Anthologies |
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Werehunter by Mercedes Lackey: This collection of short sci-fi & fantasy stories is one of her finest to date. Much better than Fiddler Girl, her previous short story collection. I especially enjoyed her "S Kitty" stories, (cat lovers will definitely recognize a kindred spirit). Some authors have a problem writing as effectively in a short format as they do in novel size (most noticeably Stephen King!) but she carries it off & still manages to have great character development. |
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Chicks 'N' Chained Males edited by Esher Friesner: The third in the chicks in chainmail series. Hilarious, comedic anthology. I highly recommend all three. A great read from all the authors included. Not just for a feminist audience, good for any adult w/well developed sense of humor. Beware however, some of the stories are overflowing w/puns! |
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What Ho' Magic by Tanya Huff: Another of my favorite authors, she is a superb writer. This is a collection of science fiction, fantasy and a few horror thrown in for spice. A great read, a lot of different styles all by the same fantastic writer. At $16 it is a bit expensive for a softcover. Fun to read in your local bookstore/cafe, though.
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Best Camping Book of All Time: |
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Camping & Wilderness Survival by Paul Tawrell:This book is great for a beginner or an experienced camper/hiker. It even has a water-resistant heavy-duty cover for taking it outdoors. A must for any traveler who likes to wander off the beaten track. |
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Fantasy Books |
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Diplomacy of Wolves by Holly Lisle: The first of a trilogy. A good story, interesting premise of a werewolf diplomat in a semi-feudal, magical land. The mythology is well developed, but it is a bit light on character development and I hate the cliff hanger ending, and forced wait for the next book. Speaking of which, I just got the news that the second book is due out any day now. I'll be sure and review it as soon as it comes out. |
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The Dark Sleep by P. N. Elrod: The latest in a long running series. Excellent vampire series set in the 40's and 50's. The vampire hero is an ex-reporter, current part-time private investigator and sometime writer who has run ins with various mob bosses. It helps to have read the previous stories as she refers to happenings in other books often. Still a very good piece of fluff and an enjoyable read. The books in this series are very thin and easily read in your nearest bookstore/cafe while enjoying your favorite hot beverage. |
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Dragon's Shadow by Barbara Hambly: This book is the long awaited sequel to Dragonsbane. Dragonsbane was a phenomenal book, but this one falls a little flat. In the first book the heroine and 2nd rate witch, Jenny saves the life of a black dragon and gains dragon magic. The dragon gains awareness of human emotions and falls in love with her. He says that he can help her turn into a dragon and that instead of trying to do magic she would be magic. The story is further complicated by the fact that she has a husband and two children. The husband she saves from the dragon and vice a versa. Who does she pick read the book, it's worth it. Unfortunately, the second book takes up where the other left off, but adds in some hokey other worldly demons and some pretty boring, long travel scenes. Also the heroine is a lot less sympathetic in this one. If you read the first and are really curious to see how it later turns out read the second, if not resist the impulse to read it. Definitely not worth the hardcover price! |
Science Fiction |
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Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks: Yes even I succumb to Star Wars mania. Darth Maul is my favorite cover. The book adds a lot of detail that is missing from the movie. A lot more is explained and though lacking the special effects the story is well able to stand on it's own...if you have any interest in the Star Wars universe. Yes I know it is kind of campy, but Terry Brooks of Sword and Shannarah fame is a fantastic writer and he has fun with it. Definitely worth a look even if you aren't a die hard fan. |
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Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb: The newest in a long line of Death novels by J.D. Robb (who also writes romance under the name Nora Roberts). These are definitely not romance. These detective stories have blood, violence and suspense with a little love interest thrown in on the side. Taking place in a futuristic New York City, where crime is still rampant, except now it's lazers instead of bullets. I really enjoy these stories because they defy attempts to place them in one category. The earlier ones are better, but have less sex. I think she is starting to run dry of ideas and has been doing formula writing for the last few books. This one however is a little fresher and livelier. It still doesn't compete with the first three, but it's up there. If you like the character, Eve Dallas you'll like this book. |