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 →

(Warning: This review will mention spoilers from Season Four of the Doctor Who series)

Gary Russell’s tenth Doctor and Donna Noble series tie-in novel was one of eleven chosen for reprinting as part of 2013’s 50th Anniversary celebration of Doctor Who. Having just tearfully turned the final page of the book it is apparent to me how wise a choice it was to have this novel represent the tenure of David Tennant in the titular role.

I suspect I am not alone in feeling some initial trepidation in the choice of Catherine Tate to play the role of the Doctor’s companion in season four, and this despite being a fan of her comedic talent. After emotional turns with Rose and then Martha I was fearful of what direction the show would take with the introduction of Tate as Donna Noble. If you have experienced that season, which saw the end of Tennant’s run as the Doctor (coupled with the specials), then you are aware that Catherine Tate’s contribution to the series was special indeed.

In the Introduction author Gary Russell writes of his desire to reflect in words the talent and energy he witnessed in the performances of David Tennant and Catherine Tate.  He writes of wanting “to write a story about loss, sadness, triumph and living the only life we have, despite–or even because of–what fate hands us“.  Russell states that he wanted to write a story “about real people coping with real situations against a background of a fantasy adventure story“.

He managed to carry off his goals, brilliantly.

My Rating: 9/10 stars

Continue reading Beautiful Chaos ~Gary Russell →

Roen Tan is overweight, sloppy, unhappy with his IT job and discontented with life in general, with perhaps the one exception of the crush he nurtures for his co-worker, Jill.

Edward Blair is handsome and suave, a smooth operator. He is a James Bond type from his looks and dress right down to the reality that he is, in fact, an operative.

The difference between the two?

One guy has a voice in his head and the other does not.

But before the end of the night that voice will have changed residence and the life of Roen Tan, such as it is, will never be the same. If he survives long enough to have a life, that is.

Author Wesley Chu’s debut novel is an action-adventure thriller coupled with alien possession, espionage, war and just a touch of romance.  Add in some history, a touch of humor, an attractive female partner and a buddy-cop aspect and you will still fall short of fully appreciating what The Lives of Tao has to offer.

Your best bet?

Read it for yourself.

A week ago I came across two reviews back-to-back that described this book with the kind of enthusiasm and emphasis on fun that makes me sit up and take notice.  I quickly purchased this for the Kindle and tore through it.  It delivered on all that the reviews promised.

The Lives of Tao offers up a great deal of the familiar in a way that makes it feel fresh and does so by creating characters in Roen and Tao that  you want to get to know.

This is one novel that I will be recommending (and gifting) for a long time to come.

Continue reading The Lives of Tao ~Wesley Chu →