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.

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Portrait in Death by J. D. Robb

The not too distant future is the setting for Lt. Eve Dallas and her adventures. The entire series I have read so far is focused on homicide and the mystery that surrounds each murder. The image portrayal of each victim leads Dallas on a nasty chase through the August heat of NY. Her husband Roarke, discovers some answers  a mystery he didn’t realize existed.

Nora Roberts’ work as J.D. Robb is always entertaining. There is no mental stretching or need for personal change or improvement. She provides entertainment, enjoyable and disturbing simultaneously. I enjoy Eve Dallas’ relationships. Her relationship with Roarke is believable. I also like her hard ass attitude. This author deals well with emotions and successfully elicits an emotional reaction to her writing.

I recommend the book and the series.

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Gideon's Sword by Douglas Peston & Lincoln Child

Gideon Crew faces trauma early in his life. The events surrounding his father have long lasting impact. As an adult, Gideon blithely establishes a relationship with a government contractor to find a Chinese national with a potential game changing secret. Gideon discovers depths to his personality he never suspected as he faces both a hideous personal secret and an unrelenting nemesis.


Preston and Child have wide ranging talents. They do create some memorable characters. Agent Pendergast couldn’t be more different than Gideon Crew.   To get a mere glimpse into their work look at my reviews, Fever Dream, Deep Storm and Riptide.  The book will fuel any action junkie’s desires and yet it still provides a thought provoking plot. Gideon Crew will be a fun character to watch in future Preston and Child books.   I truly love ARCs


I recommend the book.


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Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire, the only one in Chicago’s Yellow Pages.
His latest client is Mab, the Winter Queen of Faerie. She makes Harry an offer he literally can’t refuse. Harry has to find out who killed the Summer Knight or die trying.

Butcher does an exceptional job making wizardry seem normal. His characters are quirky and surprisingly believable. I enjoy his plots, I have yet to figure out before hand who did what. Harry has ethics and a strong moral compass. He is an eminently likeable protagonist.

I highly recommend the entire series. You will be seeing more as I have finally purchased all the ones that have currently been printed.


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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.

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