Awesome Lavratt by Ann Wilkes

Junk yard dog meets con-artist with humorous consequences is the succinct description of the book. An artifact creates a traveling nightmare is another.

Horace the junk yard man was the only attractive character in the book. The rest of the characterizations were pretty much un-likeable. The consequences of mind control and domination are thoroughly exploited. The book is a quick read with no guffaws but some definite smiles.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Ann Wilkes

Review of the book:

Site:

Flawed Dogs by Berkeley Breathed

A fairy tale illustrating that everyone or every dog should have it’s day. That regardless of size, shape or breed overweening ambition can corrupt and unconditional love can console. A perfect dachshund becomes flawed, despondent, abandoned and maligned. He conquers all and returns in triumph. It is a story of acceptance and redemption.

You may not recall Opus the penguin or Billy and the Boingers but Berkeley Breathed has been around for quite awhile. I admit to being a fan and having reveled in his skewed look at politics, computers and society in general. I lust for a Banana 2009 computer. The illustrations were classic Breathed and added to the flavor of the book. I enjoyed the characterizations and the anthropomorphic nature of the characters. The cover may lure parents into thinking it is for young children. I don’t feel it is appropriate for young kids. It has a dark side that may be more revealing and intense for any kid under 10. I am giving the book to my 11 year old grandson, who I feel is age appropriate for the story. I will make sure that I am available to discuss it as it has things that lead to discussion. Regardless of it being labeled for young readers, I enjoyed it. I am sure my grandson will as well with oversight.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Berkeley Breathed

Review: http://www.kiwimagonline.com/bookclub/reviews/flawed-dogs-the-novel-the-shocking-raid-on-westminster-by-berkeley-breathed/

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

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

This book deals with Sean King and Michelle Maxwell again, both ex-secret service agents. If you are into butt kicking women, you will love Michelle Maxwell. The CIA figures in here as well as a revolutionary war mystery. Baldacci seems to be following Patterson’s lead in very short chapters. I’ve got mixed feelings about these short chapters, speeds up the story but seems to truncate character development. Part of the book premise hits entirely too close to potential reality, a little uncomfortably so. Good story, I recommend it.

Body of work of David Baldacci

Review: http://mysterycrimefiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/review_simple_genius
Web Site:
http://www.davidbaldacci.com/web/

The Book of Athyra (contains both Athyra & Orca novels) by Steven Brust

I think combining these two novels under one cover was a good idea. Athyra would not have ranked high as a stand alone. I’m not quite sure why but I didn’t care nearly as much for it as I have the rest of the books. Vlad spent too much time in introspection, I think. Orca got back to having a little more action and interplay between characters. I found it much more entertaining. There are quite a few references to the previous stories so I would try diligently to read the preceding books prior to these two. Orca contains little tidbits that very innocuously tie the series tighter. I also liked the easily seen comparision to the predatory practices of many of today’s corporations so clearly shown in the sub-prime mortgage debacle. Combined I have to recommend you read this book.

Body of work of Steven Brust

Review of Athyra: http://www.sfreviews.net/athyra.html

Review of Orca: http://www.sfreviews.net/orca.html

Web site: http://dreamcafe.com/

Sisters of the Raven and Circle of the Moon by Barbara Hambly

Hambly is one of my favorites. Note, I have a lot of favorites. In this two book series she writes of a society plagued with global warming and water shortages. Sounds all too familiar yet the books are several years old. In addition she addresses many issues of women, their rights and lack there of. Again, sounds very contemporary. Both books are good, you care about the characters. I don’t think I have ever read anything by Barbara Hambly that I haven’t recommended. These too books are no exception, read them.

Body of work of Barbara Hambly

Review of Sisters of the Raven: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2002/20021021/sisters.shtml

Review of Circle of the Moon: http://www.curledup.com/circmoon.htm

Web site: http://www.barbarahambly.com/hambooks.htm