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 […]
Archive for the 'The Bookshelf' Category
Christmas Books and Review of Elantris
Published by December 28th, 2007 in Home in the Rookery and The Bookshelf. 0 CommentsBitterwood
Published by August 2nd, 2007 in The Bookshelf and Newsy Bits About Writing and Writers. 7 CommentsI’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 […]
Baen Review: Jon Skovron and Jason D. Whittman
Published by June 29th, 2007 in The Bookshelf. 1 CommentBaby 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 […]
Baen Review: Power of Illusion, by Christopher Anvil
Published by June 26th, 2007 in The Bookshelf. 0 CommentsPower of Illusion, by Christopher Anvil
Short Review:
As a fitting final story to the Sci Fi portion of the zine and a bridge introduction to the fantasy portion, this story draws strongly on the heritage of both genres. With realistic characterization, a good sub-plot, and impressive use of all the senses to create a vivid world, this […]
Baen Review: Barbara J. Ferrenz and Edward M Lerner
Published by June 26th, 2007 in The Bookshelf. 0 CommentsLittle Sips, by Barbara J. Ferrenz
Short Review:
One of those unusual stories which manages to mix fantasy, horror, and humor. Like a carefully made cake, each ingredient must go into the mix at the right time and be the right portion. Barbara has baked this story into a tasty morsel.
Long Review:
The story begins with a charcter thread […]
Baen Review: S. Andrew Swann and Gregory Benford
Published by June 25th, 2007 in The Bookshelf. 0 CommentsA Time to Kill, by S. Andrew Swann
Short Review:
A chilling story that definitely got me thinking. Not a story I’d read or share so much for enjoyment as for discussion, both of the story and its flaws.
Long Review:
An excellent sample of the complexity of human existence and the difficulty in predicting the consequences of any […]
