All fantasy writers are sociologists, creating societies that contain elements of our own world and exploring the possibilities for change. For most of us, the social and political setting is background for the development of the characters. “Wakeful Wanderer” has it the other way around. The philosophies of the various groups are the main elements […]
“The Quest for the Holy Hummus” by James Allinson
There is a particularly British form of humour that society does better than anyone else, involving equal parts creativity, wit, and just plain silliness. Terry Pratchett and Rowan Atkinson come to mind as the bookends for the spectrum, with Monty Python filling all the gaps. This Quest falls somewhere in the middle, with great creativity, […]
“Falling into Magic” by Elizabeth Pantley
This novel has the standard YA Fantasy plotline of a normal young person who suddenly finds out that she has a very uncommon heritage. As we would expect, that heritage reaches out rather suddenly and dumps her into a magical world. A nice twist to this story is that the magical place she goes is […]
“The Return of the Osprey” by DJ Albrecht
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. […]