Forests of the Night by James W. Hall

If intricacy, genealogy and violence are your interests you have come home in this novel. Hall paints a story of epic violence spanning generations. The characterizations are good and the schizophrenic is believable. Lots of action taking place in Miami and in the Great Smokey Mountains. The historic aspect of the Cherokee deprivations add an interesting counterpoint or perhaps motive to the story. I enjoy Halls work and I think he has surpassed himself in this book. It is not entertaining as much as horrific, not a comfortable read but a compelling one. Parents will probably have nightmares after reading it. Body of work of James W. Hall Review: http://trashotron.com/agony/reviews/2005-old/hall-forests_night.htm Web Site: http://www.jameswhall.com/

Conquistador By S. M. Stirling

Stirling certainly has an interesting imagination. This story deals with an alternative earth discovered in 1946. He paints good characters and a very interesting alternative earth. There is a clear effort to show how a different type of governing and a limited population can have an astounding impact on the environment. It also depicts how greed and avarice will try and destroy any paradise, regardless of it’s benefits. Good action, very likeable characters and an intriguing story. I recommend it.

Body of work of S.M. Stirling

Review: http://www.sfsite.com/02a/co145.htm

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