SF/FANTASY, April 15, 2011
Apr 15, 2011Abraham, Daniel. The Dragon’s Path. Orbit: Hachette. (Dagger and the Coin, Bk. 1). Apr. 2011. c.592p. ISBN 9780316080682. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
Soldier-turned-mercenary Marcus wants no part of the war looming between the Free Cities and the Severed Throne, so he enlists a group of traveling players to act the part of guards in a caravan leaving a city in the danger zone. Cithrin, heir to a banking house, joins the caravan to move the bank’s holdings to a safe place. They cross paths with Geder, a scholar-soldier whose interest in philosophy and disinterest in the ways of war mark him as expendable in the political and military game of nations. This complex and carefully orchestrated tale by the author of “The Long Price Quartet” (A Shadow in Summer; A Betrayal in Winter; An Autumn War; The Price of Spring) never takes the easy path of good versus evil; the characters embody both moral strengths and weaknesses, and this gives them depth and solid grounding in their world. VERDICT Readers who enjoy intricate plots and true-to-life characters will appreciate this fantasy series opener.
Anderson, Kevin J. The Key to Creation. Orbit: Hachette. (Terra Incognita, Bk. 3). Jun. 2011. c.672p. ISBN 9780316004237. pap. $15.99. FANTASY
The war between Tierra and Uraba escalates, as the flames of religious fervor feed hatred and violence on both sides. Saan, the son of the solden-shah of Uraba, sails to a new continent in search of the Key to Creation, a legendary item that may give Uraba the power to defeat its enemy. Also traveling to this land is Tierran captain Cristan Vora, who seeks vengeance for the loss of his wife on a previous voyage. In this third series outing (after The Edge of the World and The Map of All Things), the author of “The Saga of Seven Suns” series applies his storytelling expertise to a fantasy of jihad and exploration, where sea monsters threaten ships and armies fight to defend their faith. VERDICT Many story lines converge to carry this fantasy saga forward. Series followers and fans of the author will enjoy the newest developments in this tale of war and discovery. —Bakker, R. Scott.
Bakker, R. Scott. The White Luck Warrior. Overlook, dist. by Penguin. (The Aspect-Emperor, Bk. 2). May 2011. c.608p. ISBN 9781590204641. $25.95. FANTASY
Anasûrimbor Kelhus, the Aspect-Emperor, leads the Great Ordeal, an army of troops and hostage-kings, into the unknown wastes of the Ancient North while at home his queen, Esmenet, struggles with internal strife. An expedition to the ruins of Sauglish, in search of a lost city, brings Esmenet’s daughter, Mimara, into possession of The Judging Eye, which allows her to see the good or evil in a person. Finally, the White Luck Warrior appears, a figure who is assassin as well as savior. The second volume in Bakker’s series (The Judging Eye) brings more complications to an already complex tale of ambition, prophecy, love, and betrayal. VERDICT The author of “The Prince of Nothing” series (The Darkness That Comes Before; The Warrior-Prophet; The Thousandfold Thought) understands the art of crafting fantasy epics spiced with exotic trappings and should attract fans of epic fantasy.
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year. Vol. 5. Night Shade. Apr. 2011. c.546p. ed. by Jonathan Strahan. ISBN 9781597801720. pap. $19.99. SF
A surreal, postapocalyptic tale of a poet and his bear companion by Finnish author Hannu Rajaniemi (“Elegy for a Young Elk”) kicks off this collection of 29 stories published in 2010, most of them in periodicals, that showcases the variety and depth of short sf and fantasy by current authors. Including contributions by Holly Black (“The Aarne-Thompson Classification Revue”), Ellen Kushner (“The Man with the Knives”), Bruce Sterling (“The Exterminator’s Want-Ad”), and other veterans and newcomers, this series continues to embody a tradition of solid short fiction. VERDICT A good introduction to the genre for new readers and a welcome compilation for longtime fans.
Bradshaw, Gillian. The Kingdom of Summer. Sourcebooks Landmark. (Down the Long Way, Bk. 2). May 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781402240720. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
When Sir Gwalchmai ap Lot, known in legends as Sir Gawain, accepts the hospitality of a farmer’s family, young Rhys ap Sion, the farmer’s son, asks to travel back to Camlann as Gwalchmai’s servant. In this fashion, the young man links his fortune with one of Arthur’s most honorable knights and learns of the dark deed that cost his new master the woman he loved and discovers the darkness at the center of Gwalchmai’s family. The second novel in Bradshaw’s trilogy chronicling the life of Gawain from the point of view of a perceptive and resourceful commoner presents a believable portrait of a man driven by honor and bound by the laws of his time. VERDICT This sequel to Hawk of May, like its predecessor, returns to publication after 30 years to attract a new audience to the Arthurian cycle through the life of one of Camelot’s most memorable knights.
Brust, Steven. Tiassa. Tor. (Vlad Taltos). Apr. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780765312099. $24.99. FANTASY
Formerly a highly skilled assassin and racketeer for House Jhereg, the long-lived Vlad Taltos (Iorich), changed by circumstances, now flees the House he once served and immerses himself in the political and social machinations of the noble and powerful. When he comes across an artifact, a silver figurine known as a tiassa, the delicate object will play a significant part in his life—as the center for an elaborate sting operation, a tool for the Empire to use against its enemies, and as a lure to trap Taltos. The dialog-driven story features witty conversational exchanges that push Brust’s plot to its usually surprising conclusion. VERDICT Series fans will anticipate this new chapter in Taltos’s life, and new readers may want more.
Corey, James S. A. Leviathan Wakes. Orbit: Hachette. (The Expanse, Bk. 1). Jun. 2011. c.512p. ISBN 9780316129084. pap. $15.99. SF
In the far future, a delicate balance exists among the Belters who work the rigs and haulers that mine the Asteroid Belt for precious water resources, the Earthers who try to maintain control of a solar system slipping from their grasp, and the Mars Navy, which seeks an independent Mars. When an ice hauler uncovers evidence of an apparent attack by the Mars Navy and a police detective on the Ceres Space Station is assigned a dead-end kidnapping case, the subsequent incidents spark an intergalactic crisis that threatens to exterminate the human species. Writing as Corey, coauthors Daniel Abraham (see above review of The Dragon’s Path) and Ty Franck successfully blend top-notch space opera with noir detective fiction in an original tale that features a compelling plot and achingly believable characters. VERDICT Fans of large canvas space opera in the tradition of David Weber’s Honor Harrington novels as well as readers who enjoy fast-paced hard sf with a dash of noir should relish this remarkable series opener, a standout addition to any collection.
Englehart, Steve. The Plain Man. Tor. Jun. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780765324993. $24.99. FANTASY
The ageless Max August, sorcerer and alchemist, and his student and lover, Pam Blackwell, attend Wickr, a yearly Southwestern festival similar to Burning Man, in order to strike a blow against the FRC, a right-wing cabal that has gained control of America and its media. As Max and Pam seek to penetrate the secrets of the Necklace, the FRC’s controlling power, by spying on two FRC members attending the festival in disguise, they learn of a plot to rescue the oil industry through a nuclear incident. August’s third outing (The Point Man; The Long Man) features snappy dialog, a distinctly liberal bias, and a genuine grasp of rapid-fire storytelling. VERDICT Series fans and followers of Jim Butcher’s “Dresden Files” series and other urban fantasy detective stories should enjoy Englehart’s latest offering.
Fallon, Jennifer. The Chaos Crystal. Tor. (The Tide Lords, Bk. 4). May 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780765316851. $27.99. FANTASY
With the return of the magical Tide, the immortal Tide Lords find their powers peaking and their rivalries reaching a flash point. Rumors abound that the Chaos Crystal, an artifact brought to the world of Amyrantha by the Tide Lords when they first arrived millennia ago, has been found—and, with it, the ability to grant the quarreling lords their every wish. While one lord wishes to bring about his own death, another wants to restore the woman he has loved for centuries. But the use of the Crystal, which can open a rift to another world, may mean the destruction of Amyrantha. The conclusion of Fallon’s four-volume saga (The Immortal Prince; The Gods of Amyrantha; The Palace of Impossible Dreams) resolves the various story lines in a surprising and unexpected way, leaving few loose ends and a high body count. VERDICT Series followers and fans of the author should enjoy this grand finale.
Kratman, Tom. The Amazon Legion. Baen, dist. by S. & S. Apr. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9781439134269. $24. SF
The powerful Tauran Union controls the Transitway between Terra Nova and Earth, while above the independent planet of Balboa, the United Earth Peace Fleet, armed with nuclear weapons, keeps watch. Massively outnumbered by the occupying Tauran forces, the Balboans enlist everyone to fight for freedom—and their strongest and fiercest force is a unit of women soldiers, the Amazon Regiment. Through the voice of one young soldier, who has left her child in the care of an older woman to take up arms, Kratman (A Desert Called Peace; Carnifex; The Lotus Eaters) continues his tales of interplanetary warfare with an excruciatingly visceral story of bravery and sacrifice. VERDICT Series followers and fans of the military sf of John Ringo and David Weber should enjoy this sf action adventure.
Newton, Mark Charan. City of Ruin. Spectra: Bantam. (Legends of the Red Sun, Vol. 2). Jun. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780345520883. pap. $16. FANTASY
A member of the city of Villiren’s Night Guard goes missing under mysterious circumstances, the last in a series of disappearances, and Commander Brynd Lathraea seeks the help of newly arrived Investigator Rumex Jeryd to track down what appears to be a serial killer. Villiren’s streets are rife with gang warfare as human and hybrid creatures fight a never-ending turf war and unknown dangers lurk in the shadows. Following in the dark urban style of China Miéville, Neil Gaiman, and Richard K. Morgan, this sequel to Nights of Villjamur again focuses on a city in trouble and the individuals who fight an uphill battle against chaos and darkness. VERDICT Strong storytelling, vivid cityscapes, and admirably flawed characters make this a solid addition to noir fantasy.
Ruiz, K. M. Mind Storm: A Strykers Syndicate Novel. Thomas Dunne: St. Martin ’s.May 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780312673178. $24.99. SF
Nuclear war has nearly wiped out Earth’s population, leaving survivors 200 years later to eke out an existence in a severely depleted world. The birth of psions, genetic mutants with extraordinary powers such as telekinesis and telepathy, has led to their virtual enslavement by powerful syndicates and the human government. When electrokinetic psion Threnody Corwin survives a suicide mission and discovers an enclave of rogue psions, she also uncovers a sinister plan in pursuit of a genetically pure human race. Ruiz’s debut novel, the first in a series, delivers a highly charged story line and well-rounded characters. VERDICT Powerful storytelling and a suspenseful plot make this a strong choice for most sf collections.
Sawyer, Robert J. WWW: Wonder. Ace: Berkley. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780441019762. $25.95. SF
The spontaneous awakening of Webmind, an artificial consciousness that pervades all of cyberspace, causes consternation among government officials, who seek help from known hackers to bring the construct down. Webmind, however, has other ideas, fueled by its own desire to survive, its knowledge of current technology and social networking, and its friendship with Caitlin Decter, a once-blind teenage math genius now able to see through the auspices of her AI friend. The third volume in Sawyer’s trilogy (WWW: Wake; WWW: Watch) is a thought-provoking and often humorous look at future technology, calculating both its advantages and its disadvantages with regard to the human response. VERDICT Entertaining and insightful, with pokes at social media and a clear look at many sides of a timely issue, this story should attract technophiles and general sf fans alike.
Scalzi, John. Fuzzy Nation. Tor. May 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780765328540. $24.99. SF
As an independent contractor working for ZaraCorp’s mining enterprises on the planet Zarathustra, loner Jack Holloway accidentally collapses a rock shelf and discovers an immensely valuable vein of sunstones that place him in a unique position with regard to his bosses. Unfortunately, Holloway also discovers the presence of a heretofore unknown mammalian species, a terminally cute furry biped that almost meets the criteria of sentience and could bring all resource mining to a crashing halt. The author of Old Man’s War pays homage to H. Beam Piper’s classic 1962 Little Fuzzy in a tale of one man’s reluctant battle to save a species. VERDICT Scalzi readers as well as Piper fans should enjoy this modern throwback to sf’s early years.
SF & FANTASY IN BRIEF
Banks, L.A. Surrender the Dark. Pocket Bks: S. & S. Apr. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781451607789. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Haunted by nightmares and diagnosed as a schizophrenic, Celeste Jackson has bounced from group homes to halfway houses in search of peace. Her life changes when she meets Azrael, a fallen angel who introduces her to her powers and awakens something in her that seeks to help her protector free himself. VERDICT Fallen angels figure largely in current urban fantasy, and this new series is a welcome addition to the fold.
Hearne, Kevin. Hounded. Del Rey: Ballantine. (The Iron Druid Chronicles). May 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780345522474. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Though he looks 21, druid Atticus O’Sullivan measures his life in centuries rather than years and hides his true calling under a wealth of tattoos and a modern identity. His disguise, however, is not enough to protect him from a vengeful Celtic god and members of the ancient Fae. Hearne’s first novel introduces a strong modern hero with a long history and the wit to survive in the 21st century. VERDICT A snappy narrative voice makes this series opener a savvy urban fantasy adventure that should appeal to fans of Celtic and other mythologies.
Hulick, Douglas. Among Thieves: A Tale of the Kin. ROC: NAL. Apr. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780451463906. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
As a member of the Kin, Drothe works for his crime lord boss while entertaining a side business smuggling relics—until he discovers the existence of a particular relic, a book that could spell disaster for the powers that be, whether emperor or criminal overlord. Hulick’s debut novel does for the city of Ildrecca what the “Thieves’ World” anthologies did for the city of Sanctuary. VERDICT A dark, gritty fantasy for fans of the “Thieves’ World” novels and Glen Cook’s “Garrett, P.I.” series.
Koch, Gini. Alien in the Family. DAW, dist. by Penguin. Apr. 2011. c.480p. ISBN 9780756406684. pap. $7.99. SF
Marketing manager Kitty Katt (Touched by an Alien; Alien Tango) is set to marry the alien of her dreams, Alpha Centaurian Jeff Martini, until she discovers he is about to become Emperor of his home planet—and she is not precisely the girl his parents want as empress-to-be. The intrusion of Amazonian terrorists from outer space adds more trouble to an already tense family situation. VERDICT Aliens, danger, and romance make this a fast-paced, wittily written sf romantic comedy.
