The God Engines by John Scalzi
AUTHOR INFORMATION: John Scalzi’s debut novel, Old Man’s War, was a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel. His other science fiction novels include Agent to the Stars, The Android’s Dream, The Ghost Brigades, The Last Colony, and Zoe’s Tale. He has also written several non-fiction books, The Sagan Diary novella,
November 12th, 2009. Robert Thompson, Kat Hooper, Terry Weyna and Jason Golomb | John Scalzi | Audio | SFF Reviews | 11 comments |
When my daughter was young and starting to read, she told me she didn’t like chapter books because “the words put pictures in my head.” Likewise, Tim Akers put pictures in my head.
Once in a great while, you get a book that visually plays out on the big screen in your head as you’re reading the words on the page.
Veridon is a city on the banks of a large river that feeds into a massive waterfall,
November 12th, 2009. Sarah Webb (guest)´s rating: 5 | Tim Akers | SFF Reviews | no comments |
I come from a family of bibliophiles. Family dinners inevitably turn into discussions of what everyone is reading. For a bibliophile, there is a special kind of joy that comes from finding a copy of an out of print favorite in a used bookstore, and adding it to your collection. And why do you need multiple copies of the same book? To give to your friends, of course!
I recently tracked down a copy of one of my favorite out of print books, Heroes of Zara Keep by Guy Gregory, a simple YA sword and sorcery novel,
November 12th, 2009. Ruth Arnell | Giveaway!, Thoughtful Thursday | 11 comments |
Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey
Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey is a book I really wanted to like. It has an unusual YA setting — a desert land of red sandstone and small villages; a great premise — a young boy (Kipp) who steals the sack Death uses to collect souls so no more have to die; an exciting, emotional beginning with all but one of Kipp’s family killed in a fire; and a pattern of inserting small folktales into the larger narrative.
November 11th, 2009. Bill Capossere´s rating: 3 | Janet Lee Carey | Children, Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 1 comment |
In Between is a novella by R.A. MacAvoy about Ewen Young, a Chinese-American painter who early in the story is held up by three gangsters — a threat to his uncle who apparently is behind on some gambling debts. Ewen is a fascinating character who seems to have some latent psychic powers… something that becomes more and more apparent as the story develops.
In Between is one of those novellas that feels and reads like a really tightly compressed novel (as opposed to,
November 11th, 2009. Stefan Raets´s rating: 3 | R.A. MacAvoy | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
The third book in Pamela Freeman‘s Castings trilogy is called Full Circle for a reason, as this is the final installment that reunites the characters, wraps up all the plotlines, and resolves the crisis that has been (literally) haunting the sub-created world of the Eleven Domains. It is a satisfying finish, which takes Freeman’s unique premise, ties all loose ends together and manages to be both rewarding and bittersweet.
A thousand years ago, the war-lord Acton and his people invaded the south-lands and established the fiefdoms ruled by various warlords.
November 10th, 2009. Rebecca Fisher´s rating: 4.5 | Pamela Freeman | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier
Sometimes a book comes along just when you need it. Heart’s Blood was like that for me. Between Juliet Marillier’s compelling tale-spinning and an underlying message about love and courage that I really needed to hear, it’s pretty safe to say I was moved deeply by this novel.
At its core, Heart’s Blood is a Beauty and the Beast story. Marillier mixes the classic fairy tale with some of the conventions of Gothic romance,
November 10th, 2009. Kelly Lasiter´s rating: 5 | Juliet Marillier | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 8 comments |
First, congratulations to Rebekah M. who has won our copy of R.A. Salvatore‘s Dame from our last Thoughtful Thursday post, “All I want for Christmas!” In keeping with that holiday theme, I thought it would be nice to give thanks for the new authors we’ve read so far this year that we’re most grateful for and why we appreciate them. For me, the choice that comes to mind is Marjorie Liu, for the vivid imagery and lyricism of her physical descriptions. She gives me something to aspire to.
November 9th, 2009. Stephen B. Frank | Giveaway!, Thoughtful Thursday | 19 comments |
Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk
“All I had wanted was a frickin’ cup of coffee. Couldn’t a girl go downtown without having to deal with undead mutated murderers on the way?”
When that girl is Allie Beckstrom… no. As Magic in the Shadows begins, Allie is hoping for a nice, normal date with her boyfriend Zayvion. Unfortunately, her father’s ghost has taken up residence in her head, and then there’s that grisly crime scene she and Zayvion find on the way to the restaurant…
November 8th, 2009. Kelly Lasiter´s rating: 4 | Devon Monk | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis
In Bitter Night, Diana Pharaoh Francis introduces an unusual urban-fantasy heroine. Max is a Shadowblade, a super-powered warrior bound to serve a witch and her coven. Enslaved against her will, Max has loathed Giselle, her witch, for decades. Yet she finds herself working alongside Giselle, and other unlikely allies, when the Guardians (gods) plan an attack on the human race and threaten to destroy any coven that won’t help them.
What I liked about Bitter Night: First of all,
November 6th, 2009. Kelly Lasiter´s rating: 3 | Diana Pharaoh Francis | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Do it! One of the best things I've read in recent years.
This reminds me. I want to read Addie LaRue.
We’re in total agreement David!
I felt just the same. The prose and character work was excellent. The larger story was unsatisfying, especially compared to…
Hmmm. I think I'll pass.