The Time Pirate by Ted Bell

In the tradition of Tom Swift and The Hardy Boys this book is a rollicking good time for the young reader and those of us young in heart. Nick McIver is a young man with a time machine. In this adventure he faces historic events in American history, pirates and Nazis.

Ted Bell does an excellent job of recreating the feel of the grand adventures I read as a boy. Nick McIver is pure of heart and free of malice. He attacks life with gusto and with the characteristic disregard for fear illustrated so well by Tom Swift. The character shows decision making and wisdom far beyond his chronological age. He thrusts himself into situations adults would fear to approach. He incites loyalty in adults who indulge his adventurous nature and who give him full rein to jump into exceedingly dangerous situations. So much of the book is totally outrageous in that any adult that knowingly allowed a young teen to do what Nick does in this book would be committed, arrested or pilloried for their behavior. This is probably what will make the book enormously successful for the young reader.

I heartily recommend it.

Body of work of Ted Bell


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Stormrage by Richard A. Knaak

This book will no doubt be a major hit with World of Warcraft fans. It details Malfurion Stormrage’s part in the Emerald Dream.

I am normally a major fan of fantasy. I guess I am just not a fan of Knaak. I wasn’t a fan of Beastmaster Myth either, the only other book of his I read. I can’t even point my finger at what I don’t like so my supposition is there is just something about his style that doesn’t resonate with me. I mean, how can you not like a book whose main character is named Malfurion Stormrage. That just shouts out excitement and action.

Analyzing the book, it seems to have all the right pieces. Colorful, exotic characters with definitive personalities that are conflicting in a mysterious manner. I suspect that those who are familiar with the entire scenario of the Emerald Dream will be intoxicated with the book. I have no doubt that it will be a success and suggest that you look at my other recommendations to determine if my thoughts run parallel or perpendicular to yours.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Richard A. Knaak

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The Cyborg From Earth by Charles Sheffield

I didn’t realize this was a young adult book when I ordered it. Despite being a long way from a young adult, I enjoyed the book. Very quick read as you would expect. The book had a simplistic but nevertheless enjoyable plot with likeable characters. If you are looking for a very quick read or have a teen in your life I recommend the book.

Body of work of Charles Sheffield

Review: http://jamesreasoner.blogspot.com/2008/07/cyborg-from-earth-charles-sheffield.html

Website: Baen’s site for http://www.baen.com/author_catalog.asp?author=csheffield