Darker Angels by M.L.N. Hanover.

This is the second book in the black sun's daughter series starring Jayne Heller demon slayer. Jayne and her team find themselves embroiled in a conflict with the voodoo queen of New Orleans.

I have now read the first and fourth (Killing Rites) books, in the series first. The two books whetted my appetite to read more by this prolific author.

Once again with the author has put together a dynamic and delightful urban fantasy. As entertaining as the story is you can learn something from the character development. In reality there often is a thin line between good and evil, black and white and right and wrong. This is clearly demonstrated by some of the compromises Jayne has to make in the story. The plot is intricate without being confusing. The setting in New Orleans provides some interesting backdrops providing both analogies and metaphors for the human condition.

The author provides plenty of action a lot of emotional turmoil to keep you turning the pages.

I enjoyed the sequel and recommend it

Body of work of Body of work of M.L.N. Hanover

Web Site: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/abrahamdaniel.html

Some Golden Harbor by David Drake

This book is another in the Daniel Leary series. Daniel and the usual suspects are engaged, once again, against overwhelming odds and implacable foes.

I loved the Horatio Hornblower books and I feel Drake does just as well but sets his Horatio sometime in the future without iron men and wooden ships.

Leary’s most endearing characteristic is his loyalty to his friends. He continually does what he thinks is right as opposed to what perhaps might be the easy way out. His Machiavellian circumvention of orders generally means he is undermanned, under supplied and outgunned whenever he is assigned a task. Yet with gentile charm and superior skills he always triumphs.

Daniel Leary is not a boy scout, he is lethally ruthless when it comes to accomplishing his goals or protecting his people. Adele Mundy, Tovera and Hogg are all back and their quirkiness just adds the mélange of flavors that make Drake’s Leary series so sumptuous.

I can’t help it, I love these books and I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

Body of work of David Drake </a>

Web Site: http://www.david-drake.com/

The Last Free Book From Lory Kaufman’s World of History Camp Back Story.

The Final Winner is Susan from Maryland, USA
Many thanks to author Lory S. Kaufman for his generous gifts to all the winners.
Six Happy Winners from 3 countries, 3 states and 2 provinces!

Susan from Maryland, USA

Meredith from Florida, USA

Darlene from Manitoba Canada

Carol from South Africa

Anne from Ontario Canada

Julie from Ohio, USA

Farsighted is FREE for Kindle today! Get it here: http://ow.ly/8XYKq

"Chand's characters are compelling and diverse" - Kirkus Reviews

"I read the book in one sitting... the ONLY other time I have done this is when I read the Harry Potter series." - Marie Bothwick, blogger at Write Panic Live

Win a $25 Amazon gift card by sharing this post (the original as posted by +Emlyn Chand). The lucky winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced Saturday morning. Don't forget to pick up a copy of Farsighted!

Exogene by T.C. McCarthy

This book is the life story of a military clone in a future war for natural resources.

Cloning is here regardless of the ethics or morality surrounding its existence. A logical step forward is to assume that the military industrial complex is exploring how cloning can impact future wars and if cloned warriors are financially viable they will probably be produced. I realize that is somewhat cynical but cynicism is a root theme in the book.

The use of religion to keep warrior clones focused is a re-visitation of the Manchurian Candidate. (The original version, I never saw the remake.) The genetics or clone warriors are supposed to be identity free, satisfied with numeric nomenclature and focused only on killing. Sadly the killing focus supported by religion seems congruent with the jihad motivation of the Islamic extremists or the 1950’s rallying cry of “kill a Commie for Christ”. The author clearly demonstrates the power of combining religion and warring into religious killing for the right to enter Nirvana.

This is a war story based on the need for resources which is obviously motivated by the current debacles to maintain the flow of oil. As much as we would like to think that war is motivated by the desire to do the “right” thing, most often it is done to line the pockets of the perpetrators.

The insights developed as the girls “spoiled” provides a somewhat depressing mental state as escape is pursued to ruined, radioactive terrain. This is a war story, fought with logical extensions of current technology and hopefully an illogical use of clone warriors (slaves).

It was a thought provoking look at a possible future of war.

Body of work of Body of work of T.C. McCarthy

Web Site: http://www.tcmccarthy.com/About_TC_McCarthy.html

Unclean Spirits by M.L.N. Hanover.

This is book one of the series The Black Sun’s Daughter. This is urban fantasy at its best. Jayne Heller discovers that her favorite uncle is a butt kicking demon chaser.

I read the fourth book, Killing Rites, in the series first. Although that book did quite well is a stand alone I wanted to find out more about Jayne.

The author does an excellent job of making the occult believable. The author doesn't paint a fantasy hero with no flaws instead she paints a young woman thrust into situations that appears to be beyond her means or abilities. In some ways it is a coming of age novel. Jayne discovers things about herself and her abilities she never suspected.

The disparity between good and evil is shown to be shades of gray rather than the black and white as it is normally portrayed. The decisions Jayne must make places a major factor in developing her character. This was well done.

The cast of characters is both colorful and varied. The supporting roles are not developed with as much depth as Jayne's character is. The book describes Jayne's struggle to discover both her legacy and heritage from her mysterious uncle Eric.

I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend.

Body of work of Body of work of M.L.N. Hanover

Web Site: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/abrahamdaniel.html

Winners Of the 8 eBook Giveaway

Congratulations to the Three Winners of
The Fantastic Fantasy GiveAway
Indigo
Jen W.
What the Cat Read

Thank you to Seventh Star Press for providing the eBook prizes!