
When Core agent Kel Boon observed six innocent children murdered during an attack by his side, his anguish and outrage leads to the unimaginable for a dedicate agent; he quits. He goes to the village of Pavmouth Breaks where he is known as Kell the Woodchopper and loves the witch Namior Feeron. A brutal storm hammers the coast. When the torrent ends, a new island Komadia is nearby. Kel has a bad feeling as visitors from the island arrive at the sleepy fishing village. He wants to make sure the newcomers have no gills so that the villagers he cherishes will not be harmed. No gills or tendrils are evident by the Strangers but he fears they do not belong to Noreela. He and Namior begin to learn an inconvenient truth when they visit Komadia to find out what the islanders want with Noreela; a truth that could destroy civilization as he knows it.
Tim Lebbon provides readers with a spellbinding horror-fantasy tale from the moment the ISLAND appears and never loosens its grip until the climax. His world is filled with magic as anyone can become a Practitioner, but Kel has become wary of something he does not understand. Ironically, he runs ways from a situation only to run into a scenario even potentially more gruesome. He knows he must make a stand; even his beloved expects him choose fiight over flight. Fans will be hooked wanting to know why he ran away from his Core values and like the lead couple readers will want to know what do Komadians want with Noreela. Mr. Lebbon cleverly blends two genres with a refreshing romantic subplot into a sleepless night of reading.
Harriet Klausner
Tim Lebbon
Bantam, May 19 2009, $12.00
ISBN: 9780553384680
A secret organization consisting of a few hundred people of Noreela search out and kill Strangers who look human, but have gills on their neck and tendrils on the outside of their spine. The Strangers d not cooperate with the Core who they believe are the advances scouts before an invasion. Collateral damage of innocent people by the Core is deemed acceptable if it meant the destruction of the Strangers.
When Core agent Kel Boon observed six innocent children murdered during an attack by his side, his anguish and outrage leads to the unimaginable for a dedicate agent; he quits. He goes to the village of Pavmouth Breaks where he is known as Kell the Woodchopper and loves the witch Namior Feeron. A brutal storm hammers the coast. When the torrent ends, a new island Komadia is nearby. Kel has a bad feeling as visitors from the island arrive at the sleepy fishing village. He wants to make sure the newcomers have no gills so that the villagers he cherishes will not be harmed. No gills or tendrils are evident by the Strangers but he fears they do not belong to Noreela. He and Namior begin to learn an inconvenient truth when they visit Komadia to find out what the islanders want with Noreela; a truth that could destroy civilization as he knows it.
Tim Lebbon provides readers with a spellbinding horror-fantasy tale from the moment the ISLAND appears and never loosens its grip until the climax. His world is filled with magic as anyone can become a Practitioner, but Kel has become wary of something he does not understand. Ironically, he runs ways from a situation only to run into a scenario even potentially more gruesome. He knows he must make a stand; even his beloved expects him choose fiight over flight. Fans will be hooked wanting to know why he ran away from his Core values and like the lead couple readers will want to know what do Komadians want with Noreela. Mr. Lebbon cleverly blends two genres with a refreshing romantic subplot into a sleepless night of reading.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, March 23, 2009
Blood of Ambrose -James Enge
Blood of Ambrose
James Enge
Pyr, Apr 21 2009, $15.98
ISBN 9781591027362
His uncle Lord Urdhven killed his parents leaving the twelve year old heir to the throne of the Empire of Ontil, Lathmar, under his blood-soaked relative’s protection. The frightened pre-teen feels alone, expecting his ambitious Protector to kill him one day if he objects to any decisions. Dismayed and depressed Lathmar has no hope as he knows he is just an expendable puppet.
Everything changes when two of his ancient magical kin arrive at Ontil to raise Lathmar and help him one day regain the throne and depose his odious usurper. Ambrosia is calculating but reachable while her irritable companion Morlock is sinister and frighteningly unreachable. As Lathmar becomes a young man ready to claim his throne from his Protector, Urdhven revises his gory plans for his nephew; as the lad is becoming increasingly rebellious. Lathmar constantly tries to please his beloved relatives who have raised him as if he was their child; which in their mind he is.
BLOOD OF AMBROSE is a strong coming of age fantasy as the key four players in this waltz seem genuine. Urdhven comes across as a combination Lord and Lady Macbeth merged with Hamlet’s uncle while his nephew grows in confidence with maturity and nurturing from his ancient relatives. Although typical of the sub-genre, this excellent tale is worth reading as it’s the lad’s journey that makes for a superb fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
James Enge
Pyr, Apr 21 2009, $15.98
ISBN 9781591027362
His uncle Lord Urdhven killed his parents leaving the twelve year old heir to the throne of the Empire of Ontil, Lathmar, under his blood-soaked relative’s protection. The frightened pre-teen feels alone, expecting his ambitious Protector to kill him one day if he objects to any decisions. Dismayed and depressed Lathmar has no hope as he knows he is just an expendable puppet.
Everything changes when two of his ancient magical kin arrive at Ontil to raise Lathmar and help him one day regain the throne and depose his odious usurper. Ambrosia is calculating but reachable while her irritable companion Morlock is sinister and frighteningly unreachable. As Lathmar becomes a young man ready to claim his throne from his Protector, Urdhven revises his gory plans for his nephew; as the lad is becoming increasingly rebellious. Lathmar constantly tries to please his beloved relatives who have raised him as if he was their child; which in their mind he is.
BLOOD OF AMBROSE is a strong coming of age fantasy as the key four players in this waltz seem genuine. Urdhven comes across as a combination Lord and Lady Macbeth merged with Hamlet’s uncle while his nephew grows in confidence with maturity and nurturing from his ancient relatives. Although typical of the sub-genre, this excellent tale is worth reading as it’s the lad’s journey that makes for a superb fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Flood-Stephen Baxter
Flood
Stephen Baxter
Roc, May 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780451462718
In 2016 in Barcelona, the religious fanatics still hold four hostages snatched several years ago. USAF Captain Lily Brooke, British military officer Piers Michaelmas, NASA scientist Gary Boyle; and Helen Gray are losing hope of ever regaining their freedom, but each vows to help one another through the ordeal and if they ever become liberated afterward. Affluent Brit AxysCorp security CEO Nathan Lammockson pulls off the impossible by rescuing the foursome after they were held for several years.
However, during their captivity, the world has radically changed as the water levels have reached pandemic flooding leaving whole countries beneath the sea and high points as exclusive property for those who can afford it and security. In a desperate gambit as he expects the entire land masses to go under the water, Nathan has moved his operation to the high Andes Inca capital of Cuzco where he has hired experts to build a new Queen Mary, he dubs Ark 3. He chooses who lives and who dies. In four decades, the ocean average depth above sea level rises exponentially as flood walls costly are overwhelmed. Nathan’s dream of Britannia ruling the waves again may happen, but outside of Ark 3 there may not be a human alive much longer as the end is near.
Obvious extrapolation of global warming and a theory on the mantle containing more water than the crust and with a nod to Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, FLOOD is an exhilarating cautionary science fiction thriller. The section titles tell much of what is happening as the mean sea level of 1.5 meters in 2010 rises to 1800-8800 meters above sea level between 2041 and 2052. The cast is solid with an ensemble of many more critical players than the five above. Though somewhat repetitive as cities and countries constantly drown, Stephen Baxter hooks his audience with his no hope for humanity tale; as the bible turns out to be a false prophet re the pledge to Noah never again by sea.
Harriet Klausner
Stephen Baxter
Roc, May 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780451462718
In 2016 in Barcelona, the religious fanatics still hold four hostages snatched several years ago. USAF Captain Lily Brooke, British military officer Piers Michaelmas, NASA scientist Gary Boyle; and Helen Gray are losing hope of ever regaining their freedom, but each vows to help one another through the ordeal and if they ever become liberated afterward. Affluent Brit AxysCorp security CEO Nathan Lammockson pulls off the impossible by rescuing the foursome after they were held for several years.
However, during their captivity, the world has radically changed as the water levels have reached pandemic flooding leaving whole countries beneath the sea and high points as exclusive property for those who can afford it and security. In a desperate gambit as he expects the entire land masses to go under the water, Nathan has moved his operation to the high Andes Inca capital of Cuzco where he has hired experts to build a new Queen Mary, he dubs Ark 3. He chooses who lives and who dies. In four decades, the ocean average depth above sea level rises exponentially as flood walls costly are overwhelmed. Nathan’s dream of Britannia ruling the waves again may happen, but outside of Ark 3 there may not be a human alive much longer as the end is near.
Obvious extrapolation of global warming and a theory on the mantle containing more water than the crust and with a nod to Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, FLOOD is an exhilarating cautionary science fiction thriller. The section titles tell much of what is happening as the mean sea level of 1.5 meters in 2010 rises to 1800-8800 meters above sea level between 2041 and 2052. The cast is solid with an ensemble of many more critical players than the five above. Though somewhat repetitive as cities and countries constantly drown, Stephen Baxter hooks his audience with his no hope for humanity tale; as the bible turns out to be a false prophet re the pledge to Noah never again by sea.
Harriet Klausner
Sea Changes-Gail Graham
Sea Changes
Gail Graham
Jade Phoenix, May 01 2009, $15.99
ISBN: 9780692001004
In Australia, Felicity no longer comforts her mom Sarah; she insists her mother move on with her life instead of still grieving her late husband Charles as almost two years have passed since the heart attack killed him. She tells her mom Charles was her dad and even his mother has moved on beyond mourning. The daughter also coldly lectures her mom over the annuity she accepted in which Sarah took care of herself only and complains that her mom’s shrink Dr. Kahn holds her back.
Sarah feels isolated from her family and decides to end her life at Bondi Beach with a final drowning swim. Instead of dying she finds an underwater civilization in which the occupants especially Xaxanader welcome the surface dweller. She soon is back on the beach wondering if what she saw is real until she returns to the sea world; especially afterward when Bantryd of the sea moves into her home with her in order to search for her parents who came ashore years ago. This happens at a time when missing teen heiress Jennyfer Blanchard who resembles Bantryd vanishes. Everyone sees the videotape that shows Sarah with Jennyfer; so Felicity, Kahn and anyone in the Brisbane area believe she killed Jennyfer.
This is an intriguing character driven fantasy with a deep message pleading with the survivor to seek a new groove when a life mate dies. Sarah’s overwhelming depression drives away her loved ones. Ultimately after finding life underneath the sea, Sarah must decide between memories fueled by grief and starting a new life to build new memories. She is a terrific protagonist who holds the whimsical yet melancholy story line together although the support cast feels too stereotypical on land and at sea as they exist only in terms of her. Readers will enjoy Sarah’s sea saga as she struggles to move on in her life following Charles. She considers suicide as the only solution, but learns there is so much more out there.
Harriet Klausner
Gail Graham
Jade Phoenix, May 01 2009, $15.99
ISBN: 9780692001004
In Australia, Felicity no longer comforts her mom Sarah; she insists her mother move on with her life instead of still grieving her late husband Charles as almost two years have passed since the heart attack killed him. She tells her mom Charles was her dad and even his mother has moved on beyond mourning. The daughter also coldly lectures her mom over the annuity she accepted in which Sarah took care of herself only and complains that her mom’s shrink Dr. Kahn holds her back.
Sarah feels isolated from her family and decides to end her life at Bondi Beach with a final drowning swim. Instead of dying she finds an underwater civilization in which the occupants especially Xaxanader welcome the surface dweller. She soon is back on the beach wondering if what she saw is real until she returns to the sea world; especially afterward when Bantryd of the sea moves into her home with her in order to search for her parents who came ashore years ago. This happens at a time when missing teen heiress Jennyfer Blanchard who resembles Bantryd vanishes. Everyone sees the videotape that shows Sarah with Jennyfer; so Felicity, Kahn and anyone in the Brisbane area believe she killed Jennyfer.
This is an intriguing character driven fantasy with a deep message pleading with the survivor to seek a new groove when a life mate dies. Sarah’s overwhelming depression drives away her loved ones. Ultimately after finding life underneath the sea, Sarah must decide between memories fueled by grief and starting a new life to build new memories. She is a terrific protagonist who holds the whimsical yet melancholy story line together although the support cast feels too stereotypical on land and at sea as they exist only in terms of her. Readers will enjoy Sarah’s sea saga as she struggles to move on in her life following Charles. She considers suicide as the only solution, but learns there is so much more out there.
Harriet Klausner
Conspirator-C.J. Cherryh
Conspirator
C.J. Cherryh
Daw, Apr 28 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780756405700
The paidhi-aiji interpreter between the native Atevi and the stranded humans, Bren Cameron remains worried though the Atevi civil war has ended at least for now and his side victorious (see DELIVERER). He fears human technological and other intervention assimilating and ultimately destroying the Atevi lifestyle.
At the same time, there are still supporters of the vanquished usurper Murini and those loyal to the current regime claiming that Cajeiri, the heir to the Western Association leader, has spent too much time living with humans in their environs and is therefore no longer pure Atevi. Ironically the young heir fears what mankind offers as he knows how easily this could be adapted and ultimately would supersede their culture especially with its potential intrusiveness into the Atevi communication system. Cameron agrees with Cajeiri, but as he eludes assassins from both species, he struggles to keep his young obstinate friend from overreacting at the wrong time increasing hostilities.
The latest Foreigner science fiction thriller is a superb entry in a strong chronicle. Character driven by mostly Cajeiri and Bren, fans will appreciate the complex Atevi culture threatened by the potential human assimilation. Although newcomers will be lost in space as CONSPIRATOR is a direct sequel to DELIVERER, which in turn is a direct sequel to PRETENDER, etc., once again C.J. Cherryh provides an interesting tale of a human living in an alien culture; however, the additional spin of the impact on an Atevi youth having lived in a human culture for a couple of years refreshes the saga.
Harriet Klausner
C.J. Cherryh
Daw, Apr 28 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780756405700
The paidhi-aiji interpreter between the native Atevi and the stranded humans, Bren Cameron remains worried though the Atevi civil war has ended at least for now and his side victorious (see DELIVERER). He fears human technological and other intervention assimilating and ultimately destroying the Atevi lifestyle.
At the same time, there are still supporters of the vanquished usurper Murini and those loyal to the current regime claiming that Cajeiri, the heir to the Western Association leader, has spent too much time living with humans in their environs and is therefore no longer pure Atevi. Ironically the young heir fears what mankind offers as he knows how easily this could be adapted and ultimately would supersede their culture especially with its potential intrusiveness into the Atevi communication system. Cameron agrees with Cajeiri, but as he eludes assassins from both species, he struggles to keep his young obstinate friend from overreacting at the wrong time increasing hostilities.
The latest Foreigner science fiction thriller is a superb entry in a strong chronicle. Character driven by mostly Cajeiri and Bren, fans will appreciate the complex Atevi culture threatened by the potential human assimilation. Although newcomers will be lost in space as CONSPIRATOR is a direct sequel to DELIVERER, which in turn is a direct sequel to PRETENDER, etc., once again C.J. Cherryh provides an interesting tale of a human living in an alien culture; however, the additional spin of the impact on an Atevi youth having lived in a human culture for a couple of years refreshes the saga.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Aftershocks and Others: 19 Oddities-F. Paul Wilson
Aftershocks and Others: 19 Oddities
F. Paul Wilson
Forge, Mar 31 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765312778
As the Contents and the subsequent “The Secret History of the World” shows there are two ways to catalogue AFTER SHOCKS AND OTHERS: 19 ODDITIES. First the Contents uses the standard to break down the entries by the year they were published with the earliest in 1990 and the latest in 2005. The Secret History uses the F. Paul; Wilson's classification system, which separates the tales by “The Past”, three distinct years before Year Zero, and of course “Year Zero” the “end of civilization as we know it”. The compilation is terrific with Repairman jack having an "Interlude at Duane's" where he deals his style (mindful of MacGyver) with a robbery. “Aftershock” is a Bram Stoker Award winner; yet, all the entries are super due to the key characters even in short form feeling developed to the point of understanding them as each deals with twisting plots. Fans will enjoy tales like “Offshore” in which Mr. Wilson extrapolates a segment of our current health system to a rationing of medical services in which money buys health and Frankenstein’s "Dreams" as he remembers his pre-monster life and personality. This is another winner as this great author displays his skills in short form with this super compilation.
Harriet Klausner
F. Paul Wilson
Forge, Mar 31 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765312778
As the Contents and the subsequent “The Secret History of the World” shows there are two ways to catalogue AFTER SHOCKS AND OTHERS: 19 ODDITIES. First the Contents uses the standard to break down the entries by the year they were published with the earliest in 1990 and the latest in 2005. The Secret History uses the F. Paul; Wilson's classification system, which separates the tales by “The Past”, three distinct years before Year Zero, and of course “Year Zero” the “end of civilization as we know it”. The compilation is terrific with Repairman jack having an "Interlude at Duane's" where he deals his style (mindful of MacGyver) with a robbery. “Aftershock” is a Bram Stoker Award winner; yet, all the entries are super due to the key characters even in short form feeling developed to the point of understanding them as each deals with twisting plots. Fans will enjoy tales like “Offshore” in which Mr. Wilson extrapolates a segment of our current health system to a rationing of medical services in which money buys health and Frankenstein’s "Dreams" as he remembers his pre-monster life and personality. This is another winner as this great author displays his skills in short form with this super compilation.
Harriet Klausner
Aftershocks and Others: 19 Oddities-F. Paul Wilson
Aftershocks and Others: 19 Oddities
F. Paul Wilson
Forge, Mar 31 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765312778
As the Contents and the subsequent “The Secret History of the World” shows there are two ways to catalogue AFTER SHOCKS AND OTHERS: 19 ODDITIES. First the Contents uses the standard to break down the entries by the year they were published with the earliest in 1990 and the latest in 2005. The Secret History uses the F. Paul; Wilson's classification system, which separates the tales by “The Past”, three distinct years before Year Zero, and of course “Year Zero” the “end of civilization as we know it”. The compilation is terrific with Repairman jack having an "Interlude at Duane's" where he deals his style (mindful of MacGyver) with a robbery. “Aftershock” is a Bram Stoker Award winner; yet, all the entries are super due to the key characters even in short form feeling developed to the point of understanding them as each deals with twisting plots. Fans will enjoy tales like “Offshore” in which Mr. Wilson extrapolates a segment of our current health system to a rationing of medical services in which money buys health and Frankenstein’s "Dreams" as he remembers his pre-monster life and personality. This is another winner as this great author displays his skills in short form with this super compilation.
Harriet Klausner
F. Paul Wilson
Forge, Mar 31 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765312778
As the Contents and the subsequent “The Secret History of the World” shows there are two ways to catalogue AFTER SHOCKS AND OTHERS: 19 ODDITIES. First the Contents uses the standard to break down the entries by the year they were published with the earliest in 1990 and the latest in 2005. The Secret History uses the F. Paul; Wilson's classification system, which separates the tales by “The Past”, three distinct years before Year Zero, and of course “Year Zero” the “end of civilization as we know it”. The compilation is terrific with Repairman jack having an "Interlude at Duane's" where he deals his style (mindful of MacGyver) with a robbery. “Aftershock” is a Bram Stoker Award winner; yet, all the entries are super due to the key characters even in short form feeling developed to the point of understanding them as each deals with twisting plots. Fans will enjoy tales like “Offshore” in which Mr. Wilson extrapolates a segment of our current health system to a rationing of medical services in which money buys health and Frankenstein’s "Dreams" as he remembers his pre-monster life and personality. This is another winner as this great author displays his skills in short form with this super compilation.
Harriet Klausner
Flinx Transcendent-Alan Dean Foster
Flinx Transcendent
Alan Dean Foster
Del Rey, May 2009, $26.00
ISBN 9780345496072
Flinx still recovers from the demoralizing events that have shaken his soul (see QUOFUM). Filled with self loathing and galaxy wide doubts he can do the mission he must do, Flinx with his loyal sidekick Pip prepares for the eventuality of the final showdown against the Great Evil. Adding to his growing uncertainty is the reality he is the only individual who can stop the Great Evil if he can avoid the Order of the Null assassins who need him eliminated to achieve their mission.
With his confidence at an all time low and shrinking and on his way to the final confrontation, Flinx, with Pip accompanying him, stops off to negotiate a truce between the human Commonwealth and the AAnn; and. He also reunites with his beloved Clarity Held and his teachers Truzenzuzex and Tse-Mallory in hope that they give him inspiration, hope and a renewed fighting spirit even as he expects to go it alone in the last battle.
Long time fans of the saga will relish the finish besides the obvious strong tale, the return of key players in Flinx’s escapades seems appropriate for the end game. The story line starts a bit slow as the strange bedfellows need introduction, but once the plot accelerates, FLINX TRANSCENDENT never slows down until the final spin. With a nod to the homage my enemy’s enemy is my friend, Alan Dean Foster provides a triumphant climax to a wonderful series as Flinx learns the same lesson constantly of be careful who has your back (besides Pip).
Harriet Klausner
Alan Dean Foster
Del Rey, May 2009, $26.00
ISBN 9780345496072
Flinx still recovers from the demoralizing events that have shaken his soul (see QUOFUM). Filled with self loathing and galaxy wide doubts he can do the mission he must do, Flinx with his loyal sidekick Pip prepares for the eventuality of the final showdown against the Great Evil. Adding to his growing uncertainty is the reality he is the only individual who can stop the Great Evil if he can avoid the Order of the Null assassins who need him eliminated to achieve their mission.
With his confidence at an all time low and shrinking and on his way to the final confrontation, Flinx, with Pip accompanying him, stops off to negotiate a truce between the human Commonwealth and the AAnn; and. He also reunites with his beloved Clarity Held and his teachers Truzenzuzex and Tse-Mallory in hope that they give him inspiration, hope and a renewed fighting spirit even as he expects to go it alone in the last battle.
Long time fans of the saga will relish the finish besides the obvious strong tale, the return of key players in Flinx’s escapades seems appropriate for the end game. The story line starts a bit slow as the strange bedfellows need introduction, but once the plot accelerates, FLINX TRANSCENDENT never slows down until the final spin. With a nod to the homage my enemy’s enemy is my friend, Alan Dean Foster provides a triumphant climax to a wonderful series as Flinx learns the same lesson constantly of be careful who has your back (besides Pip).
Harriet Klausner
The Lost Fleet Relentless-Jack Campbell
The Lost Fleet Relentless
Jack Campbell
Ace, Apr 28 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780441017089
A century ago the Syndicate Worlds attacked the Alliance who fought back. Captain John "Black Jack" Geary’s ship the Meron was destroyed but he escaped in a pod in suspended animation; only to wake up a hundred years later to learn he is a legend and that the war continues unabated. The Alliance sends a fleet into the heart of Syndic Space, but due to a series of dreadful circumstances, Jack becomes the commander.
After some fierce battles, the fleet is ready to use Jump Points to return to Alliance space. Jack and a few others learned the Syndicate worlds were manipulated into going to war by a mysterious race of aliens who want the two combatant groups to destroy one another. It is urgent that Jack and his crew return home because they possess the Syndic hypernet key that can be used as a weapon. While fighting and eluding the Syndic fleets, Jack tries to convince those who have admired him that he dos not want to be the leader of the Alliance and explains to his supporters he is a warrior not a politician.
This exhilarating action packed outer space military thriller will remind the audience of the battles in Star Wars. Jack is terrific as he realizes his past glory can carry him so far with his demi-god celebrity status, but he caught in a conundrum of what his fame means to the Alliance and what he has learned while in Syndric Space about the true enemy. Many believe he is the only one who can end the hundred year war though he has his doubts as to what should be done next.
Harriet Klausner
Jack Campbell
Ace, Apr 28 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780441017089
A century ago the Syndicate Worlds attacked the Alliance who fought back. Captain John "Black Jack" Geary’s ship the Meron was destroyed but he escaped in a pod in suspended animation; only to wake up a hundred years later to learn he is a legend and that the war continues unabated. The Alliance sends a fleet into the heart of Syndic Space, but due to a series of dreadful circumstances, Jack becomes the commander.
After some fierce battles, the fleet is ready to use Jump Points to return to Alliance space. Jack and a few others learned the Syndicate worlds were manipulated into going to war by a mysterious race of aliens who want the two combatant groups to destroy one another. It is urgent that Jack and his crew return home because they possess the Syndic hypernet key that can be used as a weapon. While fighting and eluding the Syndic fleets, Jack tries to convince those who have admired him that he dos not want to be the leader of the Alliance and explains to his supporters he is a warrior not a politician.
This exhilarating action packed outer space military thriller will remind the audience of the battles in Star Wars. Jack is terrific as he realizes his past glory can carry him so far with his demi-god celebrity status, but he caught in a conundrum of what his fame means to the Alliance and what he has learned while in Syndric Space about the true enemy. Many believe he is the only one who can end the hundred year war though he has his doubts as to what should be done next.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, March 20, 2009
Barbie and the Beast-Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Barbie and the Beast
Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Love Spell. Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780505528131
Barbie Bradley visits Forest Lawn Cemetery at night with her best friend Angela in search of a party. However, instead of the gala she expected to attend, some hooligan lifts her off her feet and runs off into the dark carrying her like she was a featherweight.
Barbie is a bit surprised that she is attracted to her wannabe suitor Darin Russell and even more stunning gives the hunk her number. As a werewolf in a tux Darin knows Barbie is his soulmate. Although he cannot understand why her parents named her after the doll, he has to persuade her that he is her hirsute Ken or at least her faithful shaggy werewolf
Readers who nuke their plausibility gene for a few laughs need look no further than the lighthearted BARBIE AND THE BEAST. Neither Barbie nor her hairy suitor is fully developed, but the frolic is fun to read starting with their meeting in the cemetery (think of the memories they will share with their grandchildren looking back to where each first met their true love) as the doll and the werewolf react differently to their attraction.
Harriet Klausner
Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Love Spell. Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780505528131
Barbie Bradley visits Forest Lawn Cemetery at night with her best friend Angela in search of a party. However, instead of the gala she expected to attend, some hooligan lifts her off her feet and runs off into the dark carrying her like she was a featherweight.
Barbie is a bit surprised that she is attracted to her wannabe suitor Darin Russell and even more stunning gives the hunk her number. As a werewolf in a tux Darin knows Barbie is his soulmate. Although he cannot understand why her parents named her after the doll, he has to persuade her that he is her hirsute Ken or at least her faithful shaggy werewolf
Readers who nuke their plausibility gene for a few laughs need look no further than the lighthearted BARBIE AND THE BEAST. Neither Barbie nor her hairy suitor is fully developed, but the frolic is fun to read starting with their meeting in the cemetery (think of the memories they will share with their grandchildren looking back to where each first met their true love) as the doll and the werewolf react differently to their attraction.
Harriet Klausner
Dragonbound-Jade Lee
Dragonbound
Jade Lee
Love Spell. Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780843960471
In Ragona when she was ten years old her parents condemned Sabina to madness and an early death by volunteering her to be the next Dragonmaid. Sabina and the royal enslaved copper dragon Cordain bond starting with their mutual loathing of her parents. Over time their affinity grows stronger to a deep abiding love even as their link increasingly makes it difficult for the evil Dag Racho to control the beast.
When Racho is killed, Cordain's soul becomes caught inside the detestable man’s corpse. Sabina searches for her dragon and finally finds Cordain, but he has lost much of his memory. Without him soaring above in the sky protecting the people, their emboldened enemies begin to attack. Only the return of the dragon can save Ragona, but Sabina believes the cost is her heart and soul.
DRAGONBOUND is a superb romantic fantasy in which “Now” and “Then” rotate giving the audience the present day psychological well being of the lead characters and the past that led to their emotional issues that leave a kingdom in trouble if either fails to act. The story line is fast-paced, a tribute to the great Jade Lee as even the changing time frame never decelerates the plot. Fans will relish Sabina’s adventures flying with Cordain over Ragona as Ms. Lee provides another excellent character driven thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Jade Lee
Love Spell. Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780843960471
In Ragona when she was ten years old her parents condemned Sabina to madness and an early death by volunteering her to be the next Dragonmaid. Sabina and the royal enslaved copper dragon Cordain bond starting with their mutual loathing of her parents. Over time their affinity grows stronger to a deep abiding love even as their link increasingly makes it difficult for the evil Dag Racho to control the beast.
When Racho is killed, Cordain's soul becomes caught inside the detestable man’s corpse. Sabina searches for her dragon and finally finds Cordain, but he has lost much of his memory. Without him soaring above in the sky protecting the people, their emboldened enemies begin to attack. Only the return of the dragon can save Ragona, but Sabina believes the cost is her heart and soul.
DRAGONBOUND is a superb romantic fantasy in which “Now” and “Then” rotate giving the audience the present day psychological well being of the lead characters and the past that led to their emotional issues that leave a kingdom in trouble if either fails to act. The story line is fast-paced, a tribute to the great Jade Lee as even the changing time frame never decelerates the plot. Fans will relish Sabina’s adventures flying with Cordain over Ragona as Ms. Lee provides another excellent character driven thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Rides a Dread Legion-Raymond E. Feist
Rides a Dread Legion
Raymond E. Feist
Eos, Mar 31 2009, $26.99
ISBN: 9780061468360
For over a century, the horde of the Demon King Maarg has defeated the Taredhel elves, kicking the ancient race off of many planets and leaving few left. After their latest defeat on Andcardia, the desperate remnants of the Clan of the Seven Stars led by Laromendis the mage flee to their origin planet that they left millennia ago, the legendary home world Midkemia.
Pug the magician assumes the elves are friends united in a cause to defeat the demon legions who pursue them. He underestimates the newcomers whose leader plans to brutally seize control of Midkemia and use the orb in a desperate last stand that could readily mean extinction of everyone on the planet. Pug knows no one magician can stand against the coming invasion. He hopes to obtain the help of Amirantha the demon master Warlock of the Satumbria, the Order of the Dala cleric Sandreena, Queen Miranda the elf, and Tomas the warrior to join him and the Conclave of Shadows, unaware of previous relationships but not caring anyway. This is their last prayer to forge a stronger magical alliance to fight the coming Dread Demon horde.
Just when long running fans of Pug figure he is ready to retire, Raymond E. Feist begins a new adventure for the hero with the first book in the Demonwar fantasy. Pug struggles to put together an alliance of enemies as each is threatened by a greater opponent. The story line is fast-paced though the beginning is a bit slow but the opening act is needed to introduce the varying factions. RIDES A DREAD LEGION is filled with action, but it is the Machiavellian intrigue between allies who distrust everyone else on their side that makes this tale work, each expects betrayal so almost everyone plots betrayal even though none can stand up alone while Pug struggles to keep the alliance together as the legendary Dreaded Demon Legions are coming to Midkemia.
Harriet Klausner
Raymond E. Feist
Eos, Mar 31 2009, $26.99
ISBN: 9780061468360
For over a century, the horde of the Demon King Maarg has defeated the Taredhel elves, kicking the ancient race off of many planets and leaving few left. After their latest defeat on Andcardia, the desperate remnants of the Clan of the Seven Stars led by Laromendis the mage flee to their origin planet that they left millennia ago, the legendary home world Midkemia.
Pug the magician assumes the elves are friends united in a cause to defeat the demon legions who pursue them. He underestimates the newcomers whose leader plans to brutally seize control of Midkemia and use the orb in a desperate last stand that could readily mean extinction of everyone on the planet. Pug knows no one magician can stand against the coming invasion. He hopes to obtain the help of Amirantha the demon master Warlock of the Satumbria, the Order of the Dala cleric Sandreena, Queen Miranda the elf, and Tomas the warrior to join him and the Conclave of Shadows, unaware of previous relationships but not caring anyway. This is their last prayer to forge a stronger magical alliance to fight the coming Dread Demon horde.
Just when long running fans of Pug figure he is ready to retire, Raymond E. Feist begins a new adventure for the hero with the first book in the Demonwar fantasy. Pug struggles to put together an alliance of enemies as each is threatened by a greater opponent. The story line is fast-paced though the beginning is a bit slow but the opening act is needed to introduce the varying factions. RIDES A DREAD LEGION is filled with action, but it is the Machiavellian intrigue between allies who distrust everyone else on their side that makes this tale work, each expects betrayal so almost everyone plots betrayal even though none can stand up alone while Pug struggles to keep the alliance together as the legendary Dreaded Demon Legions are coming to Midkemia.
Harriet Klausner
Magic in the Blood-Devon Monk
Magic in the Blood
Devon Monk
Roc, May 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 045146267X
Magic is locked into a series of pipes made of metal and glass kept underground making it easy for a practitioner to tap into. Allison Beckstrom is a Hound, who can trace a spell back to its creator. Every time she does this, she pays an exorbitant price with migraines, fevers and head colds as well as some memory loss because magic charges quite a personal cost.
Following a difficult case, Allison falls into a coma. When she awakens she has suffered a major memory loss especially involving Zayvion the man she loves. On a bus, she meets Lon Trager, a man she helped put in jail. He uses blood magic and steals her blood which results in binding her to him. He wants her to bring Martin Pike, whose granddaughter she saved from Trager to him if Allison wishes to live. While seeking a way out of her predicament, there are those who want to use her also; especially an organization she previously was unaware existed. Allison better learn what is going on and how to extract herself from the growing messes she finds herself in if she is to live.
Devon Monk is a fantasist fans need to keep on the look out for because the author’s books are superb. MAGIC IN THE BLOOD is a highly original fresh tale, starring strong characters, especially the lead, which makes this world feel real. The protagonist is independent and obstinate to the point that migraines, memory loss, and more powerful nastier people do not prevent her from acting; albeit placing her in danger. The sequel to MAGIC TO THE BONE is a fantastic urban fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Devon Monk
Roc, May 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 045146267X
Magic is locked into a series of pipes made of metal and glass kept underground making it easy for a practitioner to tap into. Allison Beckstrom is a Hound, who can trace a spell back to its creator. Every time she does this, she pays an exorbitant price with migraines, fevers and head colds as well as some memory loss because magic charges quite a personal cost.
Following a difficult case, Allison falls into a coma. When she awakens she has suffered a major memory loss especially involving Zayvion the man she loves. On a bus, she meets Lon Trager, a man she helped put in jail. He uses blood magic and steals her blood which results in binding her to him. He wants her to bring Martin Pike, whose granddaughter she saved from Trager to him if Allison wishes to live. While seeking a way out of her predicament, there are those who want to use her also; especially an organization she previously was unaware existed. Allison better learn what is going on and how to extract herself from the growing messes she finds herself in if she is to live.
Devon Monk is a fantasist fans need to keep on the look out for because the author’s books are superb. MAGIC IN THE BLOOD is a highly original fresh tale, starring strong characters, especially the lead, which makes this world feel real. The protagonist is independent and obstinate to the point that migraines, memory loss, and more powerful nastier people do not prevent her from acting; albeit placing her in danger. The sequel to MAGIC TO THE BONE is a fantastic urban fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, March 19, 2009
You're So Vein-Christine Warren
You're So Vein
Christine Warren
St. Martin’s, Mar 31 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780312947927
The European Council of Vampires has sent Vladimir "Dima" Rurikovich to America to find the rogue vampire serial killing humans. Although she hates the monsters of the Others, Ava Markham is fortunate that Dima arrives in time to rescue her from the assault of the predator he seeks. However, he failed to arrive in time to prevent her draining and biting.
Ava is changing and Dima helps her by giving her his blood. Instead of euphoria, Ava awakens in rage as he has changed her to what she detests most in the world. Almost as bad is her attraction to the eight hundred years old vampire who knows he has found his soulmate, but she prefers ripping out his heart. However, the worst as far as the fledgling is concerned is the demand by a royal vampiress that Ava pledge her loyalty.
If a reader was trapped on WALK ON THE WILD SIDE and had to fight an eight century old vampire or the tyro to survive, we would go after Dima. Few characters are as ferociously angry as the heroine, who makes the tale fresh with her shove it up your butt mentality. The arrogant alpha Dima figuratively and literally loses a few gallons of blood while alos having his esteem trashed trying to mentor his “Nenaglyadnaya”, but knows it is worth every ounce as he will never grow tired of her. Fans will appreciate this super Others urban romantic fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Christine Warren
St. Martin’s, Mar 31 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780312947927
The European Council of Vampires has sent Vladimir "Dima" Rurikovich to America to find the rogue vampire serial killing humans. Although she hates the monsters of the Others, Ava Markham is fortunate that Dima arrives in time to rescue her from the assault of the predator he seeks. However, he failed to arrive in time to prevent her draining and biting.
Ava is changing and Dima helps her by giving her his blood. Instead of euphoria, Ava awakens in rage as he has changed her to what she detests most in the world. Almost as bad is her attraction to the eight hundred years old vampire who knows he has found his soulmate, but she prefers ripping out his heart. However, the worst as far as the fledgling is concerned is the demand by a royal vampiress that Ava pledge her loyalty.
If a reader was trapped on WALK ON THE WILD SIDE and had to fight an eight century old vampire or the tyro to survive, we would go after Dima. Few characters are as ferociously angry as the heroine, who makes the tale fresh with her shove it up your butt mentality. The arrogant alpha Dima figuratively and literally loses a few gallons of blood while alos having his esteem trashed trying to mentor his “Nenaglyadnaya”, but knows it is worth every ounce as he will never grow tired of her. Fans will appreciate this super Others urban romantic fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Dead and Gone-Charlaine Harris
Dead and Gone
Charlaine Harris
Ace, May 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780441017157
Telepath Sookie Stackhouse works as a waitress at Merlotte’s Diner in Bon Temps, Louisiana. When Japanese scientists invented synthetic blood, vampires came out of the coffins and introduced themselves over TV. Although the new world needs some getting used to and help groups form, life for the most part have somewhat settled down as people realize vampires have been part of the assimilated population for centuries. It is now the shapeshifters turn to come out into the open.
However, some humans react violently towards the news. The owner of Merlotte’s stepdaughter almost kills her mother. Female shifter is crucified in Merlotte’s parking lot; she is the estranged wife of Sookie’s brother. Sookie’s great grandfather Niall is at war with an enemy who wants to kill and Sookie is sought by his adversaries as a potential hostage; several attempts to either abduct or kill her occur. Having a brother who is a were-panther means he will protect her but Sookie underestimates the threat to her and her loved ones by an ancient evil species more powerful than weres, vamps and humans combined.
True Blood is the TV show based on the Sookie novels and like this tale and previous entries are great urban fantasies. With all the different species surfacing who previously were assumed to be myths, Sookie and one other person are the only known telepaths in the United States. Although a bit less action oriented than other books in the series, Readers get to know the characters better and Sookie finally has some romance in her life. Charlaine Harris is one of the best urban fantasy worldbuilders writing today.
Harriet Klausner
Charlaine Harris
Ace, May 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9780441017157
Telepath Sookie Stackhouse works as a waitress at Merlotte’s Diner in Bon Temps, Louisiana. When Japanese scientists invented synthetic blood, vampires came out of the coffins and introduced themselves over TV. Although the new world needs some getting used to and help groups form, life for the most part have somewhat settled down as people realize vampires have been part of the assimilated population for centuries. It is now the shapeshifters turn to come out into the open.
However, some humans react violently towards the news. The owner of Merlotte’s stepdaughter almost kills her mother. Female shifter is crucified in Merlotte’s parking lot; she is the estranged wife of Sookie’s brother. Sookie’s great grandfather Niall is at war with an enemy who wants to kill and Sookie is sought by his adversaries as a potential hostage; several attempts to either abduct or kill her occur. Having a brother who is a were-panther means he will protect her but Sookie underestimates the threat to her and her loved ones by an ancient evil species more powerful than weres, vamps and humans combined.
True Blood is the TV show based on the Sookie novels and like this tale and previous entries are great urban fantasies. With all the different species surfacing who previously were assumed to be myths, Sookie and one other person are the only known telepaths in the United States. Although a bit less action oriented than other books in the series, Readers get to know the characters better and Sookie finally has some romance in her life. Charlaine Harris is one of the best urban fantasy worldbuilders writing today.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Blood From Stone-Laura Anne Gilman
Blood From Stone
Laura Anne Gilman
Luna, May 2009, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373802975
Magic in the twenty-first century is created by channeling currents the same way electricity powers machines. Wren Valere is a powerful Talent and an excellent Retriever who takes things her clients want for a colossal sum of money. Her business partner and lover Sergei find her next assignment which is to she snatch a boy who is the focus of a custody suit; the child has Talent so his parents sold him to a man who wants those powers. Wren put a compulsion on the lad’s father keep the child and care for him.
She has no time to catch her breath because her friend the demon P.J.. has a problem. He was created to enable a Talent to discharge channeled energy. The people after him are descendents of his creators and plan to use him to create new demons for them to use. Sergei and Wren risk their lives to stop this dangerous fiasco from occurring.
This ends the Retriever saga with quite a climax that will hook fans interested in how several themes play out; will Sergei and Wren work out their differences and will they save the demon P.JI. are among the questions answered. Laura Anne Gilman proves once again she is a gifted fantasist over the course of the final tale (and the overall series) as her heroic lead couple evolves. Though it pays for newcomers to read the five previous Retriever thrillers first, fans of the novels will know that master enchantress Laura Anne Gilman can draw BLOOD FROM STONE.
Harriet Klausner
Laura Anne Gilman
Luna, May 2009, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373802975
Magic in the twenty-first century is created by channeling currents the same way electricity powers machines. Wren Valere is a powerful Talent and an excellent Retriever who takes things her clients want for a colossal sum of money. Her business partner and lover Sergei find her next assignment which is to she snatch a boy who is the focus of a custody suit; the child has Talent so his parents sold him to a man who wants those powers. Wren put a compulsion on the lad’s father keep the child and care for him.
She has no time to catch her breath because her friend the demon P.J.. has a problem. He was created to enable a Talent to discharge channeled energy. The people after him are descendents of his creators and plan to use him to create new demons for them to use. Sergei and Wren risk their lives to stop this dangerous fiasco from occurring.
This ends the Retriever saga with quite a climax that will hook fans interested in how several themes play out; will Sergei and Wren work out their differences and will they save the demon P.JI. are among the questions answered. Laura Anne Gilman proves once again she is a gifted fantasist over the course of the final tale (and the overall series) as her heroic lead couple evolves. Though it pays for newcomers to read the five previous Retriever thrillers first, fans of the novels will know that master enchantress Laura Anne Gilman can draw BLOOD FROM STONE.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Kiss of Darkness-Jennifer St. Giles
Kiss of Darkness
Jennifer St. Giles
Pocket, Mar 31 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416563396
The recent victory cannot be celebrated as the Shadowmen and their allies continue their vigil as their lethal enemy persists on their assault. One mistake could cost them their lives as the malevolent demons and vampires keep the pressure on.
A vampire bit her husband Eric six years ago in England taking him to the dark side and leaving clairvoyant Emerald Linton alone in fear for her now eleven year old daughter Meggie and a need to relocate and conceal her heritage from everyone. In Twilight, Tennessee human Sheriff Sam Sheridan knows Emerald, who resides there with Meggie, is hiding something, but he fails to get her to open up to him. She knows what a vampire bite can do and he was bitten when Cinatas and his evil minion arrive. Preferring flight rather than fight, reluctantly Emerald has no choice for Meggie’s sake except to turn to Sam if she can heal him somehow.
The latest Shadowmen romantic urban fantasy (see TOUCH A DARK WOLF and Lure of the Wolf) is a fabulous action-packed thriller from the opening prologue in Wiltshire, England six years ago to the final naked truffle epilogue. The lead couple is a strong pairing of two people banging heads even before the vampiric invasion. Fans of the saga will appreciate the tale as the clairvoyant and the bitten sheriff battle evil in small-town Tennessee.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer St. Giles
Pocket, Mar 31 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416563396
The recent victory cannot be celebrated as the Shadowmen and their allies continue their vigil as their lethal enemy persists on their assault. One mistake could cost them their lives as the malevolent demons and vampires keep the pressure on.
A vampire bit her husband Eric six years ago in England taking him to the dark side and leaving clairvoyant Emerald Linton alone in fear for her now eleven year old daughter Meggie and a need to relocate and conceal her heritage from everyone. In Twilight, Tennessee human Sheriff Sam Sheridan knows Emerald, who resides there with Meggie, is hiding something, but he fails to get her to open up to him. She knows what a vampire bite can do and he was bitten when Cinatas and his evil minion arrive. Preferring flight rather than fight, reluctantly Emerald has no choice for Meggie’s sake except to turn to Sam if she can heal him somehow.
The latest Shadowmen romantic urban fantasy (see TOUCH A DARK WOLF and Lure of the Wolf) is a fabulous action-packed thriller from the opening prologue in Wiltshire, England six years ago to the final naked truffle epilogue. The lead couple is a strong pairing of two people banging heads even before the vampiric invasion. Fans of the saga will appreciate the tale as the clairvoyant and the bitten sheriff battle evil in small-town Tennessee.
Harriet Klausner
Fall of Light-Nina Kiriki Hoffman
Fall of Light
Nina Kiriki Hoffman
Ace, May 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780441014682
She is magically gifted as are her siblings and her mother, but Opal LaZelle is the only one to leave the family nest to begin a career that uses her talent. She becomes a make-up artist, but she uses magic to create illusions of changing an actor’s face or if the situation calls for it actually changes the feature for real. She is now in Lopez, Oregon working on the film Forest of the Night, but has only one person to work on, converting actor Corvus Weather into the Dark God
The area where much of the movie is being filmed contains an opening in the woods in in which an ancient stone alter sits. When Opal walks on the ground near it she feels energy as if something is trying to wake up from a long sleep. However what frightens the make up artist is Corvus; whenever she changes him into his costume, his personality changes too as if he is possessed. He finally insists she call him by another name Phrixos and that he needs her help to fully awaken what lies in the woods. She wants to refuse as she worries about the day of because she does not know what the sleeping god really wants from humans.
The latest Nina Kiriki Hoffman paranormal thriller (see FISTFUL OF SKIES, PAST THE SIZE OF DREAMING and A RED HEART OF MEMORIES) is sure to bring much acclaim to the author. FALL OF LIGHT is a fascinating urban fantasy with powerful horror elements threading throughout the exciting story line. Opal is a great heroine as she knows she is out of her league yet cannot walk away from the catastrophe she finds herself in the middle of as the immediate danger to the crew is stratospheric. This is another winner from a super writer.
Harriet Klausner
Nina Kiriki Hoffman
Ace, May 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780441014682
She is magically gifted as are her siblings and her mother, but Opal LaZelle is the only one to leave the family nest to begin a career that uses her talent. She becomes a make-up artist, but she uses magic to create illusions of changing an actor’s face or if the situation calls for it actually changes the feature for real. She is now in Lopez, Oregon working on the film Forest of the Night, but has only one person to work on, converting actor Corvus Weather into the Dark God
The area where much of the movie is being filmed contains an opening in the woods in in which an ancient stone alter sits. When Opal walks on the ground near it she feels energy as if something is trying to wake up from a long sleep. However what frightens the make up artist is Corvus; whenever she changes him into his costume, his personality changes too as if he is possessed. He finally insists she call him by another name Phrixos and that he needs her help to fully awaken what lies in the woods. She wants to refuse as she worries about the day of because she does not know what the sleeping god really wants from humans.
The latest Nina Kiriki Hoffman paranormal thriller (see FISTFUL OF SKIES, PAST THE SIZE OF DREAMING and A RED HEART OF MEMORIES) is sure to bring much acclaim to the author. FALL OF LIGHT is a fascinating urban fantasy with powerful horror elements threading throughout the exciting story line. Opal is a great heroine as she knows she is out of her league yet cannot walk away from the catastrophe she finds herself in the middle of as the immediate danger to the crew is stratospheric. This is another winner from a super writer.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Trouble with Demons-Lisa Shearin
The Trouble with Demons
Lisa Shearin
Ace, May 2009, $$7.99
ISBN: 9780441017126
On the Isle of Mid is the most advanced magical college in the known world. The island is considered a neutral sanctuary though different factions want control. Raine Benares has come there because she has become the bond servant of the rock known as Saghred, who feeds on souls while granting immense power to its minion. She hopes the mage-professors can either destroy the rock or at least rip asunder her bondage. The battling groups each seek to use Raine as an expendable tool to gain Isle and world supremacy.
Two men are especially interested in Raine. The dark horse Tamnaisn Nathrach is a mage coming back from the darkside of magic into the light; and Paladin Mychael Eiliesor who is the head of Conclave Guardian.. The acting archmage Carnadius Sylnanius wants Raine executed as he claims she is demon tainted at a time when traitors on Mid open a Hell’s Gate enabling demons to cross over in exchange for more power. The demon queen wants the soul of her husband released from Saghred captivity; and once he is freed she wants him placed in a new chosen body that is special. Raine as a seeker is the best person for the job; with her “marital” bond mates Michael and Tam, she begins a quest, but her agenda is to save Mid from the demonic invasion.
Romance, danger and magic combine to make an enchanting fantasy. For a Switzerland type location, Mid is filled with treason, double and triple dealings, deadly intrigue that place the heroic trio in jeopardy as the answer to whom do you trust is no one; everyone has an agenda. Raine is a fascinating lead character who holds the plot together as an elf who does not want the goblins to obtain the Saghred as that malevolent species would use it to eradicate the elves. Constantly under fire, the heroes struggle to save the island while new enemies keep surfacing in a sort of Escape From New York way.
Harriet Klausner
Lisa Shearin
Ace, May 2009, $$7.99
ISBN: 9780441017126
On the Isle of Mid is the most advanced magical college in the known world. The island is considered a neutral sanctuary though different factions want control. Raine Benares has come there because she has become the bond servant of the rock known as Saghred, who feeds on souls while granting immense power to its minion. She hopes the mage-professors can either destroy the rock or at least rip asunder her bondage. The battling groups each seek to use Raine as an expendable tool to gain Isle and world supremacy.
Two men are especially interested in Raine. The dark horse Tamnaisn Nathrach is a mage coming back from the darkside of magic into the light; and Paladin Mychael Eiliesor who is the head of Conclave Guardian.. The acting archmage Carnadius Sylnanius wants Raine executed as he claims she is demon tainted at a time when traitors on Mid open a Hell’s Gate enabling demons to cross over in exchange for more power. The demon queen wants the soul of her husband released from Saghred captivity; and once he is freed she wants him placed in a new chosen body that is special. Raine as a seeker is the best person for the job; with her “marital” bond mates Michael and Tam, she begins a quest, but her agenda is to save Mid from the demonic invasion.
Romance, danger and magic combine to make an enchanting fantasy. For a Switzerland type location, Mid is filled with treason, double and triple dealings, deadly intrigue that place the heroic trio in jeopardy as the answer to whom do you trust is no one; everyone has an agenda. Raine is a fascinating lead character who holds the plot together as an elf who does not want the goblins to obtain the Saghred as that malevolent species would use it to eradicate the elves. Constantly under fire, the heroes struggle to save the island while new enemies keep surfacing in a sort of Escape From New York way.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sins & Shadows-Lyn Benedict
Sins & Shadows
Lyn Benedict
Ace, Apr 28 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780441017119
On an alternate earth, magic is taken for granted although government agencies and private investigative firms exist to fight evil users. P. I. Sylvie Lightner of Shadows Inquiries is ready to quit the magical sleuthing business to go mundane after she breaks up a Satanist ring during a ceremony and now has a group of Satanists ready to kill her. Her perilous escapade emphasized that death is not necessarily the final safe frontier and
Everyone near her is now in danger.
However, she cannot refuse a special offer from an extraordinary new client who asks for her help. The Greek pantheon God of Justice, once a mortal, wants Sylvie to find his lost lover Brandon Wolf. If she says no, she places her friends, family, and perhaps the world in danger from the wrath of an angry god. Sylvie receives some assistance on the case from the three Fates especially Erinya. She discovers that Lilith is behind what has become of the lover as she wants Bran’s power, which would make her the leader of the gods and enable her to retaliate against Jehovah for kicking her out of Eden. However the sleuth remains in the dark as to the whereabouts of Bran and how to help him while Justice and Zeus fight.
Lyn Benedict uses as her background Greek mythology to provide an excellent investigative fantasy thriller. This other earth comes across as genuine with its government bureaucracy the ISI as much as the strong characterizations while Sylvie works the case. She learns it is becoming easier to kill malevolent monsters and humans; the latter a path if she explores would make her one of the monsters. She depends on her best friend to pull her back from going over that cliff. Sylvie turns SINS & SHADOWS intro a fascinating spellbinding work.
Harriet Klausner
Lyn Benedict
Ace, Apr 28 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780441017119
On an alternate earth, magic is taken for granted although government agencies and private investigative firms exist to fight evil users. P. I. Sylvie Lightner of Shadows Inquiries is ready to quit the magical sleuthing business to go mundane after she breaks up a Satanist ring during a ceremony and now has a group of Satanists ready to kill her. Her perilous escapade emphasized that death is not necessarily the final safe frontier and
Everyone near her is now in danger.
However, she cannot refuse a special offer from an extraordinary new client who asks for her help. The Greek pantheon God of Justice, once a mortal, wants Sylvie to find his lost lover Brandon Wolf. If she says no, she places her friends, family, and perhaps the world in danger from the wrath of an angry god. Sylvie receives some assistance on the case from the three Fates especially Erinya. She discovers that Lilith is behind what has become of the lover as she wants Bran’s power, which would make her the leader of the gods and enable her to retaliate against Jehovah for kicking her out of Eden. However the sleuth remains in the dark as to the whereabouts of Bran and how to help him while Justice and Zeus fight.
Lyn Benedict uses as her background Greek mythology to provide an excellent investigative fantasy thriller. This other earth comes across as genuine with its government bureaucracy the ISI as much as the strong characterizations while Sylvie works the case. She learns it is becoming easier to kill malevolent monsters and humans; the latter a path if she explores would make her one of the monsters. She depends on her best friend to pull her back from going over that cliff. Sylvie turns SINS & SHADOWS intro a fascinating spellbinding work.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Magicians' Daughter-S.C. Butler
The Magicians' Daughter
S.C. Butler
Tor, May 2009, $27.95
ISBN 9780765314796
The wicked Wizard Fornoch turns his attention from destroying his former student the magician Reiffen and his enemy’s mage wife Ferris to their ten years old offspring Hubley. At least that is what Reiffen believes the last wizard, who once abducted him, (see REIFFEN’S CHOICE) plans. Reiffen turns so obsessive in his efforts to keep his daughter safe, he drives his spouse and child crazy while they wonder if he is going mad with his paranoid fixation.
However, his over protection leads to a frustrated Hubley suddenly finding her magical skills. Still she, her mom, her father’s friend Avender, and others try to keep her safe from the evil Fornoch and even more so from her insane phobic father. Avender has his own issues as he loves the queen who is married to a close friend. All this preoccupation is going on while the manderstone expands in Issinlough.
The premise of Reiffen losing his mind is a terrific concept as heroes never mentally fall apart, but the story line feels somewhat padded especially with a bittersweet romantic triangular subplot. The Stoneways fantasy has moved on with the next generation title character playing a major role (and not as her increasingly demented father’s fear for her – keep in mind the paranoid can sometimes be right). Fans of the saga will enjoy the finish that started as a coming of age thriller (REIFFEN’S CHOICE) became a morality drama (QUEEN FERRIS) and ends with a psychological save the world thriller.
Harriet Klausner
S.C. Butler
Tor, May 2009, $27.95
ISBN 9780765314796
The wicked Wizard Fornoch turns his attention from destroying his former student the magician Reiffen and his enemy’s mage wife Ferris to their ten years old offspring Hubley. At least that is what Reiffen believes the last wizard, who once abducted him, (see REIFFEN’S CHOICE) plans. Reiffen turns so obsessive in his efforts to keep his daughter safe, he drives his spouse and child crazy while they wonder if he is going mad with his paranoid fixation.
However, his over protection leads to a frustrated Hubley suddenly finding her magical skills. Still she, her mom, her father’s friend Avender, and others try to keep her safe from the evil Fornoch and even more so from her insane phobic father. Avender has his own issues as he loves the queen who is married to a close friend. All this preoccupation is going on while the manderstone expands in Issinlough.
The premise of Reiffen losing his mind is a terrific concept as heroes never mentally fall apart, but the story line feels somewhat padded especially with a bittersweet romantic triangular subplot. The Stoneways fantasy has moved on with the next generation title character playing a major role (and not as her increasingly demented father’s fear for her – keep in mind the paranoid can sometimes be right). Fans of the saga will enjoy the finish that started as a coming of age thriller (REIFFEN’S CHOICE) became a morality drama (QUEEN FERRIS) and ends with a psychological save the world thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Starfinder-John Marco
Starfinder
John Marco
Daw, May 2009, $24.95
ISBN 9780756405519
Tired of unchecked adult supervision holding them back, especially her family’s political power, teenagers Moth and Fiona flee from the highest city in the world Calio where anyone can become anything except their elders hold the young back. Leaving the city on top of the mountain, they climb across the foggy Reach until they reach a strange land with strange beings.
The Skylords greet the outsiders with hostility. They also realize Moth carries a gizmo that once belonged to them until a traitor fearing their growing power stole and hid it. They want their device back even as Moth remains ignorant how to utilize it. Making matters worse for the teens, Fiona’s grandfather, the governor of Calio, arrives in a dirigible warship that the Skylords attack with their flying minions as they reject sharing the skies with anyone especially lowlife humans.
The attitudes of Moth and Fiona make each an endearing realistic thirteen years old as they want to be treated by their elders as adults with the accountability of tweeners so when that fails to pass, they run away. Their adventures in the Reach are exciting especially when they encounter the malevolent Skylords. However, so much side plotting occurs that fans will have difficulty keeping track of the prime focus. Still this rambling fantasy sets up the Skylords saga in which young adult readers will want to follow the escapades of those two teen courageous explorers.
Harriet Klausner
John Marco
Daw, May 2009, $24.95
ISBN 9780756405519
Tired of unchecked adult supervision holding them back, especially her family’s political power, teenagers Moth and Fiona flee from the highest city in the world Calio where anyone can become anything except their elders hold the young back. Leaving the city on top of the mountain, they climb across the foggy Reach until they reach a strange land with strange beings.
The Skylords greet the outsiders with hostility. They also realize Moth carries a gizmo that once belonged to them until a traitor fearing their growing power stole and hid it. They want their device back even as Moth remains ignorant how to utilize it. Making matters worse for the teens, Fiona’s grandfather, the governor of Calio, arrives in a dirigible warship that the Skylords attack with their flying minions as they reject sharing the skies with anyone especially lowlife humans.
The attitudes of Moth and Fiona make each an endearing realistic thirteen years old as they want to be treated by their elders as adults with the accountability of tweeners so when that fails to pass, they run away. Their adventures in the Reach are exciting especially when they encounter the malevolent Skylords. However, so much side plotting occurs that fans will have difficulty keeping track of the prime focus. Still this rambling fantasy sets up the Skylords saga in which young adult readers will want to follow the escapades of those two teen courageous explorers.
Harriet Klausner
Some Girls Bite-Chloe Neill
Some Girls Bite
Chloe Neill
NAL, Apr 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780451226259
At a time when vampires have come out of the closet to announce they are real and twelve vampire houses in the States exist, a rogue attacked University of Chicago graduate student Merit ripping her throat. She knows she is fortunate to be alive (no pun intended); her life is saved by the Cadogan House master vampire Ethan.
Four centuries as the "Lord o' the Manor" has Ethan expecting the fledgling to grovel in gratitude. However, the feisty Merit is not only upset she had no choice and still irate over the assault, bowing goes against her personality especially since she can no longer sunbathe. As she adjusts to her new nocturnal existence, Merit finds she loves the nightlife until she realizes her undead life is threatened by an evil vampire who is killing girls and has unfinished business with the one who got away.
With a sardonic light chick lit first person narration that ironically contrasts the true danger facing Merit, Chloe Neill provides her readers with an enjoyable urban fantasy. Loyalty and respect are big issues between Ethan who expects total reverence without regard and Merit who claims you earn both with deeds and not just a birthright passage. Fans will relish this strong opening entry as Chloe continually surprises her “sire” with her behavior even as danger stalks her.
Harriet Klausner
Chloe Neill
NAL, Apr 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780451226259
At a time when vampires have come out of the closet to announce they are real and twelve vampire houses in the States exist, a rogue attacked University of Chicago graduate student Merit ripping her throat. She knows she is fortunate to be alive (no pun intended); her life is saved by the Cadogan House master vampire Ethan.
Four centuries as the "Lord o' the Manor" has Ethan expecting the fledgling to grovel in gratitude. However, the feisty Merit is not only upset she had no choice and still irate over the assault, bowing goes against her personality especially since she can no longer sunbathe. As she adjusts to her new nocturnal existence, Merit finds she loves the nightlife until she realizes her undead life is threatened by an evil vampire who is killing girls and has unfinished business with the one who got away.
With a sardonic light chick lit first person narration that ironically contrasts the true danger facing Merit, Chloe Neill provides her readers with an enjoyable urban fantasy. Loyalty and respect are big issues between Ethan who expects total reverence without regard and Merit who claims you earn both with deeds and not just a birthright passage. Fans will relish this strong opening entry as Chloe continually surprises her “sire” with her behavior even as danger stalks her.
Harriet Klausner
White Star-Elizabeth Vaughn
White Star
Elizabeth Vaughn
Berkley, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425227015
In the war-ravaged Palins, Lord Marshal Orrin Blackhart knows his guilt and remorse will remain with him long after his bones are interred as his loyalty to his late Lady High Baroness Elanore was misplaced. Whereas she created evil Odiun warriors causing death and destruction, he ignored the dark magic she used to bring these killers to life. Following Elanore’s death, Orrin, in spite of having captured the Chosen One High Lady Priestess Evelyn, turns himself in to the rebel opposition to insure his loyal men are not killed or imprisoned.
Ironically, Evelyn claims his life as hers; Orrin is grateful to the Chosen One not because she saved him, but she has given him time to somewhat atone for his transgressions though he realistically knows he will never wipe the slate clean. He vows to Evelyn and himself that he will eradicate the Odium roving the countryside. Although the Chosen One can claim almost any bounty, High Priestess Evelyn struggles with a powerful archbishop with a personal agenda.
With the devastating wars allegedly over (see Chronicles of the Warlands trilogy), the aftermath and dark evil remain throughout the Palins even as malevolence has been killed (see DAGGER STAR). The beloved enemies Evelyn and Orrin were powerful leaders of opposing forces in the vicious hostilities war that still has the people of the Palins reeling. Fans will appreciate the clever twist that Elizabeth Vaughn writes in WHITE STAR as the latest return to her Warlands saga is a welcome entry in one of the best romantic fantasies of the last few years.
Harriet Klausner
Elizabeth Vaughn
Berkley, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425227015
In the war-ravaged Palins, Lord Marshal Orrin Blackhart knows his guilt and remorse will remain with him long after his bones are interred as his loyalty to his late Lady High Baroness Elanore was misplaced. Whereas she created evil Odiun warriors causing death and destruction, he ignored the dark magic she used to bring these killers to life. Following Elanore’s death, Orrin, in spite of having captured the Chosen One High Lady Priestess Evelyn, turns himself in to the rebel opposition to insure his loyal men are not killed or imprisoned.
Ironically, Evelyn claims his life as hers; Orrin is grateful to the Chosen One not because she saved him, but she has given him time to somewhat atone for his transgressions though he realistically knows he will never wipe the slate clean. He vows to Evelyn and himself that he will eradicate the Odium roving the countryside. Although the Chosen One can claim almost any bounty, High Priestess Evelyn struggles with a powerful archbishop with a personal agenda.
With the devastating wars allegedly over (see Chronicles of the Warlands trilogy), the aftermath and dark evil remain throughout the Palins even as malevolence has been killed (see DAGGER STAR). The beloved enemies Evelyn and Orrin were powerful leaders of opposing forces in the vicious hostilities war that still has the people of the Palins reeling. Fans will appreciate the clever twist that Elizabeth Vaughn writes in WHITE STAR as the latest return to her Warlands saga is a welcome entry in one of the best romantic fantasies of the last few years.
Harriet Klausner
White Star-Elizabeth Vaughn
White Star
Elizabeth Vaughn
Berkley, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425227015
In the war-ravaged Palins, Lord Marshal Orrin Blackhart knows his guilt and remorse will remain with him long after his bones are interred as his loyalty to his late Lady High Baroness Elanore was misplaced. Whereas she created evil Odiun warriors causing death and destruction, he ignored the dark magic she used to bring these killers to life. Following Elanore’s death, Orrin, in spite of having captured the Chosen One High Lady Priestess Evelyn, turns himself in to the rebel opposition to insure his loyal men are not killed or imprisoned.
Ironically, Evelyn claims his life as hers; Orrin is grateful to the Chosen One not because she saved him, but she has given him time to somewhat atone for his transgressions though he realistically knows he will never wipe the slate clean. He vows to Evelyn and himself that he will eradicate the Odium roving the countryside. Although the Chosen One can claim almost any bounty, High Priestess Evelyn struggles with a powerful archbishop with a personal agenda.
With the devastating wars allegedly over (see Chronicles of the Warlands trilogy), the aftermath and dark evil remain throughout the Palins even as malevolence has been killed (see DAGGER STAR). The beloved enemies Evelyn and Orrin were powerful leaders of opposing forces in the vicious hostilities war that still has the people of the Palins reeling. Fans will appreciate the clever twist that Elizabeth Vaughn writes in WHITE STAR as the latest return to her Warlands saga is a welcome entry in one of the best romantic fantasies of the last few years.
Harriet Klausner
Elizabeth Vaughn
Berkley, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425227015
In the war-ravaged Palins, Lord Marshal Orrin Blackhart knows his guilt and remorse will remain with him long after his bones are interred as his loyalty to his late Lady High Baroness Elanore was misplaced. Whereas she created evil Odiun warriors causing death and destruction, he ignored the dark magic she used to bring these killers to life. Following Elanore’s death, Orrin, in spite of having captured the Chosen One High Lady Priestess Evelyn, turns himself in to the rebel opposition to insure his loyal men are not killed or imprisoned.
Ironically, Evelyn claims his life as hers; Orrin is grateful to the Chosen One not because she saved him, but she has given him time to somewhat atone for his transgressions though he realistically knows he will never wipe the slate clean. He vows to Evelyn and himself that he will eradicate the Odium roving the countryside. Although the Chosen One can claim almost any bounty, High Priestess Evelyn struggles with a powerful archbishop with a personal agenda.
With the devastating wars allegedly over (see Chronicles of the Warlands trilogy), the aftermath and dark evil remain throughout the Palins even as malevolence has been killed (see DAGGER STAR). The beloved enemies Evelyn and Orrin were powerful leaders of opposing forces in the vicious hostilities war that still has the people of the Palins reeling. Fans will appreciate the clever twist that Elizabeth Vaughn writes in WHITE STAR as the latest return to her Warlands saga is a welcome entry in one of the best romantic fantasies of the last few years.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Red Wolf Conspiracy-9780345508836
The Red Wolf Conspiracy
Robert V.S. Redick.
Del Rey, May 2009, $26.00
ISBN 9780345508836
The four decade old hot and cold war between the Mzithrin and Arquali Empires remain unabated as both claim Crownless Lands that borders each nation and is abundant in natural resources. However, the first dramatic change between the hostilities in years occurs when the sorcerer’s floating city fortress the Imperial Merchant Ship Chathrand brings the ambassador’s daughter Thasa as a bride prize to marry a royal and forge a treaty between the empires.
However, though both emperors agree to this marriage, neither side trusts the other. Both kingdoms also remain ignorant of stowaways on the vessel. Soon on board “The Great Ship”, which seems to have vanished without wreckage anywhere, simmering distrust ignites into battles. Assassins lurk everywhere and no one is safe especially when each of the major sides and a few outsiders like Pazel the blessed-cursed tarboy, miniature sized warriors and sentient beasts learn of the Red Wolf artifact thought mythical but on “The Wind Palace” Chathrand believed real.
This is an exhilarating seafaring young adult fantasy that grips the audience from the onset as everyone on board “The Great Ship” knows lethal stalkers and betraying rats lurk around every corner. No one is safe as the stakes rise from two empires seeking peace after four decades of hostility to THE RED WOLF CONSPIRACY. Fans will want to follow the adventures of those on board the vanished Chathrand as the vessel goes where no one recently has gone before and those who once did never returned.
Harriet Klausner
Robert V.S. Redick.
Del Rey, May 2009, $26.00
ISBN 9780345508836
The four decade old hot and cold war between the Mzithrin and Arquali Empires remain unabated as both claim Crownless Lands that borders each nation and is abundant in natural resources. However, the first dramatic change between the hostilities in years occurs when the sorcerer’s floating city fortress the Imperial Merchant Ship Chathrand brings the ambassador’s daughter Thasa as a bride prize to marry a royal and forge a treaty between the empires.
However, though both emperors agree to this marriage, neither side trusts the other. Both kingdoms also remain ignorant of stowaways on the vessel. Soon on board “The Great Ship”, which seems to have vanished without wreckage anywhere, simmering distrust ignites into battles. Assassins lurk everywhere and no one is safe especially when each of the major sides and a few outsiders like Pazel the blessed-cursed tarboy, miniature sized warriors and sentient beasts learn of the Red Wolf artifact thought mythical but on “The Wind Palace” Chathrand believed real.
This is an exhilarating seafaring young adult fantasy that grips the audience from the onset as everyone on board “The Great Ship” knows lethal stalkers and betraying rats lurk around every corner. No one is safe as the stakes rise from two empires seeking peace after four decades of hostility to THE RED WOLF CONSPIRACY. Fans will want to follow the adventures of those on board the vanished Chathrand as the vessel goes where no one recently has gone before and those who once did never returned.
Harriet Klausner
Darkborn-Alison Sinclair
Alison Sinclair
Roc, May 2009, $15.00
ISBN 9780451462701
In Minhorne, Tercelle Amberley arrives at the home of Darkborn mages Dr. Balthasar and Lady Telmaine Hearne to beg a favor. They are reluctant to assist Tercelle, who used to be engaged to his missing brother, but her connection as the fiancée of ducal heir Ferdenzil Mycene gives them no choice.
Tercelle explains she is carrying the illegitimate offspring of a Lightborn father shocking her Hearne hosts; as they know the curse makes Darkborn shun the light and the Lightborn shun the dark so they never mix. Bal helps her give birth to twin boys, who shockingly can sees as Nightborn are always blind. Almost immediately afterward Tercelle flees leaving her offspring behind. Thugs arrive demanding the infants be handed to them; Telmaine takes off the gloves to keep her beloved safe from a third ancient enemy of both races.
This is an intriguing romantic fantasy in which readers will believe in the curse that has split the residents of Minhorne into two distinct groups that are supposedly unable to mingle; thus the story line contains a fascinating underlying mystery. The aristocratic Hearne couple is a strong pairing as their relationship evolves with the changing threat. Although more insight into the origins of the curse would have been appreciated as the paranormal blight is just there, but with so much influence on society, fans will relish a visit to the divided city of Minhorne.
Harriet Klausner
Roc, May 2009, $15.00
ISBN 9780451462701
In Minhorne, Tercelle Amberley arrives at the home of Darkborn mages Dr. Balthasar and Lady Telmaine Hearne to beg a favor. They are reluctant to assist Tercelle, who used to be engaged to his missing brother, but her connection as the fiancée of ducal heir Ferdenzil Mycene gives them no choice.
Tercelle explains she is carrying the illegitimate offspring of a Lightborn father shocking her Hearne hosts; as they know the curse makes Darkborn shun the light and the Lightborn shun the dark so they never mix. Bal helps her give birth to twin boys, who shockingly can sees as Nightborn are always blind. Almost immediately afterward Tercelle flees leaving her offspring behind. Thugs arrive demanding the infants be handed to them; Telmaine takes off the gloves to keep her beloved safe from a third ancient enemy of both races.
This is an intriguing romantic fantasy in which readers will believe in the curse that has split the residents of Minhorne into two distinct groups that are supposedly unable to mingle; thus the story line contains a fascinating underlying mystery. The aristocratic Hearne couple is a strong pairing as their relationship evolves with the changing threat. Although more insight into the origins of the curse would have been appreciated as the paranormal blight is just there, but with so much influence on society, fans will relish a visit to the divided city of Minhorne.
Harriet Klausner
Kings and Assassins-Lane Roberts
Kings and Assassins
Lane Roberts
Del Rey, Apr 21 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780345495747
Janus Ixion knows he has come a long way from an impoverished commoner wondering when his next meal would occur to being the Earl of Last. Though he no longer worries about eating, he knows his countrymen in Antyre remain indigent and starving. He dreams of bringing the industrial revolution to Antyre so no one would go to bed hungry.
Prince Ivor of Itarus plans to replace King Aris on the throne of Antyre and arranges for the monarch to be assassinated as he knows the young heir Prince Adiran is a moron. However, although Ivor achieves his royal killing, the late king’s nephew from the wrong side of the sheets Janus is irate; not because his uncle died, but because the murder occurred to soon for him to make a bid for the throne. Meanwhile his wife Psyke, who believes he arranged his uncle’s murder, acts mad as the demonic god of death and victory Haith possesses her. Even more enigmatic than Psyke’s behavior, is King Adiran shows intelligence that makes everyone believe he must be possessed by an ancient god at a time when Itarus invades.
A few years have past since the events in MALEDICTE that focused on Janus’ rise and other political backstabbing in a realm where gods intrude. Fascinatingly, no one is a pure hero with Janus the closest as he condones his lethal methods to seize power by claiming he is the best person to enable Antyre to prosper and to prevent its annexation by Itarus. Fans will enjoy the battle for power as anything goes, but with neighbors invading and traitors inside the court with personal agendas and sparking unrest while the gods possesses people for reasons known to them. KINGS AND ASSASSINS is an excellent political fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Lane Roberts
Del Rey, Apr 21 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780345495747
Janus Ixion knows he has come a long way from an impoverished commoner wondering when his next meal would occur to being the Earl of Last. Though he no longer worries about eating, he knows his countrymen in Antyre remain indigent and starving. He dreams of bringing the industrial revolution to Antyre so no one would go to bed hungry.
Prince Ivor of Itarus plans to replace King Aris on the throne of Antyre and arranges for the monarch to be assassinated as he knows the young heir Prince Adiran is a moron. However, although Ivor achieves his royal killing, the late king’s nephew from the wrong side of the sheets Janus is irate; not because his uncle died, but because the murder occurred to soon for him to make a bid for the throne. Meanwhile his wife Psyke, who believes he arranged his uncle’s murder, acts mad as the demonic god of death and victory Haith possesses her. Even more enigmatic than Psyke’s behavior, is King Adiran shows intelligence that makes everyone believe he must be possessed by an ancient god at a time when Itarus invades.
A few years have past since the events in MALEDICTE that focused on Janus’ rise and other political backstabbing in a realm where gods intrude. Fascinatingly, no one is a pure hero with Janus the closest as he condones his lethal methods to seize power by claiming he is the best person to enable Antyre to prosper and to prevent its annexation by Itarus. Fans will enjoy the battle for power as anything goes, but with neighbors invading and traitors inside the court with personal agendas and sparking unrest while the gods possesses people for reasons known to them. KINGS AND ASSASSINS is an excellent political fantasy.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Burning Alive-Shannon K. Butcher
Burning Alive
Shannon K. Butcher
Onyx, May 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9780451412713
In a diner in Olathe, Kansas, Helen Day recognizes the man who has been the focus of her nightmares. She is positive she never met her Vision Man before except in her dreams, but she knows that face is the one she sees almost every time she falls asleep because y when she is awake she recalls the details of this male standing near her while observing her die in a fire.
Drake is a bit stunned by the deep attraction he feels for Helen; as he has been around for ages. He is a Theronai warrior, whose species is dying; he fears for the safety of humanity, who he and his peers vigilantly protect. Helen reciprocates his regard, but does not trust him as she fears their relationship will end in her fiery death. When their demonic enemy the Synestryn attacks her, Drake battles them to keep her safe. She still believes in her vision, but also believes Drake is on her side.
This is an exciting romantic urban fantasy starring two strong lead protagonists as star-crossed wannabe lovers. Fascinatingly though the two other species come across as genuine and the confrontations between them well written and exciting, the human Helen owns the entertaining story line with her divided emotions. On the one hand she is falling in love with her self-proclaimed guardian, but on the other hand she distrusts him as Vision Man does nothing to save her from her fiery nightmares. Shannon K. Butcher adds her trademark suspense with plenty of tension and danger to the mix of a terrific paranormal thriller.
Shannon K. Butcher
Onyx, May 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9780451412713
In a diner in Olathe, Kansas, Helen Day recognizes the man who has been the focus of her nightmares. She is positive she never met her Vision Man before except in her dreams, but she knows that face is the one she sees almost every time she falls asleep because y when she is awake she recalls the details of this male standing near her while observing her die in a fire.
Drake is a bit stunned by the deep attraction he feels for Helen; as he has been around for ages. He is a Theronai warrior, whose species is dying; he fears for the safety of humanity, who he and his peers vigilantly protect. Helen reciprocates his regard, but does not trust him as she fears their relationship will end in her fiery death. When their demonic enemy the Synestryn attacks her, Drake battles them to keep her safe. She still believes in her vision, but also believes Drake is on her side.
This is an exciting romantic urban fantasy starring two strong lead protagonists as star-crossed wannabe lovers. Fascinatingly though the two other species come across as genuine and the confrontations between them well written and exciting, the human Helen owns the entertaining story line with her divided emotions. On the one hand she is falling in love with her self-proclaimed guardian, but on the other hand she distrusts him as Vision Man does nothing to save her from her fiery nightmares. Shannon K. Butcher adds her trademark suspense with plenty of tension and danger to the mix of a terrific paranormal thriller.
Buyout-Alexander C. Irvine
Buyout
Alexander C. Irvine
Del Rey, Mar 31 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780345494337
In 2040 Los Angeles middle management insurance executive Martin Kindred works for Antelope Valley Casualty, a firm seeking to increase profit margin after a fiscally disastrous 2039. The brass comes up with a terrific reengineering solution to cut government costs and obtain revenue by eliminating overcrowding in prisons caused by the increase over the past few decades to 22 crimes leading to automatic life sentences without freeing the incarcerated. The beneficiaries of lifers with no chance for parole will receive millions if the convict opts for immediate death.
Martin is assigned the task of preparing the prisoner-volunteer for execution and subsequently giving the check to their survivors. The once dead pro-life movement resurfaces in a furor over the cold hearted bottom line execution. Martin finds himself caught in the crosshairs, which impact his marriage. However, his neutrality collapses when his brother the cop is murdered.
Using hyperbole to extrapolate America’s second greatest growth industry during the Bush Administration, the warehousing zealousness of convicts (military contractors were first), Alexander C. Irvine provides a profound futuristic parable. The story line leaves the audience questioning the prison system especially privatization in which the government pays by the number of prisoners incarcerated. BUYOUT is a well written dark winner using trend analysis exaggerated into the future to provide a solution to America’s fondness for prison warehousing
Harriet Klausner
Alexander C. Irvine
Del Rey, Mar 31 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780345494337
In 2040 Los Angeles middle management insurance executive Martin Kindred works for Antelope Valley Casualty, a firm seeking to increase profit margin after a fiscally disastrous 2039. The brass comes up with a terrific reengineering solution to cut government costs and obtain revenue by eliminating overcrowding in prisons caused by the increase over the past few decades to 22 crimes leading to automatic life sentences without freeing the incarcerated. The beneficiaries of lifers with no chance for parole will receive millions if the convict opts for immediate death.
Martin is assigned the task of preparing the prisoner-volunteer for execution and subsequently giving the check to their survivors. The once dead pro-life movement resurfaces in a furor over the cold hearted bottom line execution. Martin finds himself caught in the crosshairs, which impact his marriage. However, his neutrality collapses when his brother the cop is murdered.
Using hyperbole to extrapolate America’s second greatest growth industry during the Bush Administration, the warehousing zealousness of convicts (military contractors were first), Alexander C. Irvine provides a profound futuristic parable. The story line leaves the audience questioning the prison system especially privatization in which the government pays by the number of prisoners incarcerated. BUYOUT is a well written dark winner using trend analysis exaggerated into the future to provide a solution to America’s fondness for prison warehousing
Harriet Klausner
Buyout-Alexander C. Irvine
Buyout
Alexander C. Irvine
Del Rey, Mar 31 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780345494337
In 2040 Los Angeles middle management insurance executive Martin Kindred works for Antelope Valley Casualty, a firm seeking to increase profit margin after a fiscally disastrous 2039. The brass comes up with a terrific reengineering solution to cut government costs and obtain revenue by eliminating overcrowding in prisons caused by the increase over the past few decades to 22 crimes leading to automatic life sentences without freeing the incarcerated. The beneficiaries of lifers with no chance for parole will receive millions if the convict opts for immediate death.
Martin is assigned the task of preparing the prisoner-volunteer for execution and subsequently giving the check to their survivors. The once dead pro-life movement resurfaces in a furor over the cold hearted bottom line execution. Martin finds himself caught in the crosshairs, which impact his marriage. However, his neutrality collapses when his brother the cop is murdered.
Using hyperbole to extrapolate America’s second greatest growth industry during the Bush Administration, the warehousing zealousness of convicts (military contractors were first), Alexander C. Irvine provides a profound futuristic parable. The story line leaves the audience questioning the prison system especially privatization in which the government pays by the number of prisoners incarcerated. BUYOUT is a well written dark winner using trend analysis exaggerated into the future to provide a solution to America’s fondness for prison warehousing
Harriet Klausner
Alexander C. Irvine
Del Rey, Mar 31 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780345494337
In 2040 Los Angeles middle management insurance executive Martin Kindred works for Antelope Valley Casualty, a firm seeking to increase profit margin after a fiscally disastrous 2039. The brass comes up with a terrific reengineering solution to cut government costs and obtain revenue by eliminating overcrowding in prisons caused by the increase over the past few decades to 22 crimes leading to automatic life sentences without freeing the incarcerated. The beneficiaries of lifers with no chance for parole will receive millions if the convict opts for immediate death.
Martin is assigned the task of preparing the prisoner-volunteer for execution and subsequently giving the check to their survivors. The once dead pro-life movement resurfaces in a furor over the cold hearted bottom line execution. Martin finds himself caught in the crosshairs, which impact his marriage. However, his neutrality collapses when his brother the cop is murdered.
Using hyperbole to extrapolate America’s second greatest growth industry during the Bush Administration, the warehousing zealousness of convicts (military contractors were first), Alexander C. Irvine provides a profound futuristic parable. The story line leaves the audience questioning the prison system especially privatization in which the government pays by the number of prisoners incarcerated. BUYOUT is a well written dark winner using trend analysis exaggerated into the future to provide a solution to America’s fondness for prison warehousing
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Mage-Jean Johnson
The Mage
Jean Johnson
Berkley, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425225943
Morganen, the last single brother of four sets of twins born two years apart, has observed each of his siblings reach their part of the fulfilling the Curse of Eight Prophecy; at times with his help. In terms of the big Destiny, everything has gone the way it is supposed to, but the biggest quest is left; his and he knows not one of his siblings or their respective soul mates can help him achieve his destiny and complete the prophecy.
His beloved Hope comes through the portal from the dimension ruled by Queen Kelly. However, what Morg expected about his soulmate proves false. Instead Hope is the Duchess Haupanea of Nightfall, who vanished without a trace two centuries ago. As their enemies try to thwart the siblings from achieving their goal of Nightfall declared a kingdom, Morg knows his beloved is the one weapon the enemy can use to declare their efforts null and void; as she is the Duchess of Nightfall.
This is an excellent ending to a great saga as the key overarching thread that ran through the seven siblings’ books reaches a crescendo climax. Jean Johnson proves she is the Mage as romantic fantasy fans will salute one of the best sagas in years and if anyone is as fickle as this reviewer is will ask what next?
Harriet Klausner
Jean Johnson
Berkley, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425225943
Morganen, the last single brother of four sets of twins born two years apart, has observed each of his siblings reach their part of the fulfilling the Curse of Eight Prophecy; at times with his help. In terms of the big Destiny, everything has gone the way it is supposed to, but the biggest quest is left; his and he knows not one of his siblings or their respective soul mates can help him achieve his destiny and complete the prophecy.
His beloved Hope comes through the portal from the dimension ruled by Queen Kelly. However, what Morg expected about his soulmate proves false. Instead Hope is the Duchess Haupanea of Nightfall, who vanished without a trace two centuries ago. As their enemies try to thwart the siblings from achieving their goal of Nightfall declared a kingdom, Morg knows his beloved is the one weapon the enemy can use to declare their efforts null and void; as she is the Duchess of Nightfall.
This is an excellent ending to a great saga as the key overarching thread that ran through the seven siblings’ books reaches a crescendo climax. Jean Johnson proves she is the Mage as romantic fantasy fans will salute one of the best sagas in years and if anyone is as fickle as this reviewer is will ask what next?
Harriet Klausner
Ghostland-Jory Strong
Ghostland
Jory Strong
Berkley, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425226063
The Oakland Diocese asks self-taught shamaness Aisling McConaughey to help rescue an affluent VIP constituent’s mistress Elena Rousseau. She would prefer to say no, but knows she has no choice as Elena will be sacrificed otherwise and so will the orphans and Geneva that Aisling loves. Aided by Aziel her spirit guardian disguised as a ferret, Aisling enter the dangerous Ghostland where spirits dwell.
She knows she needs help to accomplish the quest so she summons demon Djinn Zurael en Caym to her side. He is outraged, but helpless as she has him bound; however, Zurael vows to kill the shamaness the moment he completes his mission which will end her summoning spell. However, as they work together, these natural enemies fall in love.
The vivid description of a post apocalyptic world that followed The Last War is dark, grim, but vivid; yet interwoven into the strong story line. Aisling is a terrific heroine who finds her already complicated mission becoming even more multifaceted and convoluted as she wonders why Elena is neeed as a ritual sacrifice and how love intrudes on her life. Zurael anchors the supernatural making the paranormal seem natural. Urban fantasy readers will relish GHOSTLAND and look forward to more escapades in Jory Strong’s new California (and beyond).
Harriet Klausner
Jory Strong
Berkley, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425226063
The Oakland Diocese asks self-taught shamaness Aisling McConaughey to help rescue an affluent VIP constituent’s mistress Elena Rousseau. She would prefer to say no, but knows she has no choice as Elena will be sacrificed otherwise and so will the orphans and Geneva that Aisling loves. Aided by Aziel her spirit guardian disguised as a ferret, Aisling enter the dangerous Ghostland where spirits dwell.
She knows she needs help to accomplish the quest so she summons demon Djinn Zurael en Caym to her side. He is outraged, but helpless as she has him bound; however, Zurael vows to kill the shamaness the moment he completes his mission which will end her summoning spell. However, as they work together, these natural enemies fall in love.
The vivid description of a post apocalyptic world that followed The Last War is dark, grim, but vivid; yet interwoven into the strong story line. Aisling is a terrific heroine who finds her already complicated mission becoming even more multifaceted and convoluted as she wonders why Elena is neeed as a ritual sacrifice and how love intrudes on her life. Zurael anchors the supernatural making the paranormal seem natural. Urban fantasy readers will relish GHOSTLAND and look forward to more escapades in Jory Strong’s new California (and beyond).
Harriet Klausner
The Immortal Hunter-Lynsay Sands
The Immortal Hunter
Lynsay Sands
Avon, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 0061474304
In Canada rogue vampires kidnaps sisters Dani and Stephanie McGill and. Vampire Decker Argeneau Pimms is called back from R&R to mount a rescue of two the mortals. He extracts Danielle successfully, but fails to get her sibling from one of the scoundrels who escaped with her. To his shock he knows Dani is his life mate.
Dani is attracted to the strange hero, but distrusts him as too much about him remains murky. Besides she is worried about Stephanie. Decker will do whatever it takes to rescue Stephanie from the-fanger-less vampire, a sub-species thought extinct centuries ago, while also keeping his Dani safe
The latest Rogue Hunter romantic urban fantasy (see THE ROGUE HUNTER and BITE ME IF YOU CAN) is an exhilarating thriller enhanced by the hero rescuing his life mate but unable to protect her sister from being snatched. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as saving Stephanie supersedes their love. Fans will enjoy this fine tale summed up nicely by Decker who struggles with persuading Dani they are mates and with rescuing her sister while he ponders what to tell his future in-laws (not as simple as meeting the Fockers and Byrnes or even Falk-Arkin’s The In-Laws).
Harriet Klausner
Lynsay Sands
Avon, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 0061474304
In Canada rogue vampires kidnaps sisters Dani and Stephanie McGill and. Vampire Decker Argeneau Pimms is called back from R&R to mount a rescue of two the mortals. He extracts Danielle successfully, but fails to get her sibling from one of the scoundrels who escaped with her. To his shock he knows Dani is his life mate.
Dani is attracted to the strange hero, but distrusts him as too much about him remains murky. Besides she is worried about Stephanie. Decker will do whatever it takes to rescue Stephanie from the-fanger-less vampire, a sub-species thought extinct centuries ago, while also keeping his Dani safe
The latest Rogue Hunter romantic urban fantasy (see THE ROGUE HUNTER and BITE ME IF YOU CAN) is an exhilarating thriller enhanced by the hero rescuing his life mate but unable to protect her sister from being snatched. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as saving Stephanie supersedes their love. Fans will enjoy this fine tale summed up nicely by Decker who struggles with persuading Dani they are mates and with rescuing her sister while he ponders what to tell his future in-laws (not as simple as meeting the Fockers and Byrnes or even Falk-Arkin’s The In-Laws).
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Boy-James Strauss
The Boy
James Strauss
Five Star, Apr 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9781594148132
Something felt wrong and woke the Boy up while the rest of the tribe slept. He began running partly out of fear and partly to know what is happening. When the earth moved, the Boy is fortunate to have survived on an island that has sprung up in the middle of a river where no island or water had been. On the island the Boy meets an injured Mur (Mastodon) he names Murgatroyd. They get off island, but his tribe is battered by the phenomena none understand and his failure to come back make them accuse him of cowardice ignoring his explanation. He is a pariah without rights; only his ten summers keep him from exile.
The Boy does chores when ordered. Most of the time, he is free to be by himself to explore and invent. He finds a strange place with a human statue finely carved and where metal exists. The Boy befriends the other tribe outsider, the cripple Nado who has a useless a hand so can never be a warrior. Together they share adventures and are adopted by a strange bird. The Boy calling himself Daryl wants the Shaman’s daughter Parlan as his wife, but has no chance as he is a nonentity even though she as the tallest female towering over many males combined with her father’s position will limit those asking for her.
The first mastodon tale is an exciting prehistoric thriller that paints an intriguing tribal culture. Boy’s wise mother explains that group truth is not necessarily an individual’s truth; as what happened is outside the knowledge and lore of the tribe so the clan must find a way to make it fit even when that ignores the person who most knows the facts. The story line is engaging, but mostly sets up the future tales in what looks like it might be an alternate history based on what the Boy found. Fans will appreciate James Strauss’ interesting opener that and look forward to the sequels in what should prove an entertaining saga, 25000 BC.
Harriet Klausner
James Strauss
Five Star, Apr 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9781594148132
Something felt wrong and woke the Boy up while the rest of the tribe slept. He began running partly out of fear and partly to know what is happening. When the earth moved, the Boy is fortunate to have survived on an island that has sprung up in the middle of a river where no island or water had been. On the island the Boy meets an injured Mur (Mastodon) he names Murgatroyd. They get off island, but his tribe is battered by the phenomena none understand and his failure to come back make them accuse him of cowardice ignoring his explanation. He is a pariah without rights; only his ten summers keep him from exile.
The Boy does chores when ordered. Most of the time, he is free to be by himself to explore and invent. He finds a strange place with a human statue finely carved and where metal exists. The Boy befriends the other tribe outsider, the cripple Nado who has a useless a hand so can never be a warrior. Together they share adventures and are adopted by a strange bird. The Boy calling himself Daryl wants the Shaman’s daughter Parlan as his wife, but has no chance as he is a nonentity even though she as the tallest female towering over many males combined with her father’s position will limit those asking for her.
The first mastodon tale is an exciting prehistoric thriller that paints an intriguing tribal culture. Boy’s wise mother explains that group truth is not necessarily an individual’s truth; as what happened is outside the knowledge and lore of the tribe so the clan must find a way to make it fit even when that ignores the person who most knows the facts. The story line is engaging, but mostly sets up the future tales in what looks like it might be an alternate history based on what the Boy found. Fans will appreciate James Strauss’ interesting opener that and look forward to the sequels in what should prove an entertaining saga, 25000 BC.
Harriet Klausner
Endangered-Kathleen Dante
Endangered
Kathleen Dante
Berkley, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425226070
Detective Sergeant Cynarra “Cyn” Malva knows she has found her mate in special-ops sniper Rio Rafael, but likes the relationship as is because she does not have to deal with issues if she pushes for more besides she doubts he would want to with her. Commitment means estrangement with family, friends, and work peers as she is a mage and he is not; meaning he is less than her.
However, she kicks the can re whether to increase her obligation with Rio as she hides behind difficult police matters. Not only has a dangerous gang of mages caused havoc, a serial killer is on the loose with Cyn on the list of victims. With Rio having her back, Cyn tries to take down the killer before the predator takes her down.
Fans of erotic romantic police procedural fantasies will enjoy this engaging thriller (ENTICED and ENTANGLED). Although the identity of the serial killer is ironically known by readers long before the cops do, the use of magic to find clues and heal will remind readers of M.R. Sellars’ Rowan Gant paranormal mysteries (just hotter except for his hellish scenes). Cyn and Rio are a wonderful pairing as he risks his life to save hers, but is still unacceptable to her family. Fans will appreciate Kathleen Dante’s star-crossed lovers in her latest nth degree paranormal suspense thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Kathleen Dante
Berkley, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425226070
Detective Sergeant Cynarra “Cyn” Malva knows she has found her mate in special-ops sniper Rio Rafael, but likes the relationship as is because she does not have to deal with issues if she pushes for more besides she doubts he would want to with her. Commitment means estrangement with family, friends, and work peers as she is a mage and he is not; meaning he is less than her.
However, she kicks the can re whether to increase her obligation with Rio as she hides behind difficult police matters. Not only has a dangerous gang of mages caused havoc, a serial killer is on the loose with Cyn on the list of victims. With Rio having her back, Cyn tries to take down the killer before the predator takes her down.
Fans of erotic romantic police procedural fantasies will enjoy this engaging thriller (ENTICED and ENTANGLED). Although the identity of the serial killer is ironically known by readers long before the cops do, the use of magic to find clues and heal will remind readers of M.R. Sellars’ Rowan Gant paranormal mysteries (just hotter except for his hellish scenes). Cyn and Rio are a wonderful pairing as he risks his life to save hers, but is still unacceptable to her family. Fans will appreciate Kathleen Dante’s star-crossed lovers in her latest nth degree paranormal suspense thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Eternal Moon-Rebecca York
Eternal Moon
Rebecca York
Berkley, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425227008
In Maryland Costa Rican-American private investigator Renata Cordona works undercover trying to capture the killer of female realtors. She waits with a gun for a client to arrive at an empty house for sale. When she steps outside, six dogs menace her until a wolf arrives and the sextet leave. The wolf leaves immediately after Renata steps back inside. Jacob introduces himself to Renata who knows he is a famous animal handler, but she is unaware that he can talk to the animals.
Frustrated Questabaze the demon knows his canine ploy failed leading to these true mates meeting. Renata and Jacob are attracted to one another and past lives together flash in their mind. Renata is upset because Jacob reminds her of her loved ones like her parents and her two boyfriends who died in accidents; she keeps her distance from people. That night Jacob watches her house when she is asleep she steps outside naked performing a strange ritual. Renata awakens to see a wolf; she fires at him as he flees. Jacob cannot believe she shot him in the shoulder. Later that night Jacob and Renata share the same dream of making love together; she calls him Jalerak. Questabaze is upset as he sees the dream as things not going right this time; he plans to fix that while Jacob knows Renata is his life mate and she fears her attraction to him.
The relationship between the lead couple is terrific as they are attracted to one another, but she calls the cops on him anyway while the villain is terrific as a demon and his human disguise perfect. Readers will enjoy a brief look at the other world that includes the return of lead couples from previous tales. Though a twist involving Renata and Questabaze makes the otherwise brilliant demonic tactician look dumb as he had much easier methods to employ, fans will appreciate the widening of the Moon pantheon.
Harriet Klausner
Rebecca York
Berkley, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425227008
In Maryland Costa Rican-American private investigator Renata Cordona works undercover trying to capture the killer of female realtors. She waits with a gun for a client to arrive at an empty house for sale. When she steps outside, six dogs menace her until a wolf arrives and the sextet leave. The wolf leaves immediately after Renata steps back inside. Jacob introduces himself to Renata who knows he is a famous animal handler, but she is unaware that he can talk to the animals.
Frustrated Questabaze the demon knows his canine ploy failed leading to these true mates meeting. Renata and Jacob are attracted to one another and past lives together flash in their mind. Renata is upset because Jacob reminds her of her loved ones like her parents and her two boyfriends who died in accidents; she keeps her distance from people. That night Jacob watches her house when she is asleep she steps outside naked performing a strange ritual. Renata awakens to see a wolf; she fires at him as he flees. Jacob cannot believe she shot him in the shoulder. Later that night Jacob and Renata share the same dream of making love together; she calls him Jalerak. Questabaze is upset as he sees the dream as things not going right this time; he plans to fix that while Jacob knows Renata is his life mate and she fears her attraction to him.
The relationship between the lead couple is terrific as they are attracted to one another, but she calls the cops on him anyway while the villain is terrific as a demon and his human disguise perfect. Readers will enjoy a brief look at the other world that includes the return of lead couples from previous tales. Though a twist involving Renata and Questabaze makes the otherwise brilliant demonic tactician look dumb as he had much easier methods to employ, fans will appreciate the widening of the Moon pantheon.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, March 6, 2009
Breathers-S. G. Browne
Breathers
S. G. Browne
Broadway, Mar 2009, $$14.00
ISBN: 9780767930611
The car accident left Andy Warner and his wife dead. However, Andy actually survives or at least comes back to life though he is mute since his vocal cords were destroyed. He lives in his parents' wine cellar though they are on ice for now and attends UA (Undead Anonymous) meetings when he goes out, which is rare as the undead has no inalienable rights. In fact there is de facto prejudice against zombies as the group can be hunted down without penalty and de jure bias as the group is legally barred from employment.
Andy understands why mortals loathe, fear and hunt them due to their fetish of dining on human flesh. When he and his cohort Rita the suicide and Jerry the undead hunter learn why they obsess over eating breathers, Andy becomes animated as a leading spokes-person for the rotted smelly disadvantaged to gain their rights.
This superb satire lives up to its subtitle: “A Zombie’s Lament” as Andy narrates his reanimated life of no rights. The story line lampoons western societies with hyperbole, dark freezer humor, and of course plenty of violence; the latter is a trademark of zombies. With a deep look at hypocrisy, but somewhat softened by a romantic subplot, fans will enjoy BREATHERS as S.G. Browne takes a bite out of the holier than thou society.
Harriet Klausner
S. G. Browne
Broadway, Mar 2009, $$14.00
ISBN: 9780767930611
The car accident left Andy Warner and his wife dead. However, Andy actually survives or at least comes back to life though he is mute since his vocal cords were destroyed. He lives in his parents' wine cellar though they are on ice for now and attends UA (Undead Anonymous) meetings when he goes out, which is rare as the undead has no inalienable rights. In fact there is de facto prejudice against zombies as the group can be hunted down without penalty and de jure bias as the group is legally barred from employment.
Andy understands why mortals loathe, fear and hunt them due to their fetish of dining on human flesh. When he and his cohort Rita the suicide and Jerry the undead hunter learn why they obsess over eating breathers, Andy becomes animated as a leading spokes-person for the rotted smelly disadvantaged to gain their rights.
This superb satire lives up to its subtitle: “A Zombie’s Lament” as Andy narrates his reanimated life of no rights. The story line lampoons western societies with hyperbole, dark freezer humor, and of course plenty of violence; the latter is a trademark of zombies. With a deep look at hypocrisy, but somewhat softened by a romantic subplot, fans will enjoy BREATHERS as S.G. Browne takes a bite out of the holier than thou society.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Secret Life of a Vampire-Kerrelyn Sparks
Secret Life of a Vampire
Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061667855
Anyone with Casanova’s blood flowing through his head should be a great lover. Alas the incredible paramour’s son Giacomo de Venezia must have somehow skipped the seduction gene. Known as Jack, instead of scoring with any woman he wants with the sophistication of his sire, he cannot get to the plate to swing the bat let alone hit a home run unless he uses his vampire skills to propel the female.
At a bachelor party, Jack and human police officer Lara Boucher meet when she sees blood all over the rug. He considers telling her the truth that what she sees is Bliskey, synthetic blood used by vampires like him, but decides it sounds too far-fetched so he turns to his vampiric magnetism to make her forget. Instead she ignores his power stunning him as humans always “obey”. Instead he tries his dormant Casanova DNA to persuade the cop he is attracted to that he killed no one. When a college coed goes missing, the evidence points to Jack. With Lara believing in him, they investigate together. As they fall in love, they realize there have been other recent similar disappearances.
The latest Sparks urban fantasy tale is an exiting investigative thriller starring a likable but flawed vampire and the courageous mortal who proves his equal. Readers will know Jack as he struggles to be a chip off the old block until he meets the suspicious Lara. Together they make a formable team as they investigate the vanishings with Malcontents sightings. With a super late twist, Kerrelyn Sparks will take a large bout out of her fans sleep with this enjoyable in a one sitting thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon, Apr 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061667855
Anyone with Casanova’s blood flowing through his head should be a great lover. Alas the incredible paramour’s son Giacomo de Venezia must have somehow skipped the seduction gene. Known as Jack, instead of scoring with any woman he wants with the sophistication of his sire, he cannot get to the plate to swing the bat let alone hit a home run unless he uses his vampire skills to propel the female.
At a bachelor party, Jack and human police officer Lara Boucher meet when she sees blood all over the rug. He considers telling her the truth that what she sees is Bliskey, synthetic blood used by vampires like him, but decides it sounds too far-fetched so he turns to his vampiric magnetism to make her forget. Instead she ignores his power stunning him as humans always “obey”. Instead he tries his dormant Casanova DNA to persuade the cop he is attracted to that he killed no one. When a college coed goes missing, the evidence points to Jack. With Lara believing in him, they investigate together. As they fall in love, they realize there have been other recent similar disappearances.
The latest Sparks urban fantasy tale is an exiting investigative thriller starring a likable but flawed vampire and the courageous mortal who proves his equal. Readers will know Jack as he struggles to be a chip off the old block until he meets the suspicious Lara. Together they make a formable team as they investigate the vanishings with Malcontents sightings. With a super late twist, Kerrelyn Sparks will take a large bout out of her fans sleep with this enjoyable in a one sitting thriller.
Harriet Klausner
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