Not a review, as this includes my own story. This holiday anthology of speculative fiction contains 19 stories of 500 or fewer words:
A UNICORN FOR CHR...moreNot a review, as this includes my own story. This holiday anthology of speculative fiction contains 19 stories of 500 or fewer words:
A UNICORN FOR CHRISTMAS by Beth Cato WHEN FRIENDS COME TO CALL by Zach Shephard AUTUMN WAITS by Ken MacGregor NUCLEAR FAMILY by Alex Shvartsman THE CHRISTMAS ZOMBIE by James S. Dorr MISSION LOG, DAY 67 by Lance Schonberg RESOLUTION by Amanda M. Hayes THE CONJURER by Alicia Cole NATIVITY by Brandon Alspaugh HISTORY LESSONS by Sandra McDonald GIFTED by Dan Hart MISTLETOE by Casey Peterson NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION by Katherine Sparrow THEY WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by James Aquilone IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER by Michael H. Payne THE GREATEST TIGER LANTERN OF ALL by J. Deery Wray A VISIT, A GIFT by Matthew Johnson ELECTRIC HATSUYUME by Deborah Walker A REASON TO LINGER by Alexis A. Hunter(less)
I received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.
"Strange Stories" is an apt subtitle for this collection of ten tales,...moreI received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.
"Strange Stories" is an apt subtitle for this collection of ten tales, ranging from the novella-length Hugo-nominated, "The Maiden Flight of McCauley's Bellerophon" to the flash-length "Cruel Up North." Hand has a knack for creating vivid, flawed characters--very normal people--who encounter something extraordinary on the fringe of society. Often these encounters are rather disturbing. "Near Zennor" struck me as the creepiest, evoking the isolated moorlands of Cornwall and beings that drift from the beyond.
That said, I'm not into creepy. I appreciated Hand's realistic characters, but overall the anthology was a disappointment for me. Maybe my expectations were too high, as I've heard wonderful things about Elizabeth Hand for years and this was my first time reading her work. There was a pattern to how many of the stories ended: this strange thing happened, and that was that, and I was frustrated by the lack of explanation or finality in some cases. "The Return of the Fire Witch" didn't feel like it belonged in the collection at all; it fit the theme of strangeness, but was a pure fantasy work, not set on Earth like the rest.
I'm glad I read this, just to have read Hand's work, but I think my disappointment came down to personal taste. I would be hesitant to read more of her work in the future.(less)
Not a review, as this contains one of my own stories. This volume of Stupefying Stories is 64,000 words in length and contains stories by:
• “Queen of...moreNot a review, as this contains one of my own stories. This volume of Stupefying Stories is 64,000 words in length and contains stories by:
• “Queen of Sheba” by Samuel M. Johnston • “Wednesday’s Child” by Damien Walters Grintalis • “Snatching Baby Delilah” by Travis Daniel Bow • “Nonsense 101” by Gary Cuba • “Lucky” by Bill Ferris • “The Ants Go Marching” by Sarah Pinsker • “Lover’s Knot” by Ada Milenkovic Brown • “Girl Without a Name” by Courtney Valdes • “Toilet Gnomes at War” by Beth Cato • “Moondust” by Elizabeth Berger • “Citizen Astronauts” by Holliann R. Kim • “Heartbreath” by E. Catherine Tobler • “Revolver” by Clarence Young • “Office Demons” by Christie Yant • “Number Station” by Alex Shvartsman(less)
As a child, I was obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series. I read them each over again times beyond count, but my very favorite was T...moreAs a child, I was obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series. I read them each over again times beyond count, but my very favorite was The Long Winter. It accounted how Laura's family and the town of De Smet, South Dakota, struggled to survive a brutal winter of low food and fuel. A morbid book, to be sure--I guess it's no surprise that I've grown up to write post-apocalyptic tales of survival, and I still have a keen interest in historical tales of survival as well.
As I began to read The Children's Blizzard, I wasn't surprised to find that Laskin was also inspired by Wilder's The Long Winter. Wilder's terrible winter was the one of 1880-1881; the titular blizzard of this book took place January 12th, 1888 and was truly a freak storm.
The media stories a century ago often called the incident 'the School-Children's Blizzard,' because so many of the dead and maimed were children and teachers. They died in the grip of a suffocating, sub-zero storm, or froze to death in their school or home. Hundreds, across Nebraska and the Dakota Territory. Laskin takes a very thorough approach and begins by talking about these pioneers and where they were from: Norway or Germany, Mennonite or Quaker, they came west seeking a promised land of plenty. He focuses on several particular families, and in doing so, creates terrible tension because it's impossible to guess who will live or who will die. This is creative non-fiction at its finest. The science is a tad daunting as it describes the unique elements world-wide that come together to create such an unusually powerful storm--measurements state that the temperature dropped eighteen degrees in three minutes--and the manner that freezing kills the body; while the science is important, overall this is a tale of humanity, and that's the real story here.
I am most definitely keeping this book on my shelf and will be referring to it for years to come.(less)
I supported Judith Tarr's Kickstarter project to fund this book and have looked forward to reading it for months. I can see why this book wasn't marke...moreI supported Judith Tarr's Kickstarter project to fund this book and have looked forward to reading it for months. I can see why this book wasn't marketable by agents and needed to be self-published: not that that it's criticism of the book's quality or story, but the fact that it's completely cross-genre. It's simultaneously a contemporary YA novel, historical fiction, and far-future science fiction. I was quite curious as to how those varied settings would weave together, and was very, very, pleased with the result.
In short, this is a book I would have read to death when I was 12-years-old and transitioning from my horse obsession to adult historical fiction and fantasy. This book has EVERYTHING I wanted at that age and could never find in one book.
Tarr is masterful in her writing. She knows her horses. She knows archaeology--the real, tedious thing, not the glorified silliness of Indiana Jones (though that's enjoyable in its own way). I loved how she wrote about ancient Egypt in particular. It's so rare to see that used as a backdrop, and again, Tarr made it feel real, not some utopia. I could smell the dust of the place.
I can't help but smile when I think of this book. My inner 12-year-old is pleased at last. (less)
This is incredibly tense right from the first chapter, and shows the complexities of Harry's character. Morgan has been one of Harry's main nemeses fr...moreThis is incredibly tense right from the first chapter, and shows the complexities of Harry's character. Morgan has been one of Harry's main nemeses from the first book. He's the Council's guard dog, and he has always been out to catch Harry, looking for any excuse to finally lop off his head. Yet when Morgan shows up in need of help, Harry drops everything to try to save him and firmly believes in Morgan's innocence. Harry's a good guy like that.
Butcher's plot work is as fantastic as ever. I'm constantly impressed at how he intertwines subplots, rivals, and politics in Dresden's world. I also enjoyed seeing his interpretation of skinwalker mythology, which I've also seen used in other urban fantasies such as Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles.
The one flaw in this book was that I correctly guessed the guilty party from very early on. Usually these books are so convoluted that I can't even hazard a guess, but here it seemed too obvious. Mind you, it was still quite enjoyable, but it took away any shock at the ending. (less)
I feel like my reviews of the Dresden Files sound repetitious, but so be it: Butcher continues to write an enthralling, complicated series. Other seri...moreI feel like my reviews of the Dresden Files sound repetitious, but so be it: Butcher continues to write an enthralling, complicated series. Other series feel like stale re-hashes after a few books. Here, everything that happened previously matters, and the plot is a magnificent knot of villains.(less)
I collect historical books regarding my hometown of Hanford, California. This hardcover photo collection was published by the Hanford Sentinel newspap...moreI collect historical books regarding my hometown of Hanford, California. This hardcover photo collection was published by the Hanford Sentinel newspaper and features 140 pages of black and white images and accompanying captions. Some of the pictures date back to the 19th century, but the majority illustrate the 1920s through 1940s. Several local families donated photos; my family didn't participate, though my maternal grandparents lived here since the '20s. Even so, it was a thrill to find my grandmother shown in a photograph of the 1942 yearbook staff.
This is a valuable (and highly personal) historical record, and I hope that the Sentinel publishes further volumes. (less)
I was provided a gratis Advance Release Copy by the publisher as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program (and there was much rejoicing).
Bradl...moreI was provided a gratis Advance Release Copy by the publisher as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program (and there was much rejoicing).
Bradley continues to create delightful, cozy, and consistent mysteries with this new volume of his Flavia de Luce series. Set in 1950s in a quaint British village, Flavia is an 11-year-old with a passion for poison and an unfortunate (for the village) knack of finding dead bodies. She then sets about solving the mysteries with a ruthlessness akin to Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot.
The mystery here is a tad more complicated, and the book is about a 100 pages longer than previous installments in the series. Not that it's noticeable as you read, other than the extra weight in the hand. These are the ultimate of cozy mysteries, and the book is a rapid read. Flavia assists in the opening of St. Tancred's crypt, and finds a more recently-deceased body there instead. Things are complicated by more personal troubles as well, as the de Luce family estate is in dire straits.
The end of the book caused me to howl out loud in frustration. Speaking from Among the Bones features the worst cliffhanger ending I've encountered since Catching Fire. I was ecstatic to get this early copy of the novel, but now I feel tortured--now I have to wait even longer to find out what happens in the next book! Alan Bradley, you are a cruel man. (less)
Oh, how I adore this series. It's full of small village charm, with a dash of poison and murder--and all through the eyes of a precocious 11-year-old....moreOh, how I adore this series. It's full of small village charm, with a dash of poison and murder--and all through the eyes of a precocious 11-year-old. It says a great deal about Flavia's depth of personality that she has such a fixation on death and the biology of toxins, yet at her age she still fervently believes in Father Christmas. Her plans to snare Santa are complicated by the arrival of movie stars with their entourage, as they have rented the estate for some holiday filming.
In other mystery books, it would be quite irksome that no one dies until 1/3 of the way through. Here, every character is so enjoyable and fascinating, that there's no rush for the corpse. It will arrive in time. I have the utmost faith in Bradley's plots. The ending of this one had a particular smash-bang as well. Flavia's sisters are so wretched towards her, and there's some lovely development in their relationships.
These are the ultimate cozy mysteries. The book ends and I feel sad and empty. It's like eating potato chips, and you reach the bottom of the bag. Fortunately, I won an early release copy of the next book (yippee!) so I can read on.(less)
Summary: After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O’Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the numb...moreSummary: After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O’Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he’s still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave.
Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge—but he’ll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.
I received an electronic Advanced Release Copy of this book from Del Rey via NetGalley.
Hearne is in top form in this new installment of his witty and action-packed urban fantasy series. The stakes are high, as Atticus is more vulnerable than ever before: it's been centuries since he ever attempted to teach an apprentice, and his last student die near the end of his training. Granuaile is a beloved character in the series, present from the first book, and she could very well die--or be used against Atticus. There's also Atticus's wolfhound Oberon, who often steals the show with his telepathic commentary and keen desire for sausage and poodles.
Everyone is against Atticus in this book. Its admirable that so many pantheons are represented and take turns to take their potshots; some background in mythology is helpful, but Hearne writes in such a way that it's easy to follow along.
Trapped is as fun as the previous books, but more tense. I eagerly await the next volume. (less)
I've been trying to read lots of steampunk books; it seems that I either love them or can't stand them. This one is rare because it falls in the middl...moreI've been trying to read lots of steampunk books; it seems that I either love them or can't stand them. This one is rare because it falls in the middle: a well-written book that's a bit too weird for my tastes, but still enjoyable.
In this alternative Victorian England, Amerigo Vespucci discovered an Island of Caliban in the Caribbean. Intelligent lizard people there then took over, working their way into high British society and taking over the throne itself. There are many steampunk elements brought along with the higher technology of "Les Lizard," such as airships and automatons.
As I said, a weird.
It seems every major historical and literary character of the period also makes an appearance. This includes Irene Adler, Sherlock Holmes, Karl Marx, and Jules Verne. I was reminded of Jasper Fforde's books, where the real and unreal blend into surreality. With massive lizards.
This isn't a keeper for my shelves, nor will I read on in the series, but it was a peculiar book and one I will remember. (less)
I've heard rave reviews of Willis for years, and this is my first book of hers. I can see why she has rightly earned so much acclaim. To Say Nothing o...moreI've heard rave reviews of Willis for years, and this is my first book of hers. I can see why she has rightly earned so much acclaim. To Say Nothing of the Dog starts out slow and a bit dizzying--not helped by the fact that the protagonist, Ned, is brain-addled after too many trips bouncing between 1940 and the current time of 2057. However, once it gets going, it's quite an amusing romp. It's staunchly science fiction, mixed with Victorian manners and romance, with a hearty homage to Agatha Christie for good measure.
This isn't a book I would read again, but it was quite enjoyable, and I will definitely seek out more of Willis's books.(less)
I read a lot of urban fantasy. I love the genre, but I find myself getting pickier as time goes on. There are a lot of good series and some of them ar...moreI read a lot of urban fantasy. I love the genre, but I find myself getting pickier as time goes on. There are a lot of good series and some of them are very long, requiring a major investment of time and money. That's a big reason why Embers sat in my to-read pile for over a year. "Do I really want to start yet another urban fantasy series, even if it just consists of two books?"
The short answer: yes.
Embers is a fun, modern fantasy adventure frolic that reminds me of everything I love in the genre. Anya is an arson investigator for Detroit, and is smart and efficient at her job. Her night job is being a Lantern for a paranormal investigative group; she can see spirits of all sorts, but even more, she can absorb the evil ones so they no longer possess or molest the ignorant human population. The conflict of the book emerges when her two livelihoods intersect.
There were also two side characters who managed to steal the show. Foremost is Anya's fire elemental. Part lizard, part dog, and all awesome. Then there's the villain, who comes across as one-note at first and then evolves into an amazingly complex and sympathetic character.
This was absolutely the perfect book to read in a single day while flying across the country, and I will gladly read the next book.(less)
Oh, how I adore this series. I'm not normally a mystery reader, but this series has me (and my mother) absolutely hooked. Alan Bradley is Canadian, an...moreOh, how I adore this series. I'm not normally a mystery reader, but this series has me (and my mother) absolutely hooked. Alan Bradley is Canadian, and he's embodied these stories with quirky British village characters that are such a delight. How can you not love a precocious 11-year-old protagonist with a fondness for chemistry and poison?
In this adventure, Flavia finds a Gypsy almost bludgeoned to death, and sets about solving the mystery. Bradley delves into some fascinating history involving the religious sect of the Hobblers. The mystery may be of the cozy variety, but there's a lot of emotional depth here as well. There's a particular subplot involving a painting that's quite touching, especially with how things turn out in the end.
I will quite happily read onward in this series.(less)
Robin McKinley's foray into urban fantasy territory is well-written, but uneven.
I've had this book in my to-read pile for two years now, having heard...moreRobin McKinley's foray into urban fantasy territory is well-written, but uneven.
I've had this book in my to-read pile for two years now, having heard good thing about it as a dark, non-sparkly vampire story. I read several of McKinley's books as a teenager and liked them well enough, but I read Spindle's End earlier this year and was really disappointed. Therefore, I put off reading Sunshine even longer--and then I had to choose a new book the day before Halloween, and decided I couldn't get more Halloween than old-fashioned vampires.
I almost didn't make it past the first 20 pages.
The book starts slow. Achingly slow. There's no magic. It just feels like the ramblings of a very normal baker; mind you, baking is one of my prime hobbies, but it's not what I wanted to read about here. Then the fantasy element finally enters as the vampires nab her, and there's an Infodump from Hell. I strongly considered putting the book away, fearing the rest of the book would be that boring and uneven.
However, I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. McKinley's world here is fascinating: humanity struggling to survive after Voodoo Wars killed many, leaving spots of blighted earth in the war's wake. There are no good vampires, which makes Rae's alliance with Constantine all the more dangerous. The powers she develops are particularly interesting. The cast of characters is wide and sometimes difficult to keep straight, but their personalities are a delight. I also love that it was not a vampire-human romance, as that holds no appeal for me (and that goes back way before Twilight ever existed).
I became more interested in the book after 50 pages, and absolutely hooked after the first 100. That said, it was still plagued by Rae's rambling monologues that completely kill the momentum at times. I like first person perspective and write it in quite often, but it feels overkill here; this type of first person POV is why some readers loathe it.
I can see why the book ranks highly as a modern classic in the genre, as it has many brilliant twists on old tropes of vampires and magic, but it's not one I will read again.(less)
I hate to say it, but I think I'm getting burned out on this series. The writing is still good and the pace is fast (well, an odd flashback near the e...more
I hate to say it, but I think I'm getting burned out on this series. The writing is still good and the pace is fast (well, an odd flashback near the end briefly brought things to a screeching halt), but I find that it feels like the same thing repeated too many times, i.e. the Auphe are dead, the Auphe aren't dead, etc. The element that had me really excited about this book--the Puck reunion--ended up being a minor incident right at the beginning, and then Robin Goodfellow didn't have a huge role in the rest of the book.
It also felt like a lot of the action in the middle of the book was contrived for the sake of action, i.e. "We really shouldn't confront this person, they are insane--oh look, now they are trying to kill us!" Mind you, that's been a recurring theme in the series anyway, but it's forgivable for a while. Thurman is a much stronger writer of male characters, and that stood out here; Promise, Niko's girlfriend, had a shadow role and was present but ignored in some lengthy scenes.
The overall theme of Doubletake was family. This brings about some intriguing revelations about Niko's background, including a nice twist at the end I didn't see coming.
I've enjoyed the Cal and Niko books. They are excellent dark fantasy with some genuinely freaky villains (Sawney Beane *shudder*). However, it's hard to evolve characters and keep things fresh book after book, and I think this will be the last one in the series for me.(less)
I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher.
Sailor Twain compiles a serialized webcomic written and illustrated by Mark Sie...moreI received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher.
Sailor Twain compiles a serialized webcomic written and illustrated by Mark Siegel. In hardcover, the book is rather daunting in thickness at 399 pages, but it's a very fast read as it's a graphic novel. Most pages feature little text. The blurbs show an impressive array of positive remarks from notables such as John Irving, Pete Hamill, Rachel Maddow, and Robin McKinley.
Since it is a graphic novel, there are several aspects here to analyze. Siegel is an experienced artist, but I found much of the art to be easy to flip past. His depictions of the steamboat Lorelei and other scenes were fantastic and showed his talent--the depiction of the main characters, not so much. In particular, the design of the main character, Twain, bothered me because of his over-simplicity; I realize this was probably done because of the difficulty in doing detailed work in charcoal, but then why not choose another medium?
The pace is engaging. It's a very easy book to read. The characters are distinct (even if not appealing to me, personally) and the book created some deep questions early on that propel the plot: what happened on the Lorelei? Why is the Twain at the beginning so angry, when the flashback shows he's a fairly average fellow? What has the mermaid done? I should add that despite the fact this is a graphic novel, this isn't a book for kids or even young adults; there's actually a good bit of nudity and sex.
It's a good story, as moody and mysterious as a fogged-in river. But I didn't see the reason for the hype or the effusive cover blurbs. It does some unique things with mermaid mythology, but many of the big twists are predictable, and in the end it just was not a compelling read for me. Maybe this is intended more for literary types who don't read historical fantasy, and therefore this is something completely fresh for them. I didn't mind reading Sailor Twain, but it's not a book I would keep on my shelf.
I received this as an electronic Advanced Reading Copy through the NetGalley. The novel isn't out until February 2013.
This opening volume to a new ser...moreI received this as an electronic Advanced Reading Copy through the NetGalley. The novel isn't out until February 2013.
This opening volume to a new series is an 120-page graphic novel, consisting of two parts. The vibe is very strongly like an urban fantasy with a dose of science fiction and Law & Order. In the first part, a headless corpse is found--or so it seems, until the detective finds the head is still very much there, but invisible. The event brings together the investigative team. In the second part, a woman is attacked by a werewolf and they are sent to find a scientific explanation for the mystery.
The artwork is fabulous. Every panel is strong, and some of the scenes are outright gorgeous.
I had some trouble getting into the book at first with how it skips around. One of the main characters, a female NYPD detective, is quite a stereotype; I can only hope she becomes more complex as the series evolves. I did like the lead, Dr. Horne, as a brilliant scientist with poor social skills--it is rather cliche by recent TV shows like House or Sherlock, but their approach added a fresh angle.
There are limits to what you can do in a comic, and this creates those Star Trek TNG-like tidy solutions at the last minute. That said, Bad Medicine has potential with its diverse cast and science fiction approach to the paranormal. I was reminded of X-Files, and that's not a bad thing.(less)
Not a review, as this includes my own story "Overlap."
Summary: CUCURBITAL 3 continues the series of of mini-anthologies that provide a peek into the wr...moreNot a review, as this includes my own story "Overlap."
Summary: CUCURBITAL 3 continues the series of of mini-anthologies that provide a peek into the writing process itself. Authors are always asked two questions: "where do you get the idea for your story?" and "how do you go from idea to finished work?" This series offers insight into the second question by handing the book's authors the answer to the first one. Here are nine short stories that began with the same three prompts: madness, darkness, mattress. They cover the spectra from comic to mythic, absurd to poignant, pragmatic to breathtaking. And each began with nothing more than madness, darkness, mattress.(less)
I was provided this Advance Reader Copy by the publisher.
Alexander begins this book with the same brisk action and unique perspective that made the fi...more I was provided this Advance Reader Copy by the publisher.
Alexander begins this book with the same brisk action and unique perspective that made the first book, Nightshifted, so enjoyable. Alexander is a real-life nurse, and brings that realism to her urban fantasy featuring a nurse working on Y4, the top-secret paranormal creature wing of the hospital. There are a gazillion urban fantasies out there right now, and for me that touch of medical realism is what sets this series apart and makes it an engrossing (and sometimes gross!) read.
The plot and pace are well-woven here. Edie must balance paranormal shenanigans at work, paranormal shenanigans outside of work, and the urge to save the junkie brother. The only thing I find irksome is Edie's habit of one-night stands. She had to have some kind of personality flaw, I know, but it makes me feel like staging an intervention for her.
Also, this book deserves an award for 'most creative use of an MRI machine.'
I read a lot of urban fantasies. I've tried to follow a number of series, only to drop them by the wayside. This series--free copies or not--is one I will continue reading. It pleases the fantasy-lover and layman-medical-geek in me alike.(less)
I kept hearing that this book was amazing and heartbreaking. I decided to buy it for my 13-year-old niece's Christmas, and I had to read it first.
Holy...more I kept hearing that this book was amazing and heartbreaking. I decided to buy it for my 13-year-old niece's Christmas, and I had to read it first.
Holy. Crap.
This book is devastating. It's one of those rare reads that made me half-sick to continue because I was so worried about the characters and what would happen and how they could survive.
It's a World War II story, but most of all, it's a story about friendship. There's a beautiful line about how meeting your best friend for life is like falling in love, and this is that kind of love story. These two young women are fierce and intelligent in their own unique ways, and against the backdrop of war, they are surviving in their own unique ways.
I have to pause and gather my thoughts here and NOT cry as I think about this book.
From a historical fiction standpoint, it is enlightening and educational. It delves a great deal into the role of women in the British war effort, especially as pilots. There are no black and white characters. Everyone, Allied or Nazi, is incredibly nuanced and complex. In that regard it really reminded me of Suite Francaise (also a devastating book, more so since it was written about WWII during the war and the author died in a concentration camp).
I'm going to gift this book to my niece with a note about how it's not the sort you read and enjoy; it's the type that haunts you, lingering over your mind like a ghost, as you miss the characters like real people.
I have wanted to read this since it came out a few years ago. I'm not a comic book reader, but I have always loved superheroes. Hearing the theme of S...moreI have wanted to read this since it came out a few years ago. I'm not a comic book reader, but I have always loved superheroes. Hearing the theme of Superman (Christopher Reeves!) still gives me chills.
Unfortunately, this anthology feels terribly uneven in quality. Several of the stories feel overwhelming, as though I were dropped into completely established worlds and expected to already know who everyone is. The sheer numbers of characters became overwhelming, as though the authors felt they needed to explore every possible facet of superpowers while they had the chance.
There were several stand-out stories, however. The first and last tales in the book--"Cleansed and Set in Gold" by Matthew Sturges, and "A to Z in the Ultimate Big Company Superhero Universe (Villains Too) by Bill Willingham--were especially good, and the latter was especially engaging considering the cast of characters involved and the experimental ABC plot structure of the piece. Others, like "The Non-Event" by Mike Carey and "Vacuum Lad" by Stephen Baxter were thoroughly enjoyable.
I really wanted to like "Call Her Savage" by Marjorie M. Liu, but too many details of the fascinating world--steampunk alternate universe, where China settled the western United States--came in too late and I felt frustrated and lost.
This won't be a book I keep on my shelf, but it was worth reading for a few excellent stories. (less)
The Willows is an early example of American horror, published in 1907, and cited as a favorite story of H.P. Lovecraft. I don't read much horror, but...moreThe Willows is an early example of American horror, published in 1907, and cited as a favorite story of H.P. Lovecraft. I don't read much horror, but this was selected as an October book club read and a Kindle copy was free on Amazon, so I was game.
To modern tastes, the book has a very slow start. The descriptions are excessive. Blackwood creates a menace in the very atmosphere of a place: a small island in a swampy area off the Danube, where two friends are stranded during a high flood. The two are never named--the companion is simply called "the Swede"--but that doesn't detract from the story at all. Despite the slow start, this novel is still compelling and tense as it builds towards the conclusion. The trees, the wind, the water, the sounds--everything has a terrible, dark sense about it, and yes, it's creepy as all get out. It's not a book to read while you're camping in the wilderness or you'll never be able to sleep.
I found this classic to be highly enjoyable. I zoomed through the last half, anxious to see what would happen. If you're up for a very Halloween-appropriate read that's creepy without any gore, grab this free download from Amazon.(less)
This anthology of 101 stories evokes the nostalgia and triumph of ice hockey, from frozen Canadian pond...moreNot a review, as I can't write an unbiased one.
This anthology of 101 stories evokes the nostalgia and triumph of ice hockey, from frozen Canadian ponds to the devoted parents in the bleachers to the NHL pros; my own story, "Numbers Game," is included on page 317.(less)
I received a free copy of this e-book from the publisher.
I have nostalgic associations with Paul Goble's work from my childhood; I was horse obsessed...moreI received a free copy of this e-book from the publisher.
I have nostalgic associations with Paul Goble's work from my childhood; I was horse obsessed and loved his stories and illustrations. The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses was a particular favorite of mine.
In this collection of short stories for middle-graders, he again captures the mood of sitting by a fire and listening to a master storyteller at work. This book is not long. Indeed, some of the stories are about a page in length. However, there is an immense depth to these tales. As Goble notes, unlike in Aesop's fables, many Plains tribes' stories for children did not state the moral outright. They were intended to make the child think and come up with their own interpretation.
Of course, his illustrations are always a joy. I couldn't help but smile at his horse artwork in particular. I especially liked the inclusion of original native art that he used for inspiration. The foreword notes how Goble respects Native Americans and isn't simply appropriating their stories, but actively striving for accuracy to the oral tradition.
I can appreciate that as an adult, but my inner child enjoyed these creation stories and illustrations as an enlightening sort of escapism. My only regret is that the book was so short.(less)
I can't really provide an unbiased review of this, as I critiqued it from an early stage. It's wonderful to see the novel published by Liquid Silver B...moreI can't really provide an unbiased review of this, as I critiqued it from an early stage. It's wonderful to see the novel published by Liquid Silver Books.
Dy Loveday has created a dark post-apocalyptic Earth still reeling from the advent of magic and ensuing wars. The heroine, Maya, is damaged and brusque, but not in an unlikeable way. This is a romance, and the chemistry between her and Resh builds up to some sizzling scenes near the end. But more than being a paranormal romance, it's about Maya struggling through her addiction to magic and gaining control over her life. In the end, that's a power that gods and demons can't even wrest away. (less)
I received this free Advanced Release Copy through NetGalley. The book is out November 1st.
The Dead of Winter bears the pitch line, "True Grit meets T...moreI received this free Advanced Release Copy through NetGalley. The book is out November 1st.
The Dead of Winter bears the pitch line, "True Grit meets True Blood." That's quite apt. Cora and her husband hunt "spooks"--that is, the undead and other nasty critters that crawl out of hell. There aren't too many willing to take on that job in the late 19th-century pioneer west.
The book's pace and feel is like that of an urban fantasy, but against a very cold, very dark Colorado winter backdrop. The mixture works incredibly well. I read another ARC (Portlandtown by Rob DeBorde) earlier in the year that tried the same blend and pioneer setting, but felt very disjointed, with too many characters and almost too much crammed in; The Dead of Winter didn't suffer from that problem at all. It stays true to its western roots, with that paranormal touch.
As much as I love steampunk, it's good that it's not forced into a book. Sometimes a western should just be a western.
Cora is a tough-as-nails heroine. She's quick on the draw and damn good at her job, but at the same time relies heavily on her husband's wisdom and quiet, supportive presence. She also has a problem with alcohol. There is a major subplot involving her husband--I will take care not to spoil it. I caught hints early on and wondered where it was going. The climax relies heavily on this subplot, and handles it quite effectively. There's a lot of action involved, but the psychological repercussions are beautifully handled. The one thing that took away from this was a bit too much chest-thumping on the part of the villain--you know, the whole, 'I am evil and this is my dark plan for you' speech. But as that was probably the weakest element in the book, it's forgivable.
Well, I take that back--this does rely on a lot of western cliches. For example, the only women shown are Cora and prostitutes, and the word "whore" feels overused. Even if it draws on western cliches, it still feels unique because of the paranormal elements.
The Dead of Winter wasn't one of my very favorite reads of the year, but it's high up there. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book, and well worth seeking out if you love a paranormal western. Also, at the end I was thrilled to find this was a NaNoWriMo book--hooray for NaNo!(less)
I received this gratis e-ARC through the publisher on NetGalley.
I'm very familiar with Elizabeth Bear's work. I have followed her blog for many years,...moreI received this gratis e-ARC through the publisher on NetGalley.
I'm very familiar with Elizabeth Bear's work. I have followed her blog for many years, read several of her books, and a number of her short stories. It turned out that I had already read about 1/3 of the stories in this anthology--but I didn't mind in the least. I connect much more with her shorter work than I do her novels, and it was a joy to re-read her masterful work such as "Tideline," "Shoggoths in Bloom," and "The Girl Who Sang Rose Madder."
I also appreciated that the anthology introduced me to unfamiliar stories. There were three stand-outs that were future-set police mystery stories, relying heavily on new technology and dire economical and environmental constrictions on society. My favorite of these was, "In the House of Aryaman, a Lonely Signal Burns," set in India; if talking, genetically-altered cats were available, you better believe I'd go buy one.
Bear's work is solid. Even if a story didn't grab me, none of the featured works were bad, and all were worth finishing. This is an excellent anthology for those seeking out quality, contemporary speculative short fiction.(less)
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