A Meeting At Corvallis By S.M. Stirling

There is little change in A Meeting at Corvallis. Technology is still being suppressed by some unknown force. Beliefs and will seem to be gaining strength and becoming more real. The Protector’s

consistent enmity leads to war. Rudy and Mathilda’s relationship continues to grow. War, death and destruction with a peak of light at the end of the tunnel highlights the book.

I really enjoyed the characterization of Mike Havel’s nobility. The Rangers and their Tolkien fascination is both amusing and understandable. I thought the Stockholm syndrome in regards to those

forced to live under the Association’s rule was a bit overdone. I did like the flashes of humanity seen in some of the staunches villains and I lamented over the closing act.

I recommend the book. I think Stirling has done a masterful job with this post apocalypse series.

Body of work of S. M. Stirling

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The Sword of the Lady by S. M. Stirling

I’m beginning to think it is the never ending story. Don’t get me wrong, I love the books but I’m careless about checking the author’s site to determine if this book is finally the culmination of the story. Through trials and tribulations Rudi Mackenzie finally claims his legacy in Nantucket. Along the way, Rudi’s personality and charisma have earned him allies to armor against his implacable foes.

Once again I have to admire the way Stirling stirs the soul. He creates likeable characters and despicably depraved villains. I normally read three or four books simultaneously probably due to my limited attention span. I find it nearly impossible to put down one of Stirling’s books once I start it. My only beef is that the time between books is painful. I want to read more. Once again the book intersperses intense action with in depth human interaction leavened with philosophic pondering.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of S. M. Stirling

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The Scourge of God by S. M. Stiriling

The gods have tasked Rudi Mackenzie with a task. He must claim a sword across the country in Nantucket and return home. He and his companions set out across a hostile countryside, facing wasteland lands and the fanatic cutters.

Stirling stirs the soul. I find his writing captivating and enthralling. His hero’s embody both realism and astounding strength of character. The modesty and self depreciation of Rudi is contrasted with the self centeredness of Odard. Even Odard appears to be coming less odious. Ingolf is battling his personal demons and still manages to maintain his self respect and personal restraint when faced with the tantalizing Mary. Heroism does not escape unscathed. Stirling does not hesitate to kill off characters or maim them to further the story line. Considering I am generally reading at least three books simultaneously, Stirling is able to enthrall me to the point of charging through his work. Not many authors do that to me. This is the second of an excellent saga of the Change a post-apocalypse society. (or 5 of a continuing story) This book gives some incite as to what caused the fall of society as we know it.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of S. M. Stirling

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Beach City Indigo by Ruth Francisco

This is literature that has gone to the dogs. Oddly enough that is a good thing. This is a cute story about land development running amuck, political chicanery and man’s best friend. Find out what happens when a crooked politician runs into a stout hearted dog.

Ms. Francisco portrays dog and man living in harmony until disrupted by cruelty and greed. Although it had shades of Cruella De Vil meets Lady and the Tramp, Ms. Francisco creates her own solid but quirky characters. Kids will enjoy this as well as the die hard dog lovers. The story shows how cooperation and good will can overcome greed and avarice. Colorful and entertaining, I can only hope this gets published on paper as well as the Kindle. Kids will enjoy curling up with it.
I recommend the book.

Body of work of Ruth Francisco

The Protector’s War by S. M. Stiriling

The Mackenzie’s and the Bear Killers become more proactive in this book. Instead of waiting for the Protector to bring the war to them they do a little reaching out and touching someone themselves. The Lorings, a British family, is added to the mix insuring that we are brought up to speed on other parts of the world. Rudi shows signs of being a mystic and Juniper’s religion seems to become far more real.

I liked the introduction of the Lorings due to the appeal of the characters. It seems like there should have been an easier way to introduce a love element to Juniper’s life. The friction between Mike and Signe over Rudi seems very realistic. This book plodded rather than galloped like the first book. That isn’t as big a criticism as it sounds. There seemed to be a stronger attempt at more floral descriptions, detailing the environment than in the first book. This is still an excellent saga of post-apocalypse societ.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of S. M. Stirling

Review: http://www.sfreviews.net/protectwar.html

Web Site: http://www.smstirling.com/

Dies The Fire by S. M. Stiriling

Mike Havel thought his life was over when the all the gauges and engines stopped on his two engine puddle jumper. Little did he know that is was merely the beginning of a post apocalypse saga. The world has changed and those in it must adapt. Some turn to good and the others to evil. This story documents the rise of three distinct new world societies, led by one who fantasizes his role as the evil overlord, one who carries her Wiccan principles into the new age and one who is thrust into the role of warlord.

Stirling does master character development. You learn to love or hate his characterizations. He pains a grimly real portrayal of what desperation can drive otherwise normal people into doing. He also shows the fine line between civilization as we know it and chaos. This has an excellent story line with clear plot development that doesn’t telegraph the next move. Stirling frequently portrays the dark side of humanity and forces you to ponder uncomfortable scenarios.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of S. M. Stirling

Review: http://www.scifidimensions.com/Feb05/diesthefire.htm

Web Site: http://www.smstirling.com/

Out at Night by Susan Arnout Smith

This is the second book in the Grace Descanso series. Grace is a CSI technician which is not initially clear but becomes more so as the book progresses. The plot could be pulled out of national headlines. The detective work surrounds an agricultural conference focusing on gene altered food.

Frankenfood has moved into the common vernacular. Fear surrounding gene altered food and the possible environmental impact provides the motivation for the plot. The book is the second in a series and I feel a brief recap would have help ground the story. The book starts with a heinous crime and then jumps to a paranoid’s idyllic vacation. It is a good story but more initial background on what makes Grace tick would have been nice. The story sometimes is hard to follow but it is a solid mystery.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Susan Arnout Smith

Review:http://www.sfreviews.net/protectwar.html

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Persona Non Grata by Ruth Downie

An officer in the Roman army, stationed in Britain, receives an urgent summons home. He finagles a questionable medical leave and returns to Italy with his “barbarian” girl friend. Once home he discovers that very little is clear and things have changed for the worse while he was away.

The main characters are quite clearly portrayed. I think some of the more minor characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. I found my mouth dry in the description of the desiccated travel. Downie provides a good story line and provides an entertaining mystery set in a truly ancient time. What is surprising is the similarities to current events with money manipulations, attorneys and painful consequences. Her history and setting were quite accurate from the hazy recollections I have of my two years of Latin.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Ruth Downie

Review: http://mastermusingsbymichelle.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-persona-non-grata-by-ruth-downie.html


Web Site: http://rsdownie.co.uk/

Dark Time by Dakota Banks

A young mother finds her self tied to a stake, flames caressing her ankles wondering what led to this ugly fate. The acceptance of her soul by a demon leads to her questionable reprieve. As harbinger of doom she spends the next few centuries as a tool of the despicable demon. Eventually the specter of spending eternity dealing out death becomes unbearable. Rebellion is the theme of the book.

A cynical, harsh world is portrayed by Banks. Her mood is dark as is the title. The protagonist struggles with her deeds and eventually seeks redemption. The characterizations are solid if a bit confusing. As urban fantasies go it had less fantasy and more urban than many I have read. The revoking of infallibility and dealing with a more credible skill set helps in creating a more believable Maliha.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of of Dakota Banks

Review: http://proudbookworm.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-dark-time-by-dakota-banks.html


Web Site http://www.dakota-banks.com/

Graceling By Kristin Cashore

Katsa thought she was a monster, a mutant that with extraordinary powers that enabled her to dominate others. The theme of Graceling isn’t radically different than that of Fire, Cashore’s latest book. Katsa was the enforcer for her uncle the king but she hated her duties. This tale is of her quest to free her self from domination and find true love.

Katsa’s introspection allows her to finally develop an identity she is happy to accept. Her redefinition of her grace provides her with a needed peace of mind. Once again, I found myself captivated with Cashore’s characters. She has that rare quality that enables her to imbue her characters with personality and life. Po’s nobility was inspiring. The plot was intricate without being confusing. “Graceling” is a veritable masterpiece and astounding since this was Cashore’s first book. I really, really enjoyed it. I mentioned in my review on “Fire” that I think Krisin Cashore is going to be a force in the Fantasy genre to be reckoned with; up there with Elizabeth Moon and Mercedes Lackey, she is that good! I stand by that statement, perhaps even more so since I see that it carried through both books. I await “Bitterblue” with great anticipation.

Just like “Fire”, I don’t just recommend this book, I insist that if you enjoy fantasy and astoundingly good character depiction, you must get this book!

Body of work of Kristin Cashore

Review: http://nevernotreading.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-graceling-by-kristin-cashore.html

Web site: http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/