Next SFF Author: Ben Aaronovitch

Month: May 2010

Artemis Fowl: A flashy, funny little explosion of a book

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a fast-paced blend of 21st century technology and ancient fairy magic, written by Irishman Eoin Colfer for young enthusiasts of science-fiction and fantasy. The plot is straightforward: Artemis, a 12-year-old genius and the son of the missing overlord of a criminal dynasty, concocts a scheme to acquire the little golden book of fairy lore and, using its secrets, hold a fairy hostage for an enormous ransom. The only thing is, Colfer’s fairies aren’t delicate little Tinkerbell-types;

Shadowfall: Has its problems, but an engrossing read

Shadowfall by James Clemens

Shadowfall is the start of yet another fantasy series and much of it will sound familiar to fans of the genre. There is a military order of skilled knights with a secret sect, a pantheon of gods, not one but two special swords (not to mention a special dagger), lots of folks with hidden origins, a small band fighting against overwhelming odds, and a quest to undertake to save the world.

Despite the oh-so-familiar trappings, however, and despite some flaws of execution,

May 15th, 2010. Bill Capossere and Greg Hersom´s rating: 4 | James Clemens | SFF Reviews | no comments |

Black Blade Blues: Not your Standard Urban Fantasy Heroine

Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts

Sarah Beauhall, heroine of Black Blade Blues, was a woman after my own heart from the very beginning. Not only is she a lesbian and a blacksmith — traits that set her apart from the Standard Urban Fantasy Heroine — she also attends sci-fi conventions and hangs out with Ren Faire and SCA enthusiasts. This isn’t just a character I’d like to have a beer with. This is a character I feel like I’ve already had a beer with!

May 14th, 2010. Kelly Lasiter´s rating: 4 | J.A. Pitts | SFF Reviews | 2 comments |

The Boneshaker: Original and enjoyable children’s fantasy

The Boneshaker by Kate Milford

Fans of Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes will find lots of echoes in Kate Milford’s debut novel The Boneshaker. It’s a connection that is impossible to avoid, what with the small-town young protagonist facing off against a mysterious carnival filled with creepy workers and an even creepier head showman. But this is no rip-off of Bradbury; nor is it simply a pleasant homage. From the same basic plot trappings Milford has woven her own highly original and enjoyable tale,

Web of the Witch World: Quick fun read + SFF history lesson

Web of the Witch World by Andre Norton

Web of the Witch World continues the story of Simon Tregarth, the modern man who escaped assassination by coming through a gate into the Witch World, and Jaelithe, a witch of Estcarp, as they fight the strange enemy who are invading their land. At the end of the previous novel, the Kolder, who are from a technologically advanced planet, had been defeated by the witchery of Jaelithe and her sisters (and it seems that Simon has some powers, too). Jaelithe gave Simon her name,

Thoughtful Thursday: Egregious Oversight Edition

Quite frequently in our Thoughtful Thursday discussions, I will reference books that I loved, only to discover that we don’t have reviews for them. Such was the case with The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, which many people had referenced. I was so embarrassed that we didn’t have a review for that book that I went and reread it so I could write a review.

We have an amazing staff of reviewers here trying to keep up with the ever increasing tide of new books while trying to back-fill reviews of older books as we have time.

May 13th, 2010. Ruth Arnell | Giveaway!, Thoughtful Thursday | 12 comments |

World Wide Wednesday: Births and Deaths

Phew, it’s good to be back! I do apologise for my unscheduled absence last week and hope that you weren’t too desolate without the usual World Wide Wednesday post to ease you towards the weekend. Despite having two weeks of Interweb-related fun to catch up on, I’m still going to maintain the top 10 posting — will just force me to only bring you the very best of the posts out there!

Just a quick announcement first! I read through the entertaining and witty suggestions as to my absence last week and my winner of the copy of Morpheus Road is Jenni —

May 12th, 2010. Amanda Rutter (guest) | World Wide Wednesday | 3 comments |

Shalador’s Lady: Did Not Finish

Shalador’s Lady by Anne Bishop

Remember how, during my review (above) of The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop I said that if you haven’t read any of the series before now, you should just skip the review? Well, allow me to reiterate that sentiment for Shalador’s Lady. Because trust me, you will have no clue what’s going on here. THE BLACK JEWELS SERIES can usually be summed up much like anime: it’s complicated.

In The Shadow Queen we met Cassidy,

May 12th, 2010. Beth Johnson Sonderby (guest)´s rating: 0.1 | Anne Bishop | SFF Reviews | no comments |

For a Few Demons More: Outright emotional turmoil

For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

For a Few Demons More is the fifth entry in Kim Harrison’s series about Rachel Morgan and the Hollows. I would say that this book is easily the best since book two — the action kicked off literally from page one and there were enough plot twists, complications, heart-pounding sex scenes, arguments, comedy moments, and terror to keep the pages turning at a vigorous pace!

Here Rachel realises that the Focus isn’t quite as securely hidden as she originally thought — she wakes to find herself being possessed by scary mad demon Newt,

May 12th, 2010. Amanda Rutter (guest)´s rating: 4.5 | Kim Harrison | SFF Reviews | no comments |

Living With The Writer: Deborah Beale

Here we are with the second edition of Living With The Writer, a semi-regular feature where I grill the partners of those authors that entertain us with their speculative fiction. My guest today is a very special one: I’d like to introduce Deborah Beale (a name that may well be familiar to some of you), otherwise known as Mrs Tad Williams. Read to the bottom to find out details of some very lovely book giveaways, courtesy of Deborah!

AMANDA: A very warm welcome to you, Deborah, and thanks so much for agreeing to conduct this interview for the readers at FanLit.

May 11th, 2010. Amanda Rutter (guest) | Tad Williams | Author Interviews | 25 comments |

Next SFF Author: Ben Aaronovitch

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