SF & Fantasy, February 15, 2011
Feb 15, 2011Chadbourn, Mark. The Scar-Crow Men. Pyr: Prometheus. (Swords of Albion, Bk. 2). Feb. 2011. c.408p. ISBN 9781616142544. pap. $16. FANTASY
The Black Death scours 16th-century England, Elizabeth I seems strangely distant from her country’s troubles, and someone is killing the spies who keep information about England’s enemies flowing to the palace. When Will Swyfte, England’s most notorious spy, learns of the death of his friend, the playwright and spy Christopher Marlowe, he vows to pursue the murderer even if the trail leads to the Unseelie Court, the nation’s most dangerous foe. Swyfte’s (The Silver Skull) second adventure not only explores court schemes but also draws a poignant portrait of a man whose plays once rivaled those of Shakespeare and whose literary career ended in a senseless tragedy. VERDICT Meticulous attention to detail and a seamless blend of magic and intrigue make this sequel essential for alternate history aficionados and period history buffs.
Crowther, Peter. By Wizard Oak. Earthling. Feb. 2011. c.208p. ISBN 9780979505485. $40. Horror
Residents of Magellan Bend have vague recollections of a curious, gory little book, though no one can quite put a finger on when or where it was encountered. After Jeremy DePlage wakens suddenly from an eight-year coma on the eve of Halloween, memories of people they had forgotten come rushing back to the townspeople, victims of a strange group of witches. The author of The Longest Single Note brings his gift for spot-on horror and general creepiness to this visceral tale of a town under a horrific spell. VERDICT Fans of graphic horror with a cinematic flow will appreciate this tale of witches and wickedness.
Gresh, Lois H. Blood and Ice. Elder Signs. Feb. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9781934501207. pap. $14.95. FANTASY
Awakened from their long Antarctic sleep, first by the early 20th-century exploratory expeditions to the South Pole and then 100 years later by the settlement of the continent, alien vampire creatures disperse throughout Europe to discover their purpose. Chloe Desmarais, a young Frenchwoman abused by her boorish family, finds respite in the strangely alluring presence of an unearthly man and follows him to a rendezvous that will change her life. The author of numerous popular compendiums (The Science of Superheroes; The Twilight Companion) blends vampire fiction with an sf premise. VERDICT This unusual tale of alien-human contact would translate into an entertaining B-movie but may not be to everyone’s taste.
Herbert, Brian & Kevin J. Anderson. Hellhole. Tor.Mar. 2011. c.544p. ISBN 9780765322692. $25.99. SF
In the distant future, the Constellation controls a core of 20 worlds—the Crown Jewels—and claims dominion over more than 50 peripheral planets in “the Deep Zone.” When General Adolphus challenges the corrupt rule of the dowager Diadem Michella Duchenet, his incorruptible integrity leads to his defeat and exile to the inhospitable world of Hallhome, known popularly as “Hellhole.” However, Adolphus sees his situation not as imprisonment on a deadly world but as an opportunity to plant the seeds of a true revolution. The coauthors of “Legends of Dune” (The Butlerian Jihad; The Machine Crusade; The Battle of Corrin) and other series set in the Dune universe introduce a new trilogy that combines the best of space opera with galactic intrigue and a cast of memorable characters. VERDICT Fans of David Weber’s “Honor Harrington” series and the Star Wars® novels should enjoy a new entry into this popular category.
Ish, Barbara Friend. The Shadow of the Sun. Mercury Retrograde.(Way of the Gods, Vol. 1). Feb. 2011. c.502p. ISBN 9781936427017. pap. $20.95. FANTASY
Once a king in his own right, Ellion brought scandal and death to his family. Swearing never to practice magic again, he sought refuge as a bard in the lands of the Tanaan, creatures of the Fae. When the high king of the Human Realms is assassinated, Ellion discovers that a rogue wizard threatens both humans and Tanaan. Agreeing to act as protector of the Tanaan princess Letitia, Ellion faces dangers that test his vows and draw him ever deeper into the darkness that threatens the world. Ish displays a skill in language and character building that holds promise for future volumes in this series. VERDICT Rooted in a Celtic atmosphere and reminiscent of the works of Patricia Kennealy Morrison and Marion Zimmer Bradley, this fantasy debut deserves a wide readership.
Kent, Jasper. Thirteen Years Later: Russia, 1825. Pyr: Prometheus. Feb. 2011. c.514p. ISBN 9781616142537.pap. $17. FANTASY
Many years after Napoléon’s defeat at Waterloo, Col. Aleksei Ivanovich Danilov continues to act as spy for Tsar Aleksandr I, infiltrating a cabal of officers determined to bring a new government to Russia. As Danilov uncovers more details of the conspiracy, he recognizes signs of infiltration by a group of monstrous creatures who had helped vanquish Napoléon before Danilov destroyed them after he realized their true nature. With a feel for both Russian history and storytelling, Kent (Twelve) continues his alternate history of the Russian Empire, blending fact with dark fantasy that results in an offbeat and gripping vampire tale. VERDICT Capturing the essence of the 19th-century Russian novel, this richly detailed book will appeal to Russophiles as well as fans of vampire fiction.
Lachlan, M.D. Wolfsangel. Pyr: Prometheus. Mar. 2011. c.362p. ISBN 9781616143572. pap. $16. FANTASY
Viking ruler Authun, following a prophecy, steals twin boys from a Saxon village and raises one of them as his heir. When the brothers later meet, heir Vali and berserker-raised Feileg discover that they both have been touched by the curse of the wolf. When the woman they love is taken by raiders, the two search for her, linked in a bond of hate and love. Writing under a pseudonym, mainstream fiction and nonfiction writer Mark Barrowcliffe (The Elfish Gene) recasts the werewolf legend in the trappings of Norse culture and legend. VERDICT This somber series debut echoes the brooding atmosphere of Scandinavian myth and should appeal to a wide readership.
Leicht, Stina. Of Blood and Honey: A Book of the Fae and the Fallen. Night Shade. Feb. 2011. c.297p. ISBN 9781597802130. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
Liam Kelly grows up in the Catholic section of Derry, Northern Ireland, aware that the man who married his mother was not his father, and he hates him for it. What Liam doesn’t know is that his true father is a member of the Fair Folk, who are at war with the Fallen, angels exiled from Heaven who now cause trouble on Earth. As the Troubles of the 1970s escalate, another battle rages behind the scenes and threatens everything Liam loves. Leicht’s debut treats a complicated era with realism and sensitivity while infusing the violence of the times with dark magic and spiritual warfare. VERDICT Featuring strong series potential, this polished urban fantasy will appeal to fans of Charles de Lint and Tanya Huff.
Locke, M.J. Up Against It. Tor. Mar. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780765315151. $25.99. SF
The asteroid colony Phoecia is undergoing a water crisis that Resource Commissioner Jane Navio suspects might be an attempt by the Martian mafia to take over the world. Complicating matters, an AI (artificial intelligence) goes rogue. Locke’s debut, a refreshing blend of hard sf and topical issues, introduces a resilient heroine who faces her challenges with resourcefulness and courage. VERDICT Fans of technically sound sf should enjoy this well-constructed adventure set two centuries from now.
Marmell, Ari. The Warlord’s Legacy. Spectra: Bantam. (Corvis Rebaine, Vol. 2). Feb. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780553807776. $26. FANTASY
Once known as the Terror of the East, the warlord Corvis Rebaine became the world’s savior before quietly slipping back into the anonymity he craved. When a new figure, claiming to be Rebaine, launches a bloody assault on powerful Guild members and aristocrats, Corvis must again reveal himself to prove his innocence—and to save a daughter whose ignorance of her paternity may mean her destruction. With wit and grace, Marmell continues the story of a curiously fascinating antihero. VERDICT The sequel to The Conqueror’s Shadow fills a vital niche in the fantasy adventurer genre, one occupied by the heroes of Michael Moorcock’s Elric Melniboné novels and C.S. Friedman’s “Coldfire Trilogy.”
Rothfuss, Patrick. The Wise Man’s Fear. DAW, dist. by Penguin. (Kingkiller Chronicle: Day Two). Mar. 2011. c.1108p. ISBN 9780756404734. $29.95. FANTASY
The bartender Kvothe continues telling his story to the Chronicler, relating his years as a student of magic at the University, the scandal that forced him to seek his fortune abroad, life in a strictly hierarchical society, a dalliance with a woman of the Fae, and his ongoing search for the mysterious Chandrian, who were responsible for his family’s death. In this sequel to The Name of the Wind, mysteries deepen and the characters grow even more fascinating. VERDICT Reminiscent in scope of Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” series and similar in feel to the narrative tour de force of The Arabian Nights, this masterpiece of storytelling will appeal to lovers of fantasy on a grand scale.
Sniegoski, Thomas E. A Hundred Words for Hate: A Remy Chandler Novel. ROC: NAL. Mar. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780451463777. pap. $14. FANTASY
Boston PI Remy Chandler, otherwise known as the angel Remiel, receives a strange request from a group calling themselves the Sons of Adam. The Garden of Eden, long detached from the world since Adam and Eve’s great sin, is returning, and the Sons need Remy’s help to find the Key to Eden’s Gates. The fourth installment of Sniegoski’s series (A Kiss Before the Apocalypse; Dancing on the Head of a Pin; Where Angels Fear To Tread) takes on cosmic proportions as Chandler seeks to prevent a cataclysmic event that could destroy the world or deliver it to God’s greatest adversary. Chandler is a sympathetic figure, torn between his fierce angelic nature and his adopted human persona. VERDICT Series fans and the growing audience for angelic fiction will gravitate toward this well-written urban fantasy.
Wells, Martha. The Cloud Roads. Night Shade. Mar. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781597802161. pap. $14. FANTASY
For most of his life, Moon has hidden his shape-shifting nature from the human tribe that sheltered him. When his secret is discovered, he is cast out and rescued by another winged shape-shifter who introduces him to a new world and a common foe: the winged, malevolent creatures known as the Fell. Wells (The Death of the Necromancer) has created a new world of dragonlike shape-shifters and human tribes that could serve as the background for future novels in this exotic setting. VERDICT Concise storytelling and believable characters make this a good addition to most fantasy collections.
Wisoker, Leona. Guardians of the Desert. Mercury Retrograde. (Children of the Desert, Bk. 2). Mar. 2011. c.406p. ISBN 9781936427024. pap. $18.95. FANTASY
Having risen to the position of desert lord, the noblewoman Alyea of Peysimun must learn to wield her power wisely in a world where humans must contend with the enigmatic ha’reye, a people more ancient than humanity. Alyea entrusts her political education to Deig of Stass, who struggles to conceal his half-ha’reye blood even as he navigates the intrigues of the human world. Meanwhile, forces are at work to throw a peaceful world into chaos. Wisoker (Secrets of the Sands) captures the feel of desert culture as well as the convoluted politics of human and not-so-human societies. VERDICT Compelling characters and a colorful setting make this a satisfactory multivolume fantasy.
ADDITIONAL SF/FANTASY
Pohl, Frederik. All the Lives He Led. Tor.Apr. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9780765321763. $25.99. SF
When the natural disaster known as “the Yellowstone” destroyed much of the United States in the middle of the 21st century, Brad Sheridan became an indentured servant in Europe to escape his native land and seek a better life. At least that was the plan. In 2079, he is working in Pompeii as tourists flock to the site in commemoration of the 2000th anniversary of the volcanic eruption that destroyed the ancient city. The masses may experience an eruption of another kind if a terrorist plot goes unchecked. VERDICT Pohl, named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America, spins an entertaining futuristic thriller with several thought-provoking threads ranging from the ethics of biotechnology to the fragility of the global economy.—William Baer, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib., Atlanta
Valente, Catherynne M. Deathless. Tor. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780765326300. $24.99. FANTASY
Koschei the Deathless, the dark, magical, and powerful Tsar of Life, has fallen in love. Marya Morevna, a human girl and a daughter of the Russian Revolution, is his chosen bride, and one gray afternoon he steals her away to his land of Buyan. There their relationship blossoms, and through the years the dramas of the world—both Koschei’s world and Marya’s—are reflected in their arguments, their passions, and their love. With poetic language, a tempest of emotion, and the skill of a master storyteller, Valente (The Orphan’s Tales; In the Night Garden; Palimpset) juxtaposes the stripped-down, starved reality of Soviet Russia with luxurious, magical worlds tucked away, out of human sight, before tying them together with the struggles universal to us all—life, death, love, war, hunger, prosperity, and loss. VERDICT This complex and invigorating reimagined piece of Russian folklore by an award-winning author will cast a spell on readers and not let go. For fans of Neil Gaiman, Gregory Maguire, and the like, this is essential.—Leigh Wright, Bridgewater, NJ
