Tales from the Raven

Tuesday was an interesting day.  First there was the news that my story had bombed out on the wotf front.  That took several large gulps to get down, but has since been digested and accepted.
In searching for a submission backdoor I chatted with James Maxey and found that he and authors David Drake, Mark L. [...]

I read the book over our WorldCon trip, and enjoyed it more than I’d really anticipated.  My writing friend, Becca, has had her book compared to Twilight, so I was curious.  I found it a fairly light read, but thought it did well what it aimed to do, which was share a sweet and fresh love [...]

Our library was giving a bunch of books away free, so of course I grabbed a big bag and dug in.  While I’m always on the lookout for new reading material for myself or the kids, I also had an alternative motive–get books that might get me credit on paperback swap!
But amongst my gleanings was a fun [...]

My loving family knows just what I like–books and more books.  Some highlights were the book about China which is stuffed full of photographs and the collection of Traditional Chinese Stories.  The giant book of world maps from throughout history will be a long-time favorite.  Then there were a couple of fantasy novels, a historical book [...]

I’ve been interested in reading Bitterwood for a while now.  I enjoy James Maxey’s blog, and we have mutual friends who’ve recommended Bitterwood.
But I stopped talking about reading it and finally read it because I don’t want to sound like a dweeb if I run into James Maxey at Trinoc this weekend.
So what did I think [...]

My overall take on Jim Baen’s Universe was quite positive.  I think I can safely say that every story had its strong points to think on, and every story engaged me as a reader.  Most the stories went well beyond that feeble praise, however.  I’ll not belabor this point, since I have already reviewed each [...]

The Men in the Mirror, by Steve Ray*
A well-told tale of alternate time travel, this story was engaging and carefully plotted.  I occasionally found the descriptions long-winded, but they were also poetic.  Some nitpics: In the first scene it is clear from the pov character’s reaction to his older self that he’s not met Chuck before, [...]

Gnome Improvement, by Rebecca Lickiss.
Short Review:
This delightful story will have you checking your garden dragon for a slight change in position and going in search of a lawn gnome to purchase.  Winsome and humorous by turns, this story feels like a modern fairy tale or fable in disguise.
Long Reveiw:
While there is very little of actual [...]

Baby Girl, by Jon Skovron
Short Reveiw:
Not your typical ‘to hell and back’ piece, this story was a little slow in the begining, but creative and fun.  Who knew the devil had good parenting advice?
Long Review:
I found this story more intriguing than interesting, if you’ll allow me to split hairs.  The writer approached hell from a [...]

Protection Money, by Wen Spencer
Short Review:
A well fleshed-out world and tough characters bring this story to life.  Gritty by turns yet emotionally touching, I found it a very enjoyable read.
Long Review:
The truth is, I’m trying not to gush.  The depth of the world-creation is very impressive, and the characters will live on in my mind as [...]