Diving into the Wreck by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Diving into the Wreck is a short but excellent science fiction novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, who has also written extensively in fantasy, mystery and romance, and is the former editor of the prestigious Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.
The main character of Diving into the Wreck (2009), who goes by the name “Boss,” is a specialist in the exploration of derelict space ships. Accompanied by a team of specialists,
January 15th, 2010. Stefan Raets and Kat Hooper´s rating: 4 | Kristine Kathryn Rusch | Audio | SFF Reviews | 1 comment |
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Most people think they’ve read — or at least know — the story of Peter Pan. The figure of the boy who refuses to grow up has become so infused in Western culture that he’s taken on a life beyond his literary beginnings, starring in countless theatrical productions, movies, television series, prequels and sequels, his image used in merchandise (everything from records to peanut butter), and on several famous statues around the world (the most famous being the one in Kensington Gardens) and even providing the namesake behind a psychological condition (we’ve all heard of people with a “Peter Pan syndrome,” referring to those who refuse to accept the responsibilities of adult life).
January 14th, 2010. Rebecca Fisher and Kat Hooper´s rating: 5 | J.M. Barrie | Children | SFF Reviews | no comments |
The Crown Rose by Fiona Avery
Fiona Avery’s The Crown Rose is a historical fantasy — it places real historical figures in a real historical setting but it includes fantastic elements (magic, sorcery, etc.). In this novel, we follow the story of Princess Isabelle, Queen Mother Blanche, King Louis, Prince Robert, and Prince Charles in 13th century France. The royals are protected and advised by the Order of the Rose, a mysterious trio of women with supernatural powers and unknown origins.
Ms Avery’s “good” characters are charming and her premise is interesting.
January 13th, 2010. Kat Hooper´s rating: 2 | Fiona Avery | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
The Harlequin’s Dance by Tom Arden
I got 67 pages (eight chapters) into Tom Arden‘s The Harlequin’s Dance (1997), and even those 67 pages were a struggle.
In fact, I started and stopped the book a few times before finally giving up. I’m a little disappointed, because it seems like there’s potential here. Characterization is thorough, there are some promising villains, and some subtle humor — all things that I appreciate.
And Tom Arden is a fine enough writer,
January 12th, 2010. Kat Hooper´s rating: 0.1 | Tom Arden | SFF Reviews | 3 comments |
Killing with the Edge of the Moon by A.A. Attanasio
At 151 pages, Killing with the Edge of the Moon is an evening’s read, but what an enchanted evening it is!
I think A.A. Attanasio intended Killing with the Edge of the Moon as a young adult novel, though I’m not absolutely certain of that. If you’re a parent, though, there’s nothing in here that’s inappropriate for your teen. Despite the cover copy’s mention of the “erotic Otherworld,” all sexual content is of the briefly-implied sort.
January 10th, 2010. Kelly Lasiter and Kat Hooper´s rating: 4 | A.A. Attanasio | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene is tired of embroidery, etiquette, dancing, and protocol classes. She wants to take Latin, fencing, magic, and cooking lessons instead. But, that’s just “not done.” Princesses are supposed to be beautiful, submissive and, preferably, in distress. They’re supposed to wait for a handsome prince to rescue them.
Not Cimorene. To avoid a betrothal to a handsome and charming (but not particularly bright) prince, she runs away to become housekeeper for a dragon. As a dragon’s princess, Cimorene gets the freedom to cook and clean and to organize libraries and treasure rooms.
January 5th, 2010. Kat Hooper´s rating: 5 | Patricia C. Wrede | Audio, Young Adult | SFF Reviews | 3 comments |
Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie is the new master of dark, gritty, realistic fantasy, and Best Served Cold might well be the masterpiece that represents that subgenre. Monza Murcatto is a renowned and very successful mercenary … or was until she was stabbed, beaten, and thrown from a mountainside by her employer. Monza wants revenge, so she contracts a party of unsavory characters to aid her. Monza’s story goes from dark to black to “a wet match in the bottom of a dark cave” — everyone suffers,
December 24th, 2009. Justin Blazier, Greg Hersom, Kat Hooper and Terry Weyna´s rating: 5 | Joe Abercrombie | SFF Reviews | 15 comments |
To Ride Hell’s Chasm by Janny Wurts
At the start of To Ride Hell’s Chasm, an outstanding standalone fantasy by Janny Wurts, Princess Anja of the tiny isolated kingdom of Sessalie has gone missing on the eve of the ceremony for her betrothal to the Crown Prince of Devall. Since Anja is beloved by her people, and the alliance with Devall represents potentially big trade increases, it doesn’t take long for many people to be involved in the search, from Mykkael, a foreign-born former mercenary now in charge of the city’s garrison,
December 22nd, 2009. Stefan Raets, Greg Hersom and Kat Hooper´s rating: 5 | Janny Wurts | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Morrigan’s Cross by Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts (aka J.D. Robb), as you probably know, is a prolific award-winning (and best-selling) author of romance novels. Not being a romance novel reader, I had never before read any of her work. But, when I found that I could freely download her fantasy trilogy (The Circle) from my public library’s website, I decided to give it a try.
First, let me say that authors don’t get to be award-winning best-sellers for writing poorly, so I’m perfectly willing to believe that Nora Roberts is an excellent romance writer and,
December 22nd, 2009. Kat Hooper´s rating: 1 | Nora Roberts | Audio | SFF Reviews | 1 comment |
Deryni Rising by Katherine Kurtz
Katherine Kurtz is truly a mistress of fantasy — she’s been writing high epic fantasy for 40 years and should be considered one of the post-Tolkien “parents” of our genre.
The setting of the Deryni saga is an alternate medieval Europe (clearly analogous to our medieval England and Wales) and the Deryni are a magical race who look just like, and can interbreed with, humans. They have been persecuted for years by the Church (clearly meant to be our medieval Catholic church) and most people with Deryni blood choose to hide and/or deny their lineage and magical powers.
December 20th, 2009. Kat Hooper´s rating: 3.5 | Katherine Kurtz | SFF Reviews | no comments |
COMMENT Was I hinting that? I wasn't aware of it. But now that you mention it.... 🤔
So it sounds like you're hinting Fox may have had three or so different incomplete stories that he stitched together,…
It's hardly a private conversation, Becky. You're welcome to add your 2 cents anytime!
If the state of the arts puzzles you, and you wonder why so many novels are "retellings" and formulaic rework,…
I picked my copy up last week and I can't wait to finish my current book and get started! I…