I had the opportunity to read Ira Nayman's new book, Welcome the the Multiverse, Sorry for the Inconvenience prior to meeting with Ira. I had it on go...moreI had the opportunity to read Ira Nayman's new book, Welcome the the Multiverse, Sorry for the Inconvenience prior to meeting with Ira. I had it on good authority that Ira was hilarious and I wanted to experience his writing first hand.
My very first impression when I began to read Multiverse was that this was a book that appeared to be written by Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams' hyper-active love child. If you know me, you know that I love both those aforementioned authors so this was not a bad thing.
As I read further, I realized that what I was seeing was less a combination of other authors and more a unique voice that had some elements of my favourite writers.
That is exciting for me because I love comedy writing and finding new authors is a real treat.
The story is about two multiverse investigative agents who are trying to solve a crime that seems to span multiple universes. Along the way they find analogs of themselves in each of the universe. People who are the same except different, either due to different decisions made at key junctions of their lives or because of different environments.
As the story goes on, Ira subtly visits the whole idea of how the decisions we make affect us as people. I enjoyed this part of the story because I often think about how my own life would be different if my choices had been different. I enjoyed this book. It had a lot of comedy that spoke to my own sense of humour. It also had depth to it that kept me thinking about it long after I was done reading it.
Welcome to the Multiverse, Sorry for the Inconvenience is written by Ira Nayman's and published by Elsewhen Press.(less)
Derek Williams, writing as DJ Williams, gave me the opportunity to read his new book, The Disillusioned. The book begins with the inner thoughts of a...moreDerek Williams, writing as DJ Williams, gave me the opportunity to read his new book, The Disillusioned. The book begins with the inner thoughts of a woman tortured by her past. She has been institutionalized and feels that the only way to release her family from the sins of the past and her own torment is to end her life.
What results is a whirlwind of activity that has her sons traveling from the relative safety of their lives into some of the most dangerous places in Africa. It is during their own trials and tribulations that they learn of dark family secrets as well as the horror of human traffiking.
I could say more about what goes on in this book, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Instead, let me spend time talking about the book itself. First of all, if you are simply looking for the next thriller, this is likely more book than you can handle. Don’t get me wrong; this book has many thrills. As I read it I got a definite taste of the author’s television experience.
The book also has a much deeper side to it. As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to the dark and terrible world of human traffiking and child slavery. For those of us who try to avoid the problems outside our door, this is a vivid and disturbing picture.
The main characters of the book come across as real people, complete with virtues and flaws. As I read the story I came to truly care about the protagonists and hate the villains. The world we are introduced to is a world few of us know or ever want to know. It is gritty and desperate and filled with people who want the same things we all want – a safe place to live and raise our children. The book moves briskly along and I found that both the character’s actions and the events that unfolded during the story to be quite believable and eye-opening. Not only did the story entertain, but it educated me on the problems that exist elsewhere in the world.
I won’t say that the book left me wanting more, only because the topic is one that is distasteful at best. However, it left me wanting to do more about the problem. It also has left me with the hope that DJ Williams will bring out more books that are equally powerful and thought-provoking.
On a side note, I think it is important to mention that DJ Williams will be donating a portion of each book sale to organizations that are dedicated to the emancipation and rehabilitation of child slaves.
Is the book perfect? I’m not sure I know what a perfect book looks like. It is, however, a book worth reading. It contains mystery, suspense, action, adventure and a message. What else could you possibly want.(less)
When I read for pleasure I’m always hoping to get character development, interesting plot and setting and, if I’m very lucky, the chance to learn some...moreWhen I read for pleasure I’m always hoping to get character development, interesting plot and setting and, if I’m very lucky, the chance to learn something. Usually I get one or two of those three things and I’m able to enjoy the story. When I get all three, I know I’m reading something special.
The historical fiction novel, Shadow Song, by Lorina Stephens is one of those books. The story focuses on the life of Danielle Michele Fleming, the 10 year old daughter of a French aristocratic mother and a father who is the second son of English gentry. At first, her life is quite idyllic until the failure of the Bourbon Monarchy.
Her father is ruined financially and her family is devastated. Danielle ends up being shipped across the Atlantic to the Queen’s Bush of Upper Canada. There she must face her uncle Edgar Fleming and try to make a new life for herself.
I’m not going give any more of the story away. That would truly spoil an excellent read. So, let me focus instead on the three elements I think are key to a great story.
The plot and setting are, by design, very realistic. The author has based everything on extensive research of the period and places the story takes place. I have always considered the early 1800’s to be a horrific time period. If you were not of the aristocracy or had money, yours could be a very terrible life. This story gave me a glimpse into that world and made me doubly glad I live today. The author paints a very vivid picture of the conditions in 19th century England, on board ship and in the new world. It couldn’t have been easy for anyone, especially a person who started life in privilege.
The characters are many shades of gray. Danielle’s parents are memorable from a child’s perspective and their sacrifices are those most parents can identify with. Danielle herself is a remarkable character who takes on a great deal more than any child should have to. That she survives and thrives is testament to her inner strength and resolve. The uncle is despicable in a way that sets your teeth on edge whenever he contaminates a page. His actions are deplorable and obviously the results of someone who has gone through life with a tree-size chip on his shoulder.
There are various other characters scattered throughout the story. They are brought in partially to enrich the setting of the story and partially to move the story forward. While not stereotypes, they are examples of the kinds of people you would meet in that time and place.
The other major character is Shadow Song, a native shaman and medicine man. Shadow Song is anything but an ordinary native man. Educated in England, he has embraced the ways of his people and become a leader. Through him, Danielle and we the readers learn more about the ways of the Ojibwa and Chippewa of Upper Canada.
For the first time I experienced the raw and untamed wonder of Canada before it was a nation and saw the intrusion of the European settlers.
I really enjoy many historical novels and this one was no exception. I wasn’t sure I would like it because I know enough about the hardships of 19th century England to not actively seek it out. Roman era and the middle ages are more my cup of tea.
I will read more of Lorina Stephens work. There is a vividness about her writing that I really enjoy.
Shadow Song is available in print and eBook from most online sites and for order from your local bookstore.(less)
Billy Barbarian is a fun book. The character (as his name suggests) is a barbarian who has left home in search of adventure and possibly even fame and...moreBilly Barbarian is a fun book. The character (as his name suggests) is a barbarian who has left home in search of adventure and possibly even fame and fortune.
Along the way he befriends some...shall we say, "interesting characters" who introduce him to people who make him think that maybe, just maybe, he is on his way. Little does he know that sinister plots abound.
JR Murdock references many people, places and things that we can instantly recognize in this playful romp. I think that is yet another layer to the enjoyment I took from both reading and listening to the story (it was also podcast).(less)
I fell in love with Jack Campbell's series "The Lost Fleet" and knew at its conclusion that I would have to read "The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier"...moreI fell in love with Jack Campbell's series "The Lost Fleet" and knew at its conclusion that I would have to read "The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier" when it was published. I did not get the chance to start reading the series until just last week.
As was the case with his previous series, once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. This series is SciFi Military reading candy at it best.
So, what do I like about it? Well, besides interesting characters, an intriguing mystery and well-written battles (not to mention lots of well thought out studies on human responses to emprisonment) it doesn't have much to recommend it. :)
If you haven't read anything about this series, it follows "Black Jack" Geary as he is once again sent into the breach, this time commanding the Alliance Fleet (by order, this time). Their mission? To go into alien space and learn everything they can about "The Enigma" race.
That is interesting enough, but Jack Campbell does a wonderful job putting that human element into his story. There are plots going on in the background, enemy CEO's to deal with, and POW's to deal with not to mention Fleet intrigues. It makes for a wonderful story.
I highly recommend this series to anyone. My only suggestion to you, if you haven't already read any of the previous series, is to get out there right now and start at the very beginning. That will give you all of the rich background and pull you in as deeply as I have been.
Good science fiction should have elements of plausibility and this book has that in spades. Corporations buying rights from the government to explore...moreGood science fiction should have elements of plausibility and this book has that in spades. Corporations buying rights from the government to explore newly discovered worlds, people becoming wealthy through reality entertainment and space travel that is neither instantaneous nor completely safe; these all ring true to me. There are even several elements that talk about how we, as a species, might evolve through the use of technology and cultural mores.
The story follows the crew of an exploration star ship as it approaches a new world. They have been in space a very long time and the close quarters are grating on everyone. But the excitement of being the first to see a new world makes all of the annoyances fade away. When they finally see the planet, they are in for a shock.
I won’t spoil the story by telling you what the shock is, but suffice it to say, none of them will ever be the same again. The story progresses to show how they deal with their new reality.
Mr. Duncan did a good job making this real for me. He creates living, breathing characters who have needs, desires and dark sides. The characters have real motivations, some positive, some carnal and others dark and wicked.
The plot of the novel is straight-forward, but has nuances that keep you guessing. It is a story of exploration and exploitation. The characters grow and change as time goes on.
I enjoyed this story. It does very well as a one-of, but also builds a rich universe that could spawn other work should the author chose to.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys the works of Heinlein and space adventure.(less)
I love the experimentation that has been going on for a while now.
"Experimentation?" you ask.
Yes, experimentation. Specifically in the meshing of gen...moreI love the experimentation that has been going on for a while now.
"Experimentation?" you ask.
Yes, experimentation. Specifically in the meshing of genres that might not have happened otherwise. In this case the merging of a Western with Zombie Horror.
In many ways, the stereotypical old west cowboy (from the movies now, not necessarily reality) is the ideal combatant for the zombie. Fast draw with the six gun. Deadly accuracy with the rifle. It should be no big deal to plug a zombie in the head, right?
Except, in reality, not everyone was a gunfighter or a marksman. Most people were the normal, hardworking citizens all around us today.
And so it is with this book.
There are some of the aforementioned gunfighters who are able to deal with the zombie menace in a very final way. More often, the folk who are attacked by the undead are completely unprepared.
The United States (or at least a small portion of it) serves as the backdrop for this novel. Humanity has been having a very rough go of it and it looks like the zombies are winning.
The book focuses in on a saloon where our two main characters have a chance encounter. A zombie attack in the saloon eventually brings them together.
In case you are wondering, this is not a fun book. People suffer and die. It is very much the apocalypse you might imagine.
And it is a wonderful read.
The characters all have very real hopes, fears, motivations and dreams. They grow throughout the story and left me always looking to see what they would do next. Their relationships are imperfect at best and the little group always seems to be on the verge of implosion, much like some families.
It feels real and well-realized and I was invested in the characters.
I finished the story and, while it was complete, I was left wanting more. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Is it worth your time? I certainly think so. The book was always in the back of my mind when I had to put it down and I put aside my routines so I could "read just one more page". (less)
My interest in zombies is fairly recent. I’ve never seen any of George A. Romero’s movies although I am aware of them. Still, what I know of zombies i...moreMy interest in zombies is fairly recent. I’ve never seen any of George A. Romero’s movies although I am aware of them. Still, what I know of zombies is that they are shambling, undead horrors.
How in heaven’s name could you create an entire anthology around that premise?
As it turns out, that isn’t what Carol Hightshoe did with Zombified. Instead, she twists the zombie mythos to bring a new flavor to the whole thing. Granted, some of the stories do feature traditional zombies, but others have zombie incarnations I’ve never considered.
For example, one story features a zombie super-hero.
I found myself really enjoying the anthology. The stories are varied, some with the perspective of the victims and others the zombies themselves. As I’ve already mentioned, the walking dead also take many different forms. The super-hero is only one example. Others are just regular guys and girls trying to get along.
There are twenty-four stories in the collection and I would be hard-pressed to tell you which ones were my favorites. I liked most of the stories for a variety of reasons; in some cases the zombies were victims and I could actually empathize with them. In others, they were the antagonists and I cursed at them for what they were. In every case I eagerly looked forward to the next story (well, every case but the final story. Then the period of mourning set in that is customary at the end of a good book).
I like anthologies because they give the reader a nice bite-sized morsel of story that is perfect for those commutes. This one is no different. I would say for this one that the bites, while often involving grey-matter, are wholly engrossing and made me hope my stop on the train would wait just a few minutes longer. (less)
Tesseracts Fifteen is an experiment of sorts. It marks the first time in the Tesseracts anthology series that all the stories are Young Adult. As an e...moreTesseracts Fifteen is an experiment of sorts. It marks the first time in the Tesseracts anthology series that all the stories are Young Adult. As an experiment I think it works quite well.
The thing about Young Adult stories is, they really cross all genres and, they can be enjoyed by adults as well as younger people. That being the case, this anthology is a fine representation of all things Young Adult.
There are stories that are clearly science fiction, horror, fantasy, adventure some that embody tropes from multiple genres. The main characters could easily be the kids you see on the bus every day.
The individual contributions to the anthology were a fine mix of stories that made me think; many left me wanting more: more time with the characters and more time with the story itself. Most left me thoughtful, exploring both what I thought the authors were saying as well as what they left unsaid.
I have become quite fond of anthologies in general, as of late, because the stories are perfect lengths for my commute. Tesseracts Fifteen is a fine example of the medium, filled with interesting, well thought out and well executed stories.(less)
Like many of Elizabeth Moon's fans, I have been waiting for many years for more stories in the Paksennarion universe. It was with a great deal of deli...moreLike many of Elizabeth Moon's fans, I have been waiting for many years for more stories in the Paksennarion universe. It was with a great deal of delight that I discovered the book "Oath of Fealty" at my local bookstore.
In fact, if I hadn't just bought my first eReader, I would have bought it on the spot. But, instead, I waited until I got home to buy the eEdition. Much to my chagrin, the eVersion of the book was almost as much as the hardcover edition. That ridiculous pricing made me wait to buy the book until the eEdition's price dropped (a year later).
But enough about the shortsightedness of publishers and on to what's important.
In a nutshell, the book was as good as I hoped it would be. It was not another Paksennarion adventure as I had hoped (although she does appear in a much reduced role), but instead addresses many of the questions and characters that were left from the past series.
Ms. Moon writes another fantastic book, rich in characters and setting. It was not predictable in any way and, as did her past books, drew me in completely. Her writing is so immersive, I felt like I was right there with the characters.
We get the chance to see more of the Tsaian court intrigues, how magery is viewed in the world and there is more interaction with the gods. Many of the supporting characters that we know and love from the first series are here and play very important roles. It was almost like coming home again.
If I have any complaint, it is that the story is too big for one book. When it was over, I was left knowing that the story was incomplete. The ending did not do much to tie up the loose ends. It simply let the reader know more was to come. I find that unfortunate because it only makes some readers wait until the entire series is complete before they buy and as you may or may not know future books are determined by the sales of the earlier ones. (less)
I have had the good fortune to read and enjoy the work of Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine for several years. I like the writing styles of both but...moreI have had the good fortune to read and enjoy the work of Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine for several years. I like the writing styles of both but they are very different. When I heard that they were collaborating on a book, and a steampunk one at that, I was cautiously optimistic. Not because I didn't think they could pull it off, but because I had no idea what the meshing of their two voices would be like.
In other words, would the result be a symphony or a cacophony?
I am delighted to say that the book, "Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel" is a symphony of the highest order. The characters are rich and the plot twists in a most satisfactory manner. And the pace of the story? Well, let's just say I had to put the novel down periodically to catch my breath.
Tee and Pip (or Pip and Tee, if you would prefer) show what good research can do to improve a story. The use of language and the description of the everyday world ensured that I felt as if I were experiencing an alternate, steam-powered version of Victorian England.
Of course, steampunk is famous for its gadgets, gears, and cogs; writers must tread a fine line to ensure that these things do not overwhelm or undermine the story. That is not a problem here in the least.
The technology was in no way frivolous or ill conceived; the melding of our world and the steampunk realm was done cleanly and to great effect. It made me wish our technology was steam-powered now.
The relationships between the characters were ever evolving and interesting and the characters themselves surprised and delighted me with their layers upon layers of complexity. By the time I was done reading, they were living, breathing people, some whom I liked and others I reviled.
It may sound cliché but the only complaint I have with this book is that I am finished reading it and there isn’t another one ready to go. Believe me when I say, there are enough loose threads that I hope to be enjoying the series for a long time to come.
For now, I may have to reread it again just to pick up nuances I’m sure I’ve missed.
All in all, an extremely good book that I whole-heartedly endorse. (less)
I have long been a fan of L.E. Modesitt Jr, but I'm afraid this entry in to the Recluce Saga is one of his weaker efforts.
I have long loved his tellin...moreI have long been a fan of L.E. Modesitt Jr, but I'm afraid this entry in to the Recluce Saga is one of his weaker efforts.
I have long loved his telling of the everyman's (or woman's in this case) story of how the protagonist pulls himself or herself up from their bootstraps and overcomes massive odds to win the day. Mr. Modesitt does a fine job focusing on the minute' of that person's life and he gives us a great view of how the sum of the parts in a person makes a greater whole.
That is very much in evidence in this story, but it also feels like a been there, done that scenario. My other problem with the story is how the strong female characters always seem to either be man-haters or refer to the world as one where men must be in control.
I know the story is one touting the "Legend" and how the women of Westwind had to fight every step of the way for what they had, but it feels too easy to simply make villains of all men. The men simply fought because they couldn't stand "Strong women" and the women were always made out to be the unwilling combatants. If the men of that place and time were that single-minded they would have, or should have, been wiped out long before.
Only a few of the male characters seem to be willing to work with the main protagonist, Saryn. Their reasons vary from gratitude at being saved (the inverse of the hero-worshipping female stereotype) or they are too weak to resist. Again, it all felt too easy.
The main protagonist seems to fall into her eventual role (which I won't spoil here) but it was pretty obvious early in the book where things might go.
I had very high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't love it either.(less)
The Goblin Market reads a lot like a fairy tale. A young girl gets carried away by a wicked goblin king and the heroes undertake a quest to rescue her...moreThe Goblin Market reads a lot like a fairy tale. A young girl gets carried away by a wicked goblin king and the heroes undertake a quest to rescue her. But this isn't the modern fairy story you might expect. It is dark and gritty and the happy ever after you might be waiting for never comes.
The reader is treated to both the beauty and ugliness of the world of the fairy. It is a world that reminded me of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Despite the reminder, it is by no means a simple rework of stories I've read in the past. The author's voice and imagination is clearly on display throughout.
The plot of the story is not overly complex but enjoyable nonetheless. It is a book that can be enjoyed by both the adults and children in the house.
My major complaint with it is less about the writing and more about the presentation. The version I read (Kindle) was a bit rough around the edges formatting-wise. I don't know if that is common to all eFormats or not.
So should you take the time to read this book? Well, if you enjoy visiting the land of the Fey and the battle between Good and Evil then I think you would enjoy it. You can even use the excuse that you're reading it for your children. Just make sure you go into it knowing that bad things can happen to good people and that all stories don't end with "And they lived happily ever after".(less)
There are a few authors I always read. I watch for their books and buy them as soon as I can when released. Terry Pratchett is one of those authors.
Th...moreThere are a few authors I always read. I watch for their books and buy them as soon as I can when released. Terry Pratchett is one of those authors.
There is something about his writing that strikes a chord with me. Perhaps it is the subtle humor and brilliant story-telling. It might be the inherent snarkiness that shows through at times or perhaps the relevance to the world we live in. All of those things combine to make an enjoyable reading experience for me.
With all that said, you will not be surprised to hear that I was looking forward to his latest release “I shall wear midnight”. The story is another Tiffany Aching/Nac Mac Feegle tale. They are marketed as Young Adult but fit equally well in the adult section of the bookstore.
I enjoyed the first two books in this discworld story arch and fully anticipated enjoying this one as well… which I did but with a few disappointments.
The first problem I had with the story is Mr. Pratchett’s lengthy exposition on what it means to be a witch. Eight pages worth, in fact and right at the beginning of the book. Writing about a concept or character in this way is not unique for the discworld books. In fact, most start in this manner and I enjoy it. However, eight pages of largely the same thing was too long.
My other major complaint was that in a few spots, the story seemed to jump to conclusions or had big leaps of faith. In other discworld books, the events are logical, even when surprising. Unfortunately the surprises here were not as well-foreshadowed.
Before you get the idea that I disliked this book, please know that the characters had their usual vibrancy and somehow Mr. Pratchett was able to include many of my favorites. I enjoyed the story greatly. It just had some flaws I’m not used to seeing in his work.
I have my suspicions why this book isn’t quite up to par. Reasons I won’t go into for this review. Suffice it to say, the book is worth your time to read. I just don’t consider it to be one of Terry Pratchett’s best. (less)
The story begins with every single person alive being simultaneously imbued with the memories, feelings and emotion of another person. Permanently pai...moreThe story begins with every single person alive being simultaneously imbued with the memories, feelings and emotion of another person. Permanently paired with another person. Children are paired with adults, men with women, killer with pacifist without rhyme or reason. The book itself is less a contiguous story so much as it follows the hours and days after the event with several individuals. How they deal or avoid dealing with what they have gained is different for each. You might even call it a story made up of several character studies, each with its own conflict and resolution. I found the individual stories to be very interesting. What the characters chose to do with the new knowledge was equally interesting. All those hidden little crimes and dirty little secrets are now exposed and nothing will ever be the same. People can suddenly understand and speak different languages and employ new skills and knowledge. We see resolution to the conflicts of each character but, and this is my only complaint of the story, the incident is never really explained or completely addressed. It is simply something unexplained that happened to humanity and with it a new day has risen. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Science Fiction that doesn’t delve too deeply into the science but focuses on the characters.(less)
Let me begin by making the admission that I am a BIG fan of Philippa Ballantine's work (not to mention the author herself). I have enjoyed Chasing the...moreLet me begin by making the admission that I am a BIG fan of Philippa Ballantine's work (not to mention the author herself). I have enjoyed Chasing the Bard and Digital Magic as both podcast novels and in book form and I have listened to her podcast novel WeatherChild. I love the beautiful imagery her writing produces as well as the vivid characters and well-conceived plots she creates in all her stories.
Needless to say, I was really looking forward to the release of Pip's newest book (and first big-six publication), Geist.
Geist is set in a world where supernatural interference is practically a part of everyday life. The Order, a pseudo-religious sect, exists to battle geists and keep them from overrunning the living world. The Deacons are the supernatural warriors of the Order who battle in pairs: one Sensitive and One Active. Sorcha, an Active Deacon, is given the task of investigating a town on the periphery of the empire that is experiencing geist attacks. To make the mission more difficult, she is partnered with Merrick, a newly raised, incredibly powerful Sensitive.
The world of The Order is incredibly rich and I was immediately immersed in the cultures and technologies. This is done with such skill that you don’t even realize it is happening. The plot is winding and filled with surprising twists and turns. My two favorite things in the story are the mythos of the geists themselves, which grows with every encounter, and the way the characters become real, breathing flesh and blood people with their own distinct personalities and growth.
That isn’t to say that I don’t like the setting of the story which, as I’ve already mentioned is very rich. No, the world is very interesting and detailed in a way that you would usually only see in a much longer book.
I am extremely impressed with Geist and strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Fantasy and Adventure literature. This is Philippa Ballantine taking her craft to an entirely new level and I wait eagerly for future installments in the world of the Order. (less)
ShadowRise is the third volume in a four volume series and was first printed in March, 2010.
Let me begin by saying, ShadowRise is a BIG book. That sho...moreShadowRise is the third volume in a four volume series and was first printed in March, 2010.
Let me begin by saying, ShadowRise is a BIG book. That should come as no surprise to any of you who have read any of Tad William’s books in the past. If it worries you that this is the third in the series and would be an impossible place to start, fear not. The book thoughtfully contains synopsis of the first two books so you are able to catch up without reading the first two.
I really liked this feature because a good fantasy series can be long with lots of characters and plot points. Whether you have read the previous books or not, it’s nice to have that little reminder of what’s already happened.
So, besides being big enough to kill a man, what does the book have to recommend it?
It is Tad Williams at his best. Richly realized characters and setting, I found myself immersed in the story right from the start. The world is gritty and dirty and mean and feels infinitely real. The characters are flawed and must fight every step of the way. There is intrigue and betrayal. Battles and blood and I loved every minute of it.
And, speaking of characters, we are given a view into the minds and motives of protagonist, antagonists and everything in between. And believe me, there are no absolutes here. Many varied shades of grey exist in the characters. Everyone has their own loves and hates, desires and goals.
It is delightfully twisted and kept me guessing. It was everything I love in a great fantasy novel.
If you are like me and hate waiting for the next installment, I have good news. ShadowMarch, the fourth and final book in the series is scheduled to hit the bookshelves in November 2010 so you won’t have to wait long. (less)