Keepers of the Flame
Robin D. Owens
Luna, Jan 2008, $14.95, 400 pp.
ISBN: 9780373802623
On the world of Amee in the realm of Lladrana, there is a war going on against the Dark an evil entity from another dimension who wants to rid the orb of humans. It uses the Master to send monsters against the people and the Marshallss and the C hevaliers fight them. Now the Master has sent something to the cities and towns; a new disease that the medicos can’t heeal. The city master Sevair Mosif pays for a Summoning of an Exotique from earth with medical skills. What they get are identical twins Elizabeth who is an MD and Bri who practices alternative healing. Both have healing hands and are able to cure the afflicted.
Both the twins insist they will return to Earth when the Snap occurs. While they are there they look for a way to heal the disease and later look for a cure for a mutation of the disease so the Chevaliers will avoid this fatal illness contracted on the battle field. Both women are accepted and people make it clearthat they want them to stay. Bri finds love with Sevair who is the first person who accepts her for who she is and Elizabeth falls in love on the rebound with the noble chevalier Fauchon. Tragedy strikes when one of the twins takes ill on the battlefield and nobody knows how to save her.
There is one more summoning before the Exotiques and their husbands go to the volcanic island where the Dark resides and try to undo the spellknot protecting evil; having two Exotiques summoned, the author changes the dynamics of previous storylines as each twin has their own story. Readers will be enthralled with this latest entry in the series (see GUARDIAN OF HONOR) and eagerly await the next book when the final summoning and battle takes place. Robin D. Owens is a worldbuilder who makes the audience believe in the realm she creates.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Star Crash-Elysa Hendricks
Star Crash
Elysa Hendricks
Love Spell, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780505527431
When her beloved Alex apparently died in a crash, Cora Daniels lost her will to live. She became reckless driving her space vessel Freedom and keeping up repairs as if she planned a suicide crash deep in her subconscious.
When the Freedom finally fails, Cora, using all her skills, manages a safe emergency landing on an unknown planet. Aliens capture her and take her to a prison encampment where she meets other humanoid species who are being forced into breeding by their guards who believe humans are dumb beasts of burden. Cora vows to escape, but is stunned when she sees Alex is one of the prisoners. He does not remember her or anything before his captivity. However, she now has a reason to live free as she plans to liberate her, Alex and the others.
Obviously reminiscent of Planet of the Apes, STAR CRASH is an interesting romantic science fiction that is at its best when readers obtain insight into the aliens and how they see humans as being beneath them. However, when the plot turns to sexual encounters, it decelerates as these trysts feel unnecessary. Still fans who appreciate outer space encounters of the first kind will enjoy Elysa Hendricks’ entertaining look at comparative anthropology from ET’s perspective.
Harriet Klausner
Elysa Hendricks
Love Spell, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780505527431
When her beloved Alex apparently died in a crash, Cora Daniels lost her will to live. She became reckless driving her space vessel Freedom and keeping up repairs as if she planned a suicide crash deep in her subconscious.
When the Freedom finally fails, Cora, using all her skills, manages a safe emergency landing on an unknown planet. Aliens capture her and take her to a prison encampment where she meets other humanoid species who are being forced into breeding by their guards who believe humans are dumb beasts of burden. Cora vows to escape, but is stunned when she sees Alex is one of the prisoners. He does not remember her or anything before his captivity. However, she now has a reason to live free as she plans to liberate her, Alex and the others.
Obviously reminiscent of Planet of the Apes, STAR CRASH is an interesting romantic science fiction that is at its best when readers obtain insight into the aliens and how they see humans as being beneath them. However, when the plot turns to sexual encounters, it decelerates as these trysts feel unnecessary. Still fans who appreciate outer space encounters of the first kind will enjoy Elysa Hendricks’ entertaining look at comparative anthropology from ET’s perspective.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Troy: Fall of King-David Gemmell and Stella Gemmell
Troy: Fall of King
David Gemmell and Stella Gemmell
Ballantine, Dec 2007, $25.95
ISBN: 9780345477033
King Agamemnon of Mykene has lined up some powerful allies in his war with King Priam of Troy. Priam also has an alliance to help him in the hostility, the powerful sea captain Helikaon of Dardania, who runs the most powerful ship known to man and Gods. Odysseus regrets the oath he made to Agamemnon as he now knows the monarch is totally greedy, only interested in looting the treasures of Troy; many have died and more will for his greed. Helen who is either an abducted prisoner or a willing lover depending on which king speaks is irrelevant except as propaganda. The great warrior Achilles also loathes the deceitful ruthless Agamemnon, but like Odysseus is trapped by his pledge.
Meanwhile Priam's sons take over defending their city-state as he shows signs of senile incompetence. As the war closes in on Troy itself, Helikaon escorts Prince Hektor’s wife Princess Andromache on a quest to Thera. Soon all will meet on the plains outside of Troy with Odysseus coming up with the brilliant stratagem of the Trojan Horse.
With the death of David Gemmell, fantasy fans lost one of the best historical fantasists of the past decade. His Troy trilogy comes to a mighty conclusion (his wife Stella smoothly completed the project) that will please those who read the previous two books (TROY: LORD OF THE SILVER BOW and TROY: SHIELD OF THUNDER). The key players from Virgil’s epic poem The Aenid and Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad come alive due to the creativity of the Gemmell duo. Although newcomers should start with the first tale, the final story is a stupendous ending to a strong retelling of the classic saga.
Harriet Klausner
David Gemmell and Stella Gemmell
Ballantine, Dec 2007, $25.95
ISBN: 9780345477033
King Agamemnon of Mykene has lined up some powerful allies in his war with King Priam of Troy. Priam also has an alliance to help him in the hostility, the powerful sea captain Helikaon of Dardania, who runs the most powerful ship known to man and Gods. Odysseus regrets the oath he made to Agamemnon as he now knows the monarch is totally greedy, only interested in looting the treasures of Troy; many have died and more will for his greed. Helen who is either an abducted prisoner or a willing lover depending on which king speaks is irrelevant except as propaganda. The great warrior Achilles also loathes the deceitful ruthless Agamemnon, but like Odysseus is trapped by his pledge.
Meanwhile Priam's sons take over defending their city-state as he shows signs of senile incompetence. As the war closes in on Troy itself, Helikaon escorts Prince Hektor’s wife Princess Andromache on a quest to Thera. Soon all will meet on the plains outside of Troy with Odysseus coming up with the brilliant stratagem of the Trojan Horse.
With the death of David Gemmell, fantasy fans lost one of the best historical fantasists of the past decade. His Troy trilogy comes to a mighty conclusion (his wife Stella smoothly completed the project) that will please those who read the previous two books (TROY: LORD OF THE SILVER BOW and TROY: SHIELD OF THUNDER). The key players from Virgil’s epic poem The Aenid and Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad come alive due to the creativity of the Gemmell duo. Although newcomers should start with the first tale, the final story is a stupendous ending to a strong retelling of the classic saga.
Harriet Klausner
Killswitch-Joel Shepherd
Killswitch
Joel Shepherd
Pyr, Nov. 2007, $15.95
ISBN: 9781591025986
In the far future, genetically altered soldier Commander Cassandra "Sandy" Kresnov has become second-in-command of the Callayan Defense Force. The job would be extremely difficult under any conditions, but is made geometrically impossible since President Neiland has strongly pushed making Tanusha, capital of Callay into the capital city of the Federation.
Earth military and political leaders are outraged by the affront Neiland proposes, especially since they write the orb off as a backwater second rate world stealing their power and influence. They send the Federation Fleet which surrounds the planet and occupies Callay's space stations; irritating the Callayan people who fully support the maintenance workers refusing to repair the outsiders’ vessels. War seems imminent although Sandy hopes not; she also worries that a mole has gained access to her forces, but while she tries to uncover the double agent, she must deal with a GI who looks like her sister’s twin. Special Agent Ari Ruben learns that an assassin is sent by The Alliance to eliminate Sandy by turning on the KILLSWITCH embedded in her brain.
The third Cassandra Kresnov futuristic science fiction thriller (see CROSSOVER and BREAKAWAY) is an exciting outer space tale. The story line is fast-paced as the subplots focus on how far individuals and groups will go to maintain or gain power. Sandy has become the focus point of the two acerbic sides, but to survive she must hide; yet if she goes underground, the chances of the Federation’s military succeeding in an all out assault is increased dramatically as she is one of the CDF’s key leaders. Joel Shepherd’s fans will not be disappointed with this superb Kresnov novel.
Harriet Klausner
Joel Shepherd
Pyr, Nov. 2007, $15.95
ISBN: 9781591025986
In the far future, genetically altered soldier Commander Cassandra "Sandy" Kresnov has become second-in-command of the Callayan Defense Force. The job would be extremely difficult under any conditions, but is made geometrically impossible since President Neiland has strongly pushed making Tanusha, capital of Callay into the capital city of the Federation.
Earth military and political leaders are outraged by the affront Neiland proposes, especially since they write the orb off as a backwater second rate world stealing their power and influence. They send the Federation Fleet which surrounds the planet and occupies Callay's space stations; irritating the Callayan people who fully support the maintenance workers refusing to repair the outsiders’ vessels. War seems imminent although Sandy hopes not; she also worries that a mole has gained access to her forces, but while she tries to uncover the double agent, she must deal with a GI who looks like her sister’s twin. Special Agent Ari Ruben learns that an assassin is sent by The Alliance to eliminate Sandy by turning on the KILLSWITCH embedded in her brain.
The third Cassandra Kresnov futuristic science fiction thriller (see CROSSOVER and BREAKAWAY) is an exciting outer space tale. The story line is fast-paced as the subplots focus on how far individuals and groups will go to maintain or gain power. Sandy has become the focus point of the two acerbic sides, but to survive she must hide; yet if she goes underground, the chances of the Federation’s military succeeding in an all out assault is increased dramatically as she is one of the CDF’s key leaders. Joel Shepherd’s fans will not be disappointed with this superb Kresnov novel.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Angel Isle- Peter Dickinson
Angel Isle
Peter Dickinson
WLB(Random House Children’s Books), Oct 2007, $17.99
ISBN: 9780385746908
Ages have past since the legendary Ropemaker brought the chosen twenty-four to watch over the people as he realized he could not stop the chaos threatening the Empire. Each of the chosen ones vowed to use their magic to protect the people especially from demons. However, over time, the Ropemaker vanished until many believe him to be a myth and most others dead probably by the hands of the Watchers. He chose them for their great power but their power has corrupted the chosen Watchers. They merged into an all powerful being that employs magic to cruelly rule the Empire with an iron fist.
Residents of the Valley realize their ancient magic “protection” from the evil excesses of the Empire is vanishing and soon will be gone. They fear repercussions from the malevolent one for hiding. Hope lies in finding the Ropemaker and persuading him to return the concealment magic to the Valley. Three young people (Saranja, Maja, and Ribek) leave the sanctuary of the Valley in search of the Ropemaker although no one has seen him in two centuries. None of the trio understands that destiny calls for them to do much more than seek a missing legend to repair waning magic. If they understood the quest they would have chosen the cowards way of staying inside the Valley regardless of the repercussions; which most likely is death.
This young adult fantasy is a terrific sequel to the delightful coming of age ROPEMAKER. The story line once again is a coming of age thriller as the three youngsters seek the only person who could save their village not understanding that their roles are much greater than that of desperate messengers although ironically their enemies have a strong inkling about the trio. Readers will want to join the terrific trio as they face danger and death every step of the way while learning Lord Acton’s theory on power and Fodaro’s Equations with their related theories on the rise of demons and angels.
Harriet Klausner
Peter Dickinson
WLB(Random House Children’s Books), Oct 2007, $17.99
ISBN: 9780385746908
Ages have past since the legendary Ropemaker brought the chosen twenty-four to watch over the people as he realized he could not stop the chaos threatening the Empire. Each of the chosen ones vowed to use their magic to protect the people especially from demons. However, over time, the Ropemaker vanished until many believe him to be a myth and most others dead probably by the hands of the Watchers. He chose them for their great power but their power has corrupted the chosen Watchers. They merged into an all powerful being that employs magic to cruelly rule the Empire with an iron fist.
Residents of the Valley realize their ancient magic “protection” from the evil excesses of the Empire is vanishing and soon will be gone. They fear repercussions from the malevolent one for hiding. Hope lies in finding the Ropemaker and persuading him to return the concealment magic to the Valley. Three young people (Saranja, Maja, and Ribek) leave the sanctuary of the Valley in search of the Ropemaker although no one has seen him in two centuries. None of the trio understands that destiny calls for them to do much more than seek a missing legend to repair waning magic. If they understood the quest they would have chosen the cowards way of staying inside the Valley regardless of the repercussions; which most likely is death.
This young adult fantasy is a terrific sequel to the delightful coming of age ROPEMAKER. The story line once again is a coming of age thriller as the three youngsters seek the only person who could save their village not understanding that their roles are much greater than that of desperate messengers although ironically their enemies have a strong inkling about the trio. Readers will want to join the terrific trio as they face danger and death every step of the way while learning Lord Acton’s theory on power and Fodaro’s Equations with their related theories on the rise of demons and angels.
Harriet Klausner
The Martian Child-David Gerrold
The Martian Child
David Gerrold
Tor, Sep 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780765320032
In California, David wants to be "a dad". However, he has a slight obstacle about the size of the Sierras, as the adoption system still leans heavily towards potential fathers with wives; as a gay person the chance of a female wife is somewhere near zero if that high. Still he works his way through an obstacle course that should be adopted by the White House to keep Congressman Waxman bewildered and frustrated. Finally he finds a picture of the child he decides he wants to adopt.
The caseworker explains that eight-year-old Dennis is a “problem child” with plenty of issues ranging from hyperactivity to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to Emotional Abuse having been abandoned by his alcoholic biological mom as a baby, Physical Abuse as part of his eight foster homes, etc. In other words this child was at the point of “hard to place” meaning “unadoptable”. Learning that Dennis insists he is the offspring of Martian might pose a problem if his Red Planet relatives show up with giant alien slugs (parking is at a premium). This is the account of the first two years together as father and son adjust to being a loving family unit in spite of a system that insists both the dad and son are losers.
This reprint of a fictionalized account of a true adoption is moving and poignant, but readers will wonder why Mr. Gerrold did not provide a true account as THE MARTIAN CHILD is based on a real adoption as iare the earthquake events between the dad and son. Still the author makes a strong argument that with love, tolerance and persistence as the pair goes through the Tuckman phases of groups forming, storming, norming, and transforming, a deep bond can overcome seemingly impossible problems; all it takes is a Job-like patience.
Harriet Klausner
David Gerrold
Tor, Sep 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780765320032
In California, David wants to be "a dad". However, he has a slight obstacle about the size of the Sierras, as the adoption system still leans heavily towards potential fathers with wives; as a gay person the chance of a female wife is somewhere near zero if that high. Still he works his way through an obstacle course that should be adopted by the White House to keep Congressman Waxman bewildered and frustrated. Finally he finds a picture of the child he decides he wants to adopt.
The caseworker explains that eight-year-old Dennis is a “problem child” with plenty of issues ranging from hyperactivity to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to Emotional Abuse having been abandoned by his alcoholic biological mom as a baby, Physical Abuse as part of his eight foster homes, etc. In other words this child was at the point of “hard to place” meaning “unadoptable”. Learning that Dennis insists he is the offspring of Martian might pose a problem if his Red Planet relatives show up with giant alien slugs (parking is at a premium). This is the account of the first two years together as father and son adjust to being a loving family unit in spite of a system that insists both the dad and son are losers.
This reprint of a fictionalized account of a true adoption is moving and poignant, but readers will wonder why Mr. Gerrold did not provide a true account as THE MARTIAN CHILD is based on a real adoption as iare the earthquake events between the dad and son. Still the author makes a strong argument that with love, tolerance and persistence as the pair goes through the Tuckman phases of groups forming, storming, norming, and transforming, a deep bond can overcome seemingly impossible problems; all it takes is a Job-like patience.
Harriet Klausner
The Dark Hunter's Companion- Sherrilyn Kenyon with Alethea Kontis
The Dark Hunter's Companion
Sherrilyn Kenyon with Alethea Kontis
St. Martin's, Nov 2007, $19.95
ISBN: 9780312363437
In the five years since Sherrilyn Kenyon first introduced readers to the Dark Hunter saga, the mythos has expanded into an extremely complex universe. This companion tome serves as a resource for fans of the series. Besides the obvious bibliography with a brief description of the plots, the book offers a deep look at the various races and their history and customs that occupy the Kenyon world. By species classification, every character to appear in any of the books (I take the words of the author as to that) is included. There are also sidebar sections on Greek and New Orleans cultures and though connected especially the latter to the Kenyon mythos seems out of place (this reviewer skimmed those two chapters). Interviews with the “Author-Goddess (if you don’t know who that is – you need to pass on this book), Acheron and Simi are entertaining and insightful especially Acheron. Finally there are the outtakes that never made it into a final book and a new short story. In sum this is winner for readers who relish the complete Dark Hunter mythology (eleven novels, eight short stories and six official websites.
Harriet Klausner
Sherrilyn Kenyon with Alethea Kontis
St. Martin's, Nov 2007, $19.95
ISBN: 9780312363437
In the five years since Sherrilyn Kenyon first introduced readers to the Dark Hunter saga, the mythos has expanded into an extremely complex universe. This companion tome serves as a resource for fans of the series. Besides the obvious bibliography with a brief description of the plots, the book offers a deep look at the various races and their history and customs that occupy the Kenyon world. By species classification, every character to appear in any of the books (I take the words of the author as to that) is included. There are also sidebar sections on Greek and New Orleans cultures and though connected especially the latter to the Kenyon mythos seems out of place (this reviewer skimmed those two chapters). Interviews with the “Author-Goddess (if you don’t know who that is – you need to pass on this book), Acheron and Simi are entertaining and insightful especially Acheron. Finally there are the outtakes that never made it into a final book and a new short story. In sum this is winner for readers who relish the complete Dark Hunter mythology (eleven novels, eight short stories and six official websites.
Harriet Klausner
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