This book divides itself neatly into two sections, each encompassing a different genre. Sci-Fi This is a standard soft-science Space Opera. No ink is wasted on the physics of space travel such as speed, time or distance, which is fine. Star Trek didn’t do any different. Characters are likeable, sympathetic and more individualistic than the […]
“Neanderthal King” by Matt Ward
Apparently James Cameron had trouble selling the idea of a movie about the Titanic. “Where’s the suspense? We all know that in the end the ship sinks and everybody dies.” Well, this story is about the Neanderthals’ last stand against Homo Sapiens from the POV of the losers. So, if you read this book, I […]
“Soledad in the Desert” by Meredith Sue Willis
The enjoyment of this story is all about a unique style of writing that works. It is the tale of a group of people re-inventing their culture on an alien world, seen through the eyes of one of the children. So, the story starts with simple and childlike writing, which develops as the child matures […]
“Magic” by Mike Russell
I’m not usually in favour of introductions to fiction. I think the first chapter should speak for itself. However, in the case of this novel, I’m going to make an exception. The introduction doesn’t introduce the book; it introduces the narrator. It sets the tone, the writing style, and the personality perfectly. So, don’t skip […]
“Melody of Three” by S. D. Reeves
The element that stands out the most as you begin reading this book is the poetic nature of the writing. Description predominates, both of visuals and of actions, a micro-delineation of the smallest of details. Sometimes to a fault, especially when the author does not back away and show us the bigger picture, either of […]
“Source Mage” by William Stacey
“Source Mage” is a tightly written, fast paced action adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world of declining military resources and increasing magical influence. This writer knows his weapons and his modern battle terminology, and he accomplishes the difficult blend between the mundane and the supernatural and keeps the conflict realistic. It’s a tightrope walk, making […]
“The Cycle of Harm” by M H Snowy
This story starts out as a typical Medieval action fantasy, with stereotypical characters: magician, mute apprentice, legendary hero, berserker warriors. Plenty of magic, violence, and gore. The setting seems simplified, with no extraneous details. Nothing but warriors, victims, and battles. In fact, it all seems so simplified that Montague the Magician begins to get suspicious. […]
“Below the Moon” by Alexis Marie Chute
“Below the Moon” is a modern-day Young Adult Fantasy, a saga of alternate worlds and multiple races with multiple main characters and constantly shifting, incomprehensible magical powers. This is a book of uneven quality, created by a talented but inexperienced artist and writer. Thus it sometimes soars and sometimes crashes. While many readers who are […]
“Thad Saves the Galaxy” by C. T. Fleck
Okaaay, a different subgenre of comedy, I guess. The “Stoner Novel.” It is designed to appeal to people who do a lot of weed and don’t want to know and don’t care about the consequences of their actions in a meaningless world. “Stupid world. Stupid life. Another day in my boring existence.” The saving grace […]
“Cryptofauna” by Patrick Canning
Finally a novel about a video game that doesn’t read like a video game. While loosely based on a game format, this novel has a definite story arc and realistic, developing and wildly charismatic characters. It also has weirdly creative humor reminiscent of “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” which results in such absurdities as traveling […]