Prey by Michael Crichton

The thing about Crichton’s books is that they always make me think. One of my son’s is going to a seminar in Boston this week on micromachining and nanotechnology. He tells me that talking to some of his old profs, where he got his Masters in Engineering, tell him that unless there is some reference to nanotechnology in the grant requests they don’t get the money. If you haven’t figured out where this is going, Prey is about nanotech running amok. It is a good mystery and an exciting read. I have yet to read a book by Crichton I haven’t liked.

Body of work of Michael Crichton

Review on Prey http://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/0066214122.asp

The Reluctant King by L. Sprague De Camp

This book contains three complete novels, “The Goblin Tower”, “The Clocks of Iraz” and “The Unbeheaded King”. De Camp is in the old school of science fiction. He writes classic fantasy and if you have never read any of his stories you really must. Please do not miss the “Complete Enchanter” even if you don’t try and dig this particular book up, it is one of my all time favorites. De Camp is somewhat responsible for the entire genre of Heroic Fantasy.

“The term heroic fantasy . . . refers to a sub-genre of fantastic literature which chronicles the tales of heroes and their conquests in imaginary lands. Heroic fantasy emphasizes the conflict between good and evil, and often casts a reluctant protagonist (human or hobbit) in the role of champion. Though he may not always be saintly, the hero's strength, wit, and resourcefulness help him triumph over evil forces. The background for that struggle is almost always an exotic one, the settings are sometimes as important as their mythopoetic narratives. Often confused with sword and sorcery, weird fantasy, science fiction or historical romance, heroic fantasy is as old as the first stories told (and written down) about heroes and their legendary deeds.” From John Flynn, qtd. In Josep Parache, Howardiana #1 (Robert-E-Howard: Electronic Amateur Press Association, 2001)

Body of work of L. Sprague De Camp

The Apprentice Adept Trilogy by Piers Anthony

The books in this trilogy are #1 “Split Infinity”, #2 The Blue Adept and the final “Juxtaposition. Piers Anthony is a mystery to me. I have greatly enjoyed some of his books such as “The Source of Magic” and “If I Pay Thee Not in Gold” with Mercedes Lackey. I just didn’t find any thing to identify with in this trilogy. I didn’t care for the story line or characterizations. I wouldn’t discount him out as an author though. He has written some very entertaining stuff. The Xanth fantasy series had some truly funny books.

Body of work of Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony’s site: http://www.hipiers.com/

The Horse Clan Series by Robert Adams

This is a long series in a post-holocaust world. I enjoyed it. Adams get a bit preachy at times. He may not have an agenda but you are definitely subjected to proselytization. Regardless they are enjoyable books and entertaining to read. I am always a sucker for telepathic animals. I always wondered what the heck my dog was thinking when he did that. It also amused me when she stuck her nose in inappropriate places and seemed to enjoy the discomfort it engendered. Since I wasn’t lucky enough to have a telepathic dog, I always enjoy stories with telepathic/intelligent animals.

Kind of search through the drift to find the Horse Clan Robert Adams

A good site for the horse clans. http://us.geocities.com/evilsnack/horse.htm

These are the horse clan books I have read and I recommend them.
A Man called Milo Morai
A Woman of the Horse Clans
Bili The Axe
Cat of Silvery Hue
Champion of Last Battle
Coming of the Horse Clans
Death of a Legend
Friends of the Horse Clans
Horse Clan Odyssey
Horses of the North
Madman's Army
Memories of Milo Morai
Revenge of the Horse Clans
Savage Mountains
Swords of the Horse Clans
THe Clan of the Cats
The Patrimony
Trumpets of War
Witch Goddess

Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods

Sometimes I find Stuart Woods thought provoking. Others times I find his books merely entertaining. I guess realistically sometimes it is good to find a book that provides you with entertainment and doesn't really make you think. I spend a lot of time thinking so auto pilot isn't all bad. Delano, Georgia gets mentioned once again by a character. That small, quaint Georgia town would have to be several hundred thousand to encompass every character who originated there. Stone Barrington is always amusing, amazingly attractive to every member of the opposite sex and always lands on his feet. He is never faint of heart when it comes to challenges. I like Stuart Woods' books and recommend this one as well.

Amazon link to body of work of Stuart Woods

Link to Stuart Woods Home page http://www.stuartwoods.com/html/latest.html