Category Archives: Book Reviews

In which the reader shares his thoughts on the books that possess his imagination throughout the year.

Book Reviews, Science Fiction, Short Stories

“Nutcracker Coup” by Janet Kagan

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(Image Credit)

“Have you noticed, Tatep, that the farther away from home you go, the more important it becomes to keep traditions?”

In December of 2012 I picked up the newly released Christmas-themed SFF anthology, Season of Wonder, and read it cover to cover as a part of my celebration of the season.

I wrote a detailed, non-spoiler review of each story (found in the link above), in which I gave three stories an “A” grade, the Hugo Award winning novellete by Janet Kagan, “Nutcracker Coup” being one of them. Details of this story have been nibbling at my consciousness for the past few weeks and now that it is officially the Christmas Season, it felt like a good time to revisit it to see if it held the same charm that I remember from my initial reading.

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Art/Photography, Book Reviews, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Spectrum 22

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One of my favorite things to do as the year comes to a close is to get together with my friend, Jeff Smith, to pour over the latest volume of Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, page by glorious page. A few weeks ago I came home to find a package at my door, Spectrum 22, the sophomore edition with John Fleskes at the helm. Looking at the gorgeous cover by Bastien Lecouffe Deharme, it was difficult to set it aside and not sneak a peek. Yet I persevered, resisting the book’s siren call, so that we could experience it together today.

It was well worth the wait. I’ve seen improvements in Spectrum each year. John Fleskes put his own personal touches on the book last year, and he improved upon those in his second year, giving fans of fantastic art a book with tremendous variety while remaining consistent in presenting the very best that the world of Fantastic Art has to offer.

If you don’t own a copy, make sure you get this one on your Christmas list.

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Book Reviews, Mystery, Science Fiction

Made to Kill ~Adam Christopher

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In his latest release from Tor Books, author Adam Christopher offers us his answer to the question, “What if Raymond Chandler had written a science fiction novel?”.

The year is 1965, and Raymond Electromatic is the last of the robots, and a unique one at that. Raymond was brought into existence just as the United States Department of Robotic Labor scratched the program amid widespread distrust and dissatisfaction with robotics. The door to Ray’s office advertises: RAYMOND ELECTROMATIC, Licensed Private Detective, but for a long while now he has been in the assassination business, sent on assignment by Ada, the independent supercomputer who makes up the bulk of his office space.

So when an attractive woman walks into his office without an appointment, Raymond assumes she is there to engage him in his former occupation. Though his inclination is to send her on her way, a bag of untraceable gold bars arrests his attention. That attention is piqued when she not only asks him to find a missing man…but also to kill him.

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Book Reviews, Fantasy, Young Adult

Thrones and Bones: Frostborn ~Lou Anders

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Karn is a young Norrongard boy whose desire to see the wide world, and devotion to the board game Thrones and Bones, clash with his familial obligation to one day take his father’s role as leader of the farm.

Thianna is a misfit in the world of frost giants, her half-human lineage making her stand out as different from the rest of her people. She wants nothing more than to stay on the top of her mountain and gain the acceptance of her neighbors and kin.

When a scheming relative wakes the dead and a long-lost horn calls forth old enemies, Karn and Thianna find themselves thrust together in an adventure that will take them far out of their comfort zones, and far from home.

Former Editor Lou Anders’ debut young adult novel is an entertaining joyride through a fantastical realm informed by his research of Norse mythology. Anders expertly weaves mythological detail with contemporary styling to create an intriguing world that he populates with characters that should appeal to young female and male readers…as well as those of us who remain young at heart.

With the next book in the series due out this July, it was well past time for me to check out the work of an editor I have admired for many years. On one hand I am sorry that I waited, but on the other I am happy to know that I have a return trip booked for Lou Anders’ world in just a few short weeks.

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Book Reviews, Science Fiction

Ghost Ship ~Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

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Ghost Ship

“‘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…”

I wrote those words at the start of 2014, in the breathless glow of satisfaction that follows the completion of a reading experience in which book and reader have a tangible connection. It was my first experience with the ongoing, prolific output of husband and wife writing team Sharon Lee and Steve Miller and their Liaden Universe. I went on to read two more Liaden books in 2014, both focused on a young female protagonist named Theo Waitley.

Theo’s story, and that of the characters in Theo’s orbit, came to a rather abrupt cliff hanger ending in Saltation, a book I enjoyed in audio format. I immediately downloaded and started listening to its sequel, Ghost Ship, finishing nearly half of the audio book before getting distracted by other things.

Earlier this week I felt the urge to return to the doings of Clan Korval, and between work-related driving and mindless Saturday chores, I had the pleasure of completing Ghost Ship.

And a pleasure it was.

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