Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs

This is a novella that precedes the Alpha and Omega series.   Anna thinks she is a submissive and abused werewolf.  She is 50% correct.  Charles comes the Marrok to find out what is going on in the Chicago packs.

Charles is a very dominant werewolf and Anna has been abused.   Anna’s expectations are not met in any way she imagined.   There is action tension and sexual tension.  

Briggs does a masterful job in making you believe in her world. 

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Domesticating Dragons by Dan Koboldt

Well crafted and engaging!

Being a dragon lover for as long as I can remember, I expected to love this book and I DID!

Kolboldt postulates a not too distant future where genetic engineering allows engineers to create dragons.  The dragons have issues which is where Noah Parker finds his niche.

Anthropomorphism figures into my own writing and I always enjoy seeing it used.  The dragons are a reflection of the designer.   The customer support call logs were hysterical.

I recommend the book to anyone interested in genetic engineering to get a picture of a possible future.  For dragon lovers, this is a must-read!

I highly recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Vettius and His Friends By David Drake

I appreciate the fact that Drake enjoys Roman history.  I struggled with Latin one but excelled in Latin two because we got to read Cesar’s Galic Chronicles.   War stories grabbed my interest and gave me the best grades I ever go in languages.   This book is a series of short stories with a Roman theme.   Roman times provide the setting and Drake’s imagination adds the magic or science fiction to the setting.

I am not fond of short stories but I enjoyed thisl 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey

The author takes long loved fables and gently turns them into the plot of her book.  Elena is Cinderella but not really.   She is similar but different as are the characters in the book.   The Fairy Godmother is a guardian against evil.  The original Fairy Godmothers were Fae but now humans with magical potential end up as wizards, witches, sorcerers, sorceress and Fairy Godmothers.

Lackey does a great job blending the stories of childhood and turning them into a novel of acceptance and redemption.   The story is entertaining and uplifting.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

In the distant future, there are humans, augmented humans and, for want of a better term, cyborgs co-exist.   A group of humans is exploring an uncharted world with the protection of a murderbot.  Things go awry.

Murderbots are guard dog type of beings. They have internal weapons, power cells, and limited freedom.   This murderbot has circumvented his governor and discovered a love of public entertainment to the point of even having a favorite show.   The socialization of watching mass-market media has changed the murderbot.

The author does a good job depicting a future where corporate entities are dominant and still haven’t mastered ethics.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Starstrike by W. Michael Gear

Gear has the tendency to tackle big issues, like the fate of humanity.   Wide, an Ahimsa, has decided to use humans as strawmen to address what he perceives as a threat to his species.  

Wide collects a incredible variety of earth warriors and shows that elite fighting forces are multitalented diplomats as well as warriors.  Gear’s depiction of Earth as a cesspool of warring entities is not far off.  Putting out that the US government can simultaneous help prop up a dictator while providing arms for an insurrection in another area is really stating the obvious.  Our world is a mess, let alone our country.  Our planet is interdicted as being insane by the alien race of Ahimsa, sadly for good reason.

No doubt I read more social implications than Gear intended but that is the beauty of a well written book, it provides many paths of focus for the reader.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Corporate Gunslinger by Doug Engstrom

 In a future dominated by corporations, common people are given the opportunity to address their grievances by dueling with corporate gunslingers.   If unsatisfied with a judicial decision a citizen can challenge the system by requesting a duel.  

Kira extended her self for education to the point where her student loans were going to lead to life long indenturing.  Gunslinging was the only way out for her.

Engstrom writes an entertaining story.   Pointing out the fact that student loans can be debilitating makes a social statement.   Sadly, those loans can ruin a life.   Engstrom also addresses gender equality and shows that strength is not gender specific.

This was a good book and I recommend it.    

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Fleet Elements by Walter Jon Williams

This is a Praxis book.   There is a overlap of characters from the Accidental War.  There are a wealth of characters.   This book never grabbed me.   I don’t know if it is too long since I read the Accidental War or what.   It was a chore to plow through and I normally enjoy Williams work.   I suspect it just may be the stress of current events but this was a difficult read.  It did not captivate me and carry me away to a world of civility and respect.   My apologies to Williams as trite as it sounds it probably wasn't his book, it was me. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst

Once more Durst has affirmed her position as one of my favorite authors.   She had the  ability to allow her villains to have some humanity and to have that humanity recognized but not letting said recognition derail the protagonist’s need for victory.  This book involves bone magic, those who can use it and those who abuse it.

Kreya was so well portrayed, she showed her love through her willingness to sacrifice.  Durst allows a lot of weight for love which endears me to her work.  Stran and Ammura’s relationship demonstrated the strength that can come from a diverse relationship.

The plot was good and I loved the rag dolls.  The constructs were all to easy to imagine.   I read in awe someone who’s imagination creates believable worlds and people to populate it.

I loved the book and highly recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Spotlight on Fairhaven Rising by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Modesitt continues his bestselling Saga of Recluce series with the twenty-second book and the first book in a new character arc

FAIRHAVEN RISING

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

 

“Extraordinary … Series fans are sure to be pleased.”
—Publishers Weekly

Sixteen years have passed since the mage Beltur helped to found the town of Fairhaven, and Taelya, Beltur's adopted niece, is now a white mage undercaptain in the Road Guards of Fairhaven. Fairhaven's success under the Council has become an impediment to the ambition of several rulers, and the mages protecting the town are seen as a threat. Taelya, a young and untried mage, will find herself at the heart of a conspiracy to destroy her home and the people she loves, and she may not be powerful enough to stop it in time.

Praise for The Mongrel Mage

USA Today Bestseller

“No writer does it better.”—Kirkus

“Smart, thoughtful, and entertaining.”—Pat's Fantasy Hotlist

 

Praise for Outcasts of Order

USA Today Bestseller

“Always a pleasure to abide in Modesitt's universe, if only for a few hours or days.”—Kirkus Reviews

 

Praise for The Mage-Fire War

USA Today Bestseller

“Readers with a fondness for family sagas will appreciate the focus on day-to-day life”—Publishers Weekly

 

L. E. Modesitt, Jr., is the bestselling author of the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce, Corean Chronicles, and the Imager Portfolio. His science fiction includes Adiamante, the Ecolitan novels, the Forever Hero Trilogy, and Archform: Beauty. Besides a writer, Modesitt has been a U.S. Navy pilot, a director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant and staff director for a U.S. Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer. He lives in Cedar City, Utah.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Scoundrel Worlds by Chris Bunch

This is the 2^nd of the Star Risk, LTD books.   This is a violence prone private eye type agency.

This book deals with proving the innocence of a prisoner on a distant planet. 

This book just didn’t do it for me.  It was okay but that is as effusive as I can get.   The characters didn’t seem as fleshed out this time.  Same “people” as before just seemed shallower this time.

The violence was still there but for some reason it just didn’t seem as exciting.   I don’t see myself reading the remaining three books in spite of owning them. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Dark Star Rising by Bennett R. Coles

This is a follow up on Winds of Marque which I also enjoyed.   Once again it is an interesting meld of high tech and steam punk.   Sailing ships with cannons and yet air locks and aliens provide an interesting setting.   Lord Liam Blackwood and Petty Officer Amelia Virtue are the main protagonists.   There in likes one of the contentions in the book, a Lord and a commoner with more in common then is normally acceptable in “polite” society.   A notorious pirate, Dark Star, is assaulting the Empire’s trade and HMSS Daring is tasked the stopping of Dark Star.

The author shows the disparity between haves and have nots quite clearly.   Considering the way our society is heading, the disparity description may be spot on.   Dark Star may not be a criminal and Dark Star’s goal may not be just the amassing of ill-gotten gains. 

An entertaining story with a good set of characters.

BTW the women in this book KICK BUTT!  

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Cobra Gamble by Timothy Zahn, Cobra War Book 3

Cobra’s are cybernetically enhanced warriors. Decades after they save humanity they are regarded as a tax burden.   Then the Cobra worlds are invaded by the Trofts.  The Moreau family takes the brunt of defense dispersing over two planets.   Qasama, an old enemy needs help but can they accept help from the hated Cobras?   Alliances are tenuous and are also dependent on the success of the Cobras and the Djinns.

The anguish of sending love ones into combat and the willingness to sacrifice for one’s children is clearly shown by this book.  Zahn makes a lot of statements about prejudice and sacrifice.   There is plenty of action and the plot has enough nuances to keep you engrossed. 

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.  This series ends but it sets up the next trilogy, The Cobra Rebellion.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Cobra Guardian: Cobra War Book 2 by Timothy Zahn

Cobra Guardian picks up afterbook 1, Cobra Alliance.  Jin Moreau joins her husband, Paul, and her son, Lorne, to fight against the Trofts who have invaded the Cobra worlds.   SPOILER ALERT, STOP HERE if you have not read book one.   Jin has found new allies in the insular Qasama people.   They travel to Caelia to gather troops to free the Qasma from the Trofts.  She discovers that the Caelians have their own problems with Trofts and her family is already involved.

They cybernetically enhanced Cobra warriors are the dreamed of super soldiers.   Regardless of their enhancements they are still fraught with the fragility of human fears and phobias.   The book shows that adversity can unite diverse groups and help them to learn that there are ways to solve problems that are not uniquely their own.   The Djinns from Qasma must overcome their historic prejudice while the Caelian Cobras must to the same.

There is plenty of action and the methodology of using the uniquely predatory ecology of Caelia is inspiringly creative.

I look forward to reading the third and final book of the trilogy. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Star Risk LTD by Chris Bunch

Star Risk is a mercenary outfit.   The staff are those who really haven’t fit in other place or have been let go for being too independent.   The premise launched a five book series and this is book one.   The diverse group gets a job due to nepotism or perhaps not.   The job is to track down who is claim jumping in an asteroid belt mining venture.

M’chel Riss, a former Alliance Marine (there are no ex-marines) and Chas Goodnight, a bester, are the primary protagonists.   A bester is an enhanced special operations agent that goes into overdrive when a battery is shoved, ahh placed in what no doubt the author determined was humorous.  (I found it humorous anyway.)

The group gels into a team and solves their problem with more action to come.

I enjoyed the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Borders of Infinity by Lois McMaster Bujold

Miles Vorkosigan, once again, shows how brain beats brawn.  The book is essentially three short stories tied to together as if they are part of an interview.   Miles’ boss, Simon Illyan, the imperial spook wants answers on Miles’ creative accounting.  

Bujold uses her immense talent to demonstrate that prejudice is unacceptable.  She shows that a weakness of body does not preclude dashing and daring.   She demonstrates the value of persistence and a refusal to fail.   Her writing, without fail, captures my interest and provides food for thought on preconceived notions. 

I enjoyed the book and highly recommend anything Bujold pens.

 This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Unleash the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

This is a Dark-Hunter Novel.  Wren is a were tiger, leopard and tigard.  

Maggie is the privileged daughter of a U.S. senator.  An unlikely match, the two find them thrust together when Wren finds himself under attack by tigers and bears, Oh My!

Kenyon writes a good story.   There is an assumption that you are familiar with the world of the Dark-Hunters.   I haven’t read anything by Kenyon for awhile and I would have like a little longer back story.   That did not deter me from enjoying the book. 

Kenyon does like to get into the panting romantic aspects a little more than I like but I am sure that is a major selling factor for a lot of her readers.

I enjoyed the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Jumpgate by Robert Stadnik

This was a decent book but would have been better with a little more backstory.   The main protagonists served on the Phoenix and the author doesn’t, in my opinion, provide enough backstory.   The crew of the Phoenix are regarded as heroes or traitors.   This provides the tension when Jacob takes the XO position on the Solera which is crewed and captained by people who see the Phoenix crew as traitors.  Friction between the captain and the XO is inevitable.   Xenophobic reactions to the alien alliance that defeated the Screen in the preceding book also contributes to increasing the tension.

The story has the Solera and its alien allies finding the jumpgate that allowed the Screen to enter our galaxy.   Captain Dewis behavior allows Jacob to prove himself to the crew while putting the ship and crew in jeopardy.   The mission also demonstrates the impact of the Alien alliance.

I enjoyed the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Gatekeeper by Alison Levy (Book One in the Daemon Collection Series)

Daemons are not exactly traditional demons although there are similar characteristics.   Daemons can become defective and not be able to do their assigned roles such as promoting chaos or avarice.   Rachel Wilde is from another dimension and her job is to collect defective daemons for correction or expulsion.  This book details one week of her assignments.

Levy does a nice job developing Rachel Wilde’s character.   Rachel is a protagonist that is not omnipotent.  Her flaws and insecurities provide depth and believability to her character.

Rachel’s dimension is also portrayed as not being infallible and totally altruistic. 

The plot is complex without being confusing.  

I enjoyed the book and recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Cobra Alliance by Timothy Zahn, Cobra War Book 1

Cobra’s are cybernetically enhanced warriors. Decades after they save humanity they are regarded as a tax burden. The older Cobras are suffering from a decreased life expectancy due to the alterations in their bodies to make them Cobras.   Jin Moreau, an aging Cobra, receives a message requesting help from an old Qasama acquaintance.   Jin’s family and Cobras are regarded as demonic by the paranoid Qasama people.   The story starts with Jin responding to the request for help due to guilt over past behavior.

The book moves face with lots of action.   The insular nature of the Qasama people can reflect real world reactions of some of the people that our own nation has “helped”.   Equally the dwindling regard for the Cobra’s somewhat reflects how many of our Vietnam vets were treated when they returned home.   Even today, many of our veterans do not get the positive regard they deserve for serving their country.

It is possible I am reading more meaning into Zahn’s work than he intended but that is the beauty of the written word, the ability to see it in your own context.  

I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading book 2.  

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein

I tracked down this book because I have fond memories of Glory Road which was the only other fantasy, I recalled written by Heinlein.  This was disappointing, not that the stories but the fact that I didn’t really see them as fantasies.   It was more lip service with mention of magic.  I guess they could be considered early urban fantasy but I felt they fit more with his general body of work than in the fantasy genre.  

My impression of Heinlein was that he was a frustrated philosopher.  Much of his work struck me as proposing a different way of seeing and doing things.   These stories had some interesting twists and I did enjoy them. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Prime Deceptions by Valerie Valdes

This is a follow up to Chilling Effect.  Eve is a trouble prone cargo freighter captain.  This volume involves her continued fight with the Fridge and the discovery of the Forge.  

Both the Fridge and the Forge support their own conspiracy and both are often at odds with Eve and her crew.  A side bar story is Sue, who joined the crew in Chilling Effect, trying to find her cybernetic guru brother.   Between being involved in bot fights and synthetic creature creation, the crew supports each other.

Eve discovers her extra-species boyfriend, Vakar, is a Wraith, a CIA type for his species.   That does nothing to diminish their mutual affection.

Eve’s mother turns out to have more responsibilities with B.O.F.A., the united planets policing agency than Eve or Mari, her sister, ever expected.

This is a good series and I look forward to more books.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes

Eve is a bit of a wild child.  She has a chip on her shoulder and makes decisions for her starship crew without considering the consequences.   She runs afoul of the Fridge, an extraterrestrial criminal organization.  She also refuses the advances of a well-connected alien who does not take rejection well.  The book details her adventures in trying to take down one and avoid the other. 

The story is good, classic space opera with Spanish overtones.   Eve and her family appear to be Spanish speaking descendants from someone who was originally from earth.   Valdes creates a memorable bad girl with a conscience.  Pink, her bestie has a conscience and is constantly reminding Eve of her lack of one.   Min, is almost a stereotypical geek who focuses on integrating her personality with the ship.   Vakar and Eve have a relationship impacted by olfactory overtones, excreted by Vakar and interpreted by Eve.  Cryogenics are a factor in the title.  

Good characterizations and an entertaining story.

Oh, there are also psychic cats.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Spotlight on Alison Levy's Gatekeeper

Fantasy novel mixes mythology and alternate dimensions for page-turning adventure

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Author Alison Levy crashes onto the fantasy scene with the first installment of The Daemon Collecting Series, Gatekeeper (Spark Press, October 6, 2020). Using her writing to cope with anxiety, Levy expertly weaves a page turning story full of action, alternate universes, and heroism. Her vivid world building and unique characters show readers what it looks like to fight for survival while standing up for what is right, even if it’s risky.

In Gatekeeper, Rachel Wilde comes from a dimension that exists adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil). Now Rachel has been given two unusual assignments: 1) find a person who has been trying to break down dimensional barriers, and 2) track down a missing line of gatekeepers, human placeholders for a daemon that was too badly damaged to repair.

Authorities of Rachel’s world believe the missing gatekeepers are descended from a girl who went missing from West Africa hundreds of years ago, likely sold into slavery. With no leads to go on, Rachel seeks help from Bach, a raving homeless man who happens to be an oracle. Bach does put her in the path of both of her targets—but he also lands her in a life-threatening situation. Rachel must stop the criminal, reunite a gatekeeper with her stolen past, and, above all, survive.

ALISON LEVY lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband, son, and variety of pets. When she’s not writing or doing mom things, she crochets, gardens, walks her collies, and works on home improvement projects.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

This is a novel of treachery.   Falcrest has an empire.  It conquers by attrition, providing income, innovations and troops. Baru, a precocious child, decides to work against the empire when her parents suffer.  This is her story.

Machiavelli has nothing on Dickinson.  The plot was devilishly clever with nuances that had to be noticed as they later came into play.

The wealth of characters sometimes led to minor confusion. 

It was an interesting book and very clever plot.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.