Science Fiction/Fantasy, August 15, 2011
Aug 15, 2011| In this Article |
| Debut of the Month |
| Mass Market Paperbacks of Note |
Since my first contact with my grandfather’s paperback copy of Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot and the library’s copy of Andre Norton’s Star Gate, my first choice in reading has been science fiction or fantasy. In 1984, I accepted the job of writing LJ’s SF/Fantasy column. Now, almost 30 years later, I still enjoy the privilege of seeing the new galleys or advance reading copies and assembling each month’s column. Over the years, the column has changed as fantasy has made huge inroads among speculative fiction readers, mass-market originals have given way to more hardcover and trade paperback editions, and the number of sf and fantasy publishers has exploded. New subgenres, such as cyberpunk, steampunk, urban fantasy, and gothic horror, have also been born. My love for these literary genres, however, has remained steadfast. I hope that passion comes through in the reviews and recommendations.
This month features an eclectic group of fantasy titles as beloved authors return to favorite worlds (Melanie Rawn) and established series (Blake Charlton, Susan and Clay Griffith, Gregory Lamberson, and L.E. Modesitt Jr.). Sf also puts in a good showing with novels by Joan Slonczewski and Greg Egan as well as short fiction by master sf editor/writer Gardner Dozois. New authors are the lifeblood of any genre, and this month’s debuts cover the gamut from urban fantasy to medieval crossover. Finally, anthologies and collections represent the continuing popularity of short imaginative fiction, and there are notable new entries in mass-market paperback series. [For an excellent overview of the current sf/fantasy scene, see Neil Hollands’s feature, “SF/Fantasy’s Epic Journey,” on p. 20.—Ed.]
CHECK THESE OUT
Charlton, Blake. Spellbound. Tor. Sept. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780765317285. $24.95. FANTASY
In a world in which the casting of spells is dependent on the caster’s skill with words, the wizard Nicodemus is a pariah, a cacographer who bears a curse that causes him to misspell even the smallest magical casting and whose touch inflicts cancerous growths, preventing him from even the most casual contact with others. Cast out from his school of magic, he seeks a way to defeat the demon who cursed him and to lift his curse—and cure his old teacher’s deadly illness. While the land around him erupts in civil war and old friends have become his enemies, Nicodemus must risk his very soul to convince the woman he loves to trust him to do the right thing. Charlton’s sequel to Spellwright conjures up a world in which words contain real power. Yet his strength lies even more with his characters—in particular, the lexicographically challenged protagonist, who resonates with conviction and integrity. VERDICT A well-written and cleverly presented fantasy with strong characters and surprising plot twists, this saga should appeal to those who enjoyed its predecessor as well as fans of Terry Brooks and L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Egan, Greg. The Clockwork Rocket. Night Shade. (Orthogonal, Bk. 1). 2011. c.344p. ISBN 9781597802277. $24.99. SF
The arrival of a prolonged meteor shower spells danger for Yalda’s world, part of a universe in which time and space are not differentiated and light has no universal speed. Yalda and others who share her view of impending doom conceive a plan to launch a rocket that moves at hyperspeed, fast enough to cancel the effects of time on its voyage and buy time for scientists to discover how to save their world. Egan introduces a fascinating alien species that reproduces through the division (and death) of the mother into two sets of twins. The struggle of the planet’s females to make sense of a life cut short by the act of giving birth weighs heavily on the mind of the story’s central character, yet the discovery of new physics takes precedence over everything else. The characters are fully realized individuals who, though they bear no resemblance to humans, reflect on their place in the universe and the meaning of their lives. VERDICT This trilogy launch by the author of Zendegi and Incandescence is an intellectually stimulating tale (complete with diagrams illustrating an alternate physics) that will appeal to fans of hard science in their sf as well as to Egan’s followers and admirers of Larry Niven and John Scalzi.
Griffith, Clay & Susan Griffith. The Rift Walker. Pyr: Prometheus. (Vampire Empire, Bk. 2). Sept. 2011. c.402p. ISBN 9781616145231. pap. $16. FANTASY
An arranged marriage to the boorish, militaristic Senator Clark of the American Republic proves more than Princess Adele of the Equatorian Empire can stand. As Clark’s plan for victory over the British vampire clan that rules most of the Northern Hemisphere evolves into a genocidal campaign, Adele flees her husband and returns to her true love, the enigmatic Greyfriar. With its steampunk setting, enhanced by the mysteries of geomancy and ley lines, this title advances the Griffiths’ chronicle of an alternate Earth forever changed by the emergence of a clan of vampires bent on conquest. VERDICT Pulp adventure, steampunk, and gothic romance meet in this luscious tale of intrigue and derring-do, the sequel to The Greyfriar.
Johansen, K.V. Blackdog. Pyr: Prometheus. Sept. 2011. c.546p. ISBN 9781616145217. pap. $17. FANTASY
When caravan guard Holla-Sayan comes to the aid of a little girl and her dying dog, he unwittingly becomes the protector of the goddess Attalissa and the vessel for the spirit of her Blackdog guardian. In a world where gods and devils walk the land, a wizard-warrior who was once one of the seven devils and the young goddess find themselves embroiled in a web of necromancy, rebellions, and the inevitable shedding of blood. The author of the YA fantasy “Warlocks of Talverdin” series creates a larger-than-life story of gods and demons at play in the world of humans. Despite their divinity, or lack thereof, Johansen’s characters project believability, and her world is full of rich and vivid detail. VERDICT High fantasy for lovers of mythology and of powerful beings in human form, this adult fantasy debut should appeal to fans of Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” series.
Lamberson, Gregory. Cosmic Forces. Medallion. (Jake Helman Files). Oct. 2011. c.388p. ISBN 9781605424088. pap. $14.95. Horror
Policeman–turned–private investigator Jake Helman goes against his usual policy of avoiding spousal cases to help out the former beauty queen wife of Myron Madigan, the corrupt mayor of New York City. At the same time, as a favor to the wife of a missing former partner, Helman investigates a suspicious cult known as the Dreamers. His trails lead him to a cabal of powerful men who manipulate world affairs—and an encounter with a monster known as the Destroyer of Souls. In between, he must deal with a rebellious teenager, the spirit of his late wife, and his partner, Edgar, now transformed into a raven. This third series installment (Personal Demons; Desperate Souls) pits Helman against both supernatural and criminal adversaries, whom he faces with a tough-as-nails attitude that barely disguises his inner compassion for the victims of the world. VERDICT Two-time Bram Stoker nominee Lamberson has created a hard-boiled hero, gifted with a big heart and sent on intriguingly horrific adventures, who is reminiscent of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden and Glen Cook’s Garrett, P.I.
Lawrence, Mark. Prince of Thorns. Ace: Berkley. (The Broken Empire, Bk. 1). Aug. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780441020324. $25.95. FANTASY
The only survivor of a treacherous ambush that killed his mother and younger brother, Jorg Ancrath learned to survive by his wits and his gifts for combat and leadership. By the time he turned 13, he commanded a group of cold-blooded mercenaries. On his 14th birthday, Jorg decides to return to the castle of his boyhood and reclaim his rightful title as Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath. Lawrence’s debut features a young protagonist with the sensibilities of a man many years older, whose hard life and harder companions lead to a brotherhood based on loyalty and blood. Dark sorcery and fierce combat are the hallmarks of this action-packed tale of revenge and intrigue set in a darkly somber medieval world. VERDICT Strong writing and an unforgettable narrator lend firsthand intimacy to this series opener. The author’s style is reminiscent of Glen Cook’s “Black Company” series and should appeal to readers who enjoy their fantasy tempered by gritty realism and gore.
Lazellari, Edward. Awakenings. Tor. Sept. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780765327871. $24.99. FANTASY
Despite their differences in lifestyle and ethics, both policeman Cal MacDonnell and photographer Seth Raincrest experience the same long-term amnesia and are unable to remember what happened before the last 13 years. When their lives intersect with that of young Daniel Hauer and the mysterious Leilani, both men begin to fill in the blanks in their past—a past that leads them to the world of Aandor and their mission to protect a boy who would be king. Lazellari’s first novel combines crossover fantasy in the style of Charles de Lint and Mercedes Lackey with urban fantasy reminiscent of Jim Butcher in a hard-knocks action tale. VERDICT This series opener promises to satisfy the interests of fans of action-based fantasy in which romance plays a minor but significant role.
Modesitt, L.E., Jr. Scholar: A Novel in the Imager Portfolio. Tor. Nov. 2011. c.576p. ISBN 9780765329554. $27.99. FANTASY
The scholar Quaeryt, friend of young King Bhayar, ruler of Telaryn, accepts a royal mission to journey to the land of Tilbor, conquered by Bhayar’s father ten years earlier, to assess the possibility of reducing the occupation forces. Concealing the fact that he is also an imager, a mage who can create mental images and endow them with material being, Quaeryt weathers pirates and a shipwreck on his journey to Tilbor. Once there, he faces more subtle political dangers as his suspicions grow concerning a conspiracy that could throw Telaryn into chaos. Set in the time before the events of the first book of the “Imager Portfolio” (Imager; Imager’s Challenge; Imager’s Intrigue), Modesitt’s latest addition to his fantasy saga focuses on the complex character of its hero, an unlikely combination of serious scholar and, when need be, ruthless opponent. The author excels in creating worlds that are believable down to the last detail and characters whose vitality expresses itself in actions that have resounding consequences. VERDICT Fans of the author’s “Recluce” novels and the works of Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind, and Raymond E. Feist should enjoy the elaborate world-building and believable characterizations.
Rawn, Melanie. The Diviner. DAW, dist. by Penguin. Aug. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780756406813. $25.95. FANTASY
As the only survivor of the massacre of his entire family by the ambitious Sheyqa Nizzira, Azzad Al-Ma’aliq flees into the desert, vowing vengeance. Finding favor and protection with a tribe of healers and talisman makers, Azzad defers his ambition in favor of a home and material wealth. When he finally strikes back, all seems accomplished—but the repercussions carry down to another generation, to his son Alessid. Rawn’s prequel to 1996’s The Golden Key marks her return to the high fantasy of her “Dragon Prince” (Dragon Prince; The Star Scroll; Sunrunner’s Fire) and “Dragon Star” (Stronghold; The Dragon Token; Skybowl) series. VERDICT The desert setting and Arabian-Bedouin cultural trappings lend an exotic touch to a tale of loyalty, treachery, and love. The author’s large readership as well as lovers of epic fantasy should enjoy this stand-alone prequel.
Slonczewski, Joan. The Highest Frontier. Tor. Sept. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780765329561. $26.99. SF
Born into a politically connected family, Jennifer Ramos Kennedy chooses to attend off-world Frontera College, an institution funded by the media and tribal casinos, where the best and the brightest go to hone their skills as the movers and shakers of the future. Though Jennifer mourns the unexpected death of her twin brother, she determines to make the most of her college experience even when disease-carrying insects and invasive biochemical agents threaten to destroy the college’s delicate ecology. Set on a future Earth that has been environmentally compromised by alien “ultraphytes,” plantlike organisms that can destroy the native flora, this first novel in a decade from a respected author of hard sf (A Door into Ocean; The Children Star) brings out the complexities and anguish of the teen years while portraying a bold community of the future with all its strengths and weaknesses. VERDICT Sf fans of all ages should enjoy this glimpse into a possible future at once disturbing and exciting by a graceful storyteller.
Vinge, Vernor. The Children of the Sky. Tor. Oct. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780312875626. $25.99. SF
It has been ten years since Ravna Bergnsdot brought 150 children to the primitive planet Tines World and, with the assistance of the native species, caninelike creatures with a pack mind, formed the last stronghold of humanity in the galaxy. Residing in the universe’s “slow zone,” in which faster-than-light travel is impossible and technological developments are limited, Ravna hopes to keep her colony safe from the alien Blight, which has already destroyed high-tech worlds. Not all the children brought to safety, however, believe in Ravna’s tale of technology gone wrong or in the existence of the Blight, and their actions might bring about the cataclysmic disaster Ravna and her Tinish partner, Woodcarver, hoped to avoid. In this long-awaited sequel to his Hugo Award–winning A Fire Upon the Deep (1992), Vinge’s unique thinking about time and space remains fresh and exciting two decades later. VERDICT One of the genre’s most accomplished writers and storytellers, Vinge has crafted a tale that should captivate his fans and win for him a larger and well-deserved audience. Libraries should anticipate demand. Highly recommended.
COLLECTIONS & ANTHOLOGIES
Dozois, Gardner. When the Great Days Come. Prime. Sept. 2011. c.360p. ISBN 9781607012788. $24.95. SF
Whether a tale involving the repercussions of an American history that does not include Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox (“Counterfactual”) or a reflection on the past century in the persona of an old man faced with the possibility of recapturing his youth by transferring his consciousness to a machine (“Knight of Ghosts and Shadows”), the 18 stories in this collection span nearly five decades, from 1971 to 2010, and illustrate the author’s breadth of knowledge and storytelling mastery. Known primarily as an editor (The Year’s Best Science Fiction, Vols. 1–28; Nebula Awards Showcase 2006), Dozois is also an author of short stories, novels, and nonfiction. VERDICT These elegant and eclectic stories should delight sf readers of every persuasion.
The Monster’s Corner: Stories Through Inhuman Eyes. Griffin: St. Martin’s. Oct. 2011. c.400p. ed. by Christopher Golden. ISBN 9780312646134. pap. $14.99. Horror
From Kevin J. Anderson’s poignant chronicle of Frankenstein’s monster brought forward to Germany in 1938 (“Torn Stitches, Shattered Glass”) to Simon R. Green’s reenvisioning of Christ’s temptation by Satan (“Jesus and Satan Go Jogging in the Desert”), the 19 stories in this collection, edited by horror writer and editor Golden, are told from the point of view of the monsters rather than the heroes. A rakshasa seeks freedom after 200 years of servitude in Kelly Armstrong’s “Rakshasi,” while the tragedy of a monstrously large man, victim of an experiment gone wrong, plays out to its inevitable conclusion in David Moody’s “Big Man.” VERDICT Contributions from Sharyn McCrumb, Tananarive Due, Heather Graham, and others make this a strong themed anthology that should have general appeal.
ADDITIONAL SF AND FANTASY
Buehlman, Christopher. Those Across the River. Ace: Berkley. Sept. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9780441020676. $24.95. HORROR
College professor–turned–would be author Frank Nichols comes face to face with his past and a violent family secret when he inherits his family’s old estate in the rural Southern town of Whitbrow. Although instructed to sell the house as soon as possible, Frank finds whispered stories of a slave-owning great grandfather who tortured his slaves for sport too compelling not to investigate. With his mistress, Dora, down-on-his-luck Frank moves south with plans to write about his family’s history. After a town decision, influenced by Frank and Dora, to stop sending sacrificial pigs into the woods, strange and deadly things begin to happen. Something living in the woods wants the pigs to be sent and is making it known. When Frank has nothing left to lose, he starts to understand what it will take to overcome the thing in the woods. VERDICT Buehlman delivers a creepy, suspenseful, and well-crafted debut set in post–Depression era South. The action begins early and never lets up. Recommended for horror fans and those willing to be scared enough to want to stay out of the woods!—Amanda Scott, Cambridge Springs P.L., PA
Moorat, A.E. Henry VIII: Wolfman. Pegasus. Aug. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9781605981987. pap. $15.95. FANTASY
Queen Katherine has just given birth to the son of Henry VIII when the wolfen attack, killing the newborn and his wet nurse in mere moments. At first, it seems the greatest injury to the king is his devastated spirit, but in truth, Henry has been infected by the lycanthropic virus. Henry’s advisers are ready to declare war on werewolves when the sweating sickness cripples England and Henry himself is distracted by his new form, as well as the fine form of Anne Boleyn. Will the church, the monarchy, or the wolves win the day? VERDICT Not for the squeamish, this book excels at detailed descriptions of torture, maiming, and killing. The author may have used the proper historical figures, settings, and general time line, but readers interested in understanding the impact of Henry VIII are unlikely to learn much from this story. A fast-paced, dark fantasy novel peppered with plenty of black humor, it will appeal to fans of the author’s Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter or any of the “Quirk Classics” titles.—Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH
Rosen, Lev AC. All Men of Genius. Tor. Oct. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780765327949. $24.99. FANTASY
Scientifically brilliant yet socially awkward 17-year-old Violet Adams aspires to attend Illyria College in London, the preeminent school for scientists in Victorian England seeking to build a better automaton or improve creatures’ genetic potential by splicing their parts across species. Since the school does not admit women, Violet plots with her twin brother, Ashton, to attend under his name. “Ashton” is accepted and quickly comes to the attention of the headmaster, Ernest, the son of the late Duke Illyria, and his ward, Cecily. Violet’s friend Jack is aware of her ruse and her growing feelings for Ernest, while Jack’s own feelings toward Cecily are thwarted by her obsession with Ashton. While Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night inspired the use of Illyria as a setting and the conflicting gender identities, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest inspired the dual identity roles and several character names, Rosen blends his own voice into a steampunk comedy of manners featuring not-so-petty jealousies, killer automatons running amok, genetic tinkering, blackmail, and a final exam involving the Queen. VERDICT This debut literary steampunk novel fits well on the shelf with Gail Carriger’s “Parasol Protectorate” series (Heartless), with broad crossover appeal to fans of sf, historical romance, and young adult fiction.—Melanie C. Duncan, Shurling Lib., Macon, GA
Wilde Stories 2011: The Year’s Best Gay Speculative Fiction. Lethe Pr. Aug. 2011. c.289p. ed. by Steve Berman. ISBN 9781590213032. pap. $18. SF
This is the fourth volume in a series by editor and publisher Berman that pulls together speculative fiction about gay men from the past year in a variety of sf, horror, and fantasy settings. While not all of the authors are gay, and several are women, the focus is on gay men, not queer lit, so there are no lesbian, bi, or transgendered stories. Like many such collections, it is a mixed bag. Standouts include the zombie-in-love story “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Alaya Dawn Johnson, the genre-colliding “Beach Blanket Spaceship” by Sandra McDonald, and the near-novella-length “Mysterium Tremendum” by Laird Barron. Style and tone vary as well, with romantic, scary, humorous, historical, elliptical, and mournful tales. All of the stories have been previously published, but in so many scattered publications that it is a boon have them collected together. Berman has selected a mix of established authors and new hands; readers will be able to find new writers to follow. VERDICT A little something for everyone interested in the world of speculative and gay fiction.—Devon Thomas, DevIndexing, Chelsea, MI
Frohock, Teresa. Miserere: An Autumn Tale. Night Shade. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9781597802895. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
Exiled from the Order of Katharos for abandoning his lover, Rachael, to the torments of Hell in exchange for the soul of his sister Catarina, former exorcist Lucian Negru receives a second chance at salvation when he rescues a child from Earth who wanders through the Crimson Veil into the parallel realm of Woerld. In order to save young Lindsay’s life, however, he must break the compact governing his exile and open a portal into Hell—and that action condemns him to death. Frohock sets her first novel on an alternate Earth, a quasimedieval realm that is aware of the existence of Earth’s technology and that serves as a battleground for the war between Heaven and Hell. With richly developed, complex characters and a talent for portraying the horrific nature of evil, the author relates a compelling tale of faith rediscovered, trust regained, and hope reawakened. VERDICT This exceptional dark historical fantasy debut should particularly appeal to fans of medieval fiction, tales of holy warriors, and fantasies that feature strong women characters. The religious aspects, integral to the story without being overwhelming, should interest readers of faith-based fantasy. Recommended for most libraries.
MASS MARKET PAPERBACKS OF NOTE
Butcher, Shannon K. Blood Hunt. Signet: NAL. (Sentinel Wars). Aug. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780451234292. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
When a young girl named Hope appears out of nowhere, two men want to possess her strange energy. Logan, the Sanguinar demon hunter, needs the power of her blood for his survival, and Krag, the Synestryn noble, wants to use Hope's life force to power his ambitions. Fans of the series and readers who enjoy urban fantasy romance will snatch up this fifth volume (after Living Nightmare).
Cody, Christine. Blood Rules: A Novel of the Bloodlands. Ace: Berkley. Sept. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780441020768. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
When the were-creature Mariah meets Gabriel, the vampire, she attempts to forsake the sins of her past and journeys with Gabriel into a haunted landscape in search of a cure—and Gabriel's love. This sequel to Bloodlands should find fans among followers of Kim Harrison and Patricia Briggs.
Henry, Christina. Black Night: A Black Wings Novel. Ace: Berkley. Aug. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781937007065. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
As Lucifer's granddaughter, Madeline Black is an agent of Death, escorting souls to the afterlife. Caught between warring lovers and charged with a mission to Faerie, Maddy walks a dangerous tightrope. This sequel to Black Wings will attract fans of J.R. Ward's "Fallen Angels" series and Thomas Sniegoski's "Remy Chandler" series.
Vincent, Rachel. Blood Bound. Mira: Harlequin. Sept. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780778312550. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Paranormal tracker Liv Warren can find anyone by following the smell of blood. When a friend's child goes missing, Warren joins the hunt to find the girl before she falls into the hands of the criminal underworld—and worse. The first volume in a new trilogy by the author of the popular "Shifters" series.
