Book Reviews
Review: “The Princes of the Golden Cage” by Nathalie Mallet
The Princes of the Golden Cage is a good little read. It’s not an uber mystery and it’s not an epic fantasy but it’s a nice amalgam of both. After the story gets moving along there are some interesting twists and turns with some not so typical resolutions. There are a nice variety of characters and the settings are gorgeous in my mind’s eye.
Review: “Phoenix Tales” by Gregory Bernard Banks
I’ve heard it said that the fear of death so permeates us as a species that all of our endeavors serve as distractions intent on keeping us from thinking about our eventual deaths.
Sometimes, when the clock clicks over at two thirty in the morning, and I can’t sleep, I wish I could come up with more distractions.
Some people apparently decide that rather than distract themselves from thoughts of death, they will turn a brave face into the wind and speculate on the landscape of the undiscovered country.
Review: “Demon Angel” by Meljean Brook
If there was ever a time a fantasy reader wanted to dip their toes into the romance waters, it would be this book by debut author Meljean Brook. Don’t let the cover put you off because behind the clinch embrace is a detailed urban fantasy with a good bit of action.
Review: “Star Wars: Death Troopers” by Joe Schreiber
In the limitless reaches of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, it’s quite shocking to consider that zombies do not appear more often. Well, until now. In Death Troopers, the horror of the undead is brought to the population of an Imperial prison barge, in particular two young brothers, the chief medical officer, and a couple familiar faces I won’t spoil.
Review: “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” by Jennifer Rardin
If you take a little Stephanie Plum and add a cup full of supernatural and a dash more sarcasm you might describe this book. Jaz is funny with her self-depreciating inner dialogue and is totally believable. Vayl is mysterious and sexy and yet unbends just the right amount as the story progresses.
Guest Review: “Dead Reckoning” by Charlaine Harris
I get a bit exhausted for Sookie. There are always someone or some things “out to get her.” Throughout Book 11, there are constant threats from different sources, and Sookie is on high alert most of the novel. Sookie still struggles with being a good person, for her world is continually violent and evil visits her seemingly day in and day out. In Dead Reckoning, you don’t see her grow much as a character, as she doesn’t have time to do much of anything except try to stay alive.
Review: “The Griffin’s Gauntlet” by Wesley Lowe
While the plot elements are not the most original in fantasy, this book has all the elements that people enjoy in fantasy novels. There are great fights, scary monsters, and unique and interesting characters. They all make for an enjoyable read. And Mr. Lowe builds up the momentum and suspense well, making the final fight between Sharon and Bain pretty damn exciting.
Review: “The Luck of Madonna 13” by E. T. Ellison
Usually, as I’m reading a novel, I get an idea of how I’m going to start off the review. Usually a theme coalesces and is fully formed by the time I reach “The End.” But with The Luck of Madonna 13, by E. T. Ellison, I honestly have no idea where to begin, other than to say that this is easily the weirdest book I have ever read. Which must be a good thing, as I whole-heartedly believe that was one of the author’s intentions.
