All posts by Carl V. Anderson

Cover Story: Eye-catching January 2014 Art

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Hello fellow book lovers! Each year I look forward bringing you my annual review of the cover illustration/design for science fiction and fantasy books that caught my eye. I am quick to report that the covers showcased are my favorites. I am not an art critic; I simply know what I like. The problem inherent in an annual review is that there is always more great work than can be reasonably captured in one post.

I work from the assumption that passionate readers everywhere can relate to the hypnotic draw of a well-designed book cover. We can all relate to that feeling of being arrested mid-stride in a particular row of the bookstore, or library–or virtually in this online age–unable to resist the siren call of a book’s cover art.

In my earlier days, Stainless Steel Droppings featured art and artists on a more frequent basis and one way I would like to bring that forward is to do a monthly review of the covers that excite me for scheduled releases of science fiction and fantasy books/comics. From this monthly feature I will draw my favorites for the annual review, and this will also give you the opportunity to suggest covers I might have missed, thus giving all of us a broad view of all the worthy science fiction and fantasy book cover illustration and design that 2014 will offer.

Here is what January 2014 has to offer.

Continue reading Cover Story: Eye-catching January 2014 Art →

I, Hugo

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The Hugo Awards, presented annually since 1955, are the Oscars of the Science Fiction and Fantasy community. Every year awards are given in 15 categories which include awards for various fiction categories including novel, short story, novella, novelette, an award for editing, for best artist and many more. The Hugo Awards are open for participation for anyone who wants to nominate and/or vote, provided you choose to become a member of that year’s World Science Fiction Convention.

For the past several years I have entered the nomination season wishing I had been more successful in reading current works of short and long form fiction so that I could participate in the process. One of my goals last year was to do just that, which resulted in my year-long quest to read and review short fiction for SF Signal. I also put greater effort into reading novels released in 2013 and tried to keep up with podcasts that I feel are worthy of recognition by the nominations committee.

When the January 31st deadline for purchasing memberships (for nominating purposes) for this year’s World Science Fiction Convention, LonCon 3, were announced, I promptly paid for a Supporting Membership (42 bucks and change) and received my PIN and nominating instructions.

Your thoughts on this may trend towards the “who cares?” end of the spectrum and/or you may argue that these awards, or awards in general, are meaningless.  Perhaps they do not reflect the kind of fiction, art and nonfiction writing in the field that you are passionate about.  You may argue that these awards are merely a popularity contest and do not reflect the best the genre has to offer.

Continue reading I, Hugo →

Andromeda’s Choice ~William C. Dietz

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In January 2013 I had the privilege of entering the long-running Legion of the Damned universe created by author William C. Dietz with his prequel novel, Andromeda’s Fall. I quickly became a fan of socialite-turned-soldier Lady Catherine Carletto, AKA Andromeda McKee. Dietz penned a novel that nicely balanced the struggles of basic training and battle with the feelings of duty and responsibility placed upon one of the lone survivors of a hostile planetary takeover.

In this follow up novel, which I read upon its release in December 2013…devoured would be a more accurate description…Dietz returns readers to Andromeda McKee’s side as she strives to excel as a member of the Legion while plotting her revenge, all the while dodging the assassins sent by her mortal enemy.

This series of military science fiction adventure is not short on action, however, William C. Dietz makes this a stand-0ut series by ensuring that Andromeda McKee is a layered character going on her own unique journey to discover who she really is.

My non-spoiler review is now live on SF Signal here. Comments there are always appreciated.

Fortune’s Pawn ~Rachel Bach

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Fortune’s Pawn ~Rachel Bach

–Orbit Books, November 2013

–341 pages, Ebook and Trade Paperback


Fantasy author Rachel Aaron, writing as Rachel Bach, turns her hand to science fiction to create the first of a trilogy of novels featuring an ambitious, no-nonsense female mercenary, Deviana (Devi) Morris.

Morris is a goal-driven warrior with a plan of one day serving under her planet’s King as one of his elite guards–a Devastator. When she reaches the pinnacle of her career path with the Blackbird company, Devi begins looking for something more challenging, which translates to more dangerous. A tip from a friend puts her on a small ship, the Glorious Fool, as one of two hired merc guards.

A small ship may seem an unlikely stepping stone to Devi’s ultimate goal, but the Fool‘s reputation for attracting trouble has also earned it a reputation as a fast track to Devastator status. With the end goal of her career so close at hand, Devi Morris need only do two things to position herself for success: obey orders…and survive.

The prime descriptor for Rachel Aaron’s first foray into science fiction is FUN, with good reason– Fortune’s Pawn is one truly fun ride. The novel builds in both action as suspense as it gathers speed to a climactic finish that will have you anxious for the next book, which fortunately arrives on February 25th, 2014, with the concluding volume of the trilogy to be released on April 22nd, 2014.

If you are looking for an entertaining novel with a female protagonist who is not afraid to step into the fray, fast-paced action coupled with imaginative science fiction elements, Fortune’s Pawn is the book for you.

Continue reading Fortune’s Pawn ~Rachel Bach →

A Universe Discovered

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A Liaden Universe Constellation: Volume 1

~Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

—Baen Books, July 2013

–453 pages, trade paperback


“Discovery” is an integral part of the reading process. We pick up a book based upon some signpost, or a series of them, which promise to lead us on a path of discovery. We settle down with a book, turn the page, take that first step, and we discover…

…characters that we love, despise or feel indifferent about; towns or cities or countryside — or even planets — that spark our imagination, or don’t; genres and sub-genres that compel us to read more or make us long for the comfort of more familiar journeys; authors that we we want to get to know personally or those we may never want to try again.

So much is at stake on each journey of literary discovery, yet passionate readers know that the risk of one’s time can yield great rewards.

Such has been the case with my first foray into the expansive Liaden Universe, the creation of writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

For more than two decades Lee and Miller have been populating this science fictional universe with novels and short stories spanning thousands of years that combine adventure and romance in the grand tradition of space opera. With the first volume of A Liaden Universe Constellation, Baen Books brings together a series of 17 short stories that demonstrate the way in which Sharon Lee and Steve Miller defy the common conception that short fiction is devoid of strong characterization or satisfying world-building. Taken as a whole these 17 stories reveal a universe of intrigue, tradition, ceremony, magic, trade, exploration, love and devotion.

With this experience I have been shown a tantalizing glimpse that a vast universe of discovery awaits. My bags are packed and I am raring to go.

Continue reading A Universe Discovered →