Midwest Book Review
2022-03-01 16:51:01 UTC
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Dark Origins: Arkham Horror
Dave Gross, et al.
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
9781839081187, $19.95, PB, 512pp
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Origins-Arkham-Collected-Novellas/dp/183908118X
Synopsis: "Dark Origins: Arkham Horror" from Aconyte Books is an anthology of four outstanding horror fantasy novellas by four impressively skilled and imaginative masters of the genre. These four novellas are: Hour of the Huntress by Dave Gross (the mysterious disappearance of dilettante Jenny Barnes' beloved sister triggers a frantic search through Arkham's darkest shadows); The Dirge of Reason by Graeme Davis (for federal agent Roland Banks, investigating a bizarre incident exposes him to the supernatural horrors of Arkham) Ire of the Void by Richard Lee Byers (the astronomer and professor Norman Withers finds himself the subject of a strange creature's gaze when he agrees to assist in a fellow scientist's weird experiment); The Deep Gate by Chris A Jackson (sailor Silas Marsh must return to Innsmouth and confront his harrowing nightmares when he stumbles on a tome foretelling the end of the world).
Critique: Each inherently fascinating and deftly crafted Arkham House themed horror fantasy novella comprising "Dark Origins: Arkham Horror" is a truly memorable (and haunting) read. Highly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted that "Dark Origins: Arkham Horror" is also readily available for the legions of horror fiction fans in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.95).
Gods and Dragons
Kevin J. Anderson
Tor Books
c/o Tor/Forge Books
120 Broadway, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10271
www.tor-forge.com
9781250302205, $29.99, HC, 496pp
https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Dragons-Wake-Dragon-3/dp/125030220X
Synopsis: "Gods and Dragons" by Kevin J. Anderson is the story of two continents at war: the Three Kingdoms and Ishara which have been in conflict with each other for a thousand years. But when an outside threat arises in the form of the reawakening of a powerful ancient race that wants to remake the world, these two warring nations must somehow set aside generations of hatred to form an alliance against a far more deadly enemy.
Critique: The third title in science fiction and fantasy author Kevin J. Anderson acclaimed 'Wake The Dragon' series, "Gods and Dragons" is still another imaginative, riveting, deftly crafted, and memorably original novel by a true master of the science fiction and fantasy genres. While absolutely and unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of the growing legions of Kevin J. Anderson fans that "Gods and Dragons" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Kevin J. Anderson has written dozens of national bestsellers and has been nominated for the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the SFX Readers' Choice Award. His critically acclaimed original novels include the ambitious space opera series The Saga of Seven Suns, including The Dark Between the Stars, as well as Wake the Dragon epic fantasy trilogy, the Terra Incognita fantasy epic with its two accompanying rock CDs. He also set the Guinness-certified world record for the largest single-author book signing, and was recently inducted into the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame.
Malefactor
Robert Repino
Soho Press
www.sohopress.com
9781641290982, $27.00, HC, 456pp
https://www.amazon.com/Malefactor-War-Name-Robert-Repino/dp/1641290986
Synopsis: Over a decade has passed since the ant queen began her apocalyptic war with the humans. In the aftermath, she leaves behind a strange legacy: a race of uplifted animals, the queen's conscripts in the war effort, now trying to make their way in the world they destroyed. While the conflict has left deep scars, it has also allowed both sides to demonstrate feats of courage and compassion that were never possible before. And now, after years of bloodshed, the survivors have a fleeting chance to build a lasting peace.
But peace always comes with a price. The holy city of Hosanna (where animals and humans form a joint government) finds itself surrounded by wolves who are determined to retake the land. A powerful matriarch has united the rival wolf packs, using a terrible power harnessed from the Queen herself.
Soon, the looming violence pulls in those who sought to escape. The war hero Mort(e) suspects a plot to destroy Hosanna from within, and recruits a team of unlikely allies to investigate. Falkirk, captain of the airship Vesuvius, must choose between treason and loyalty to save the city. And D'Arc, sailing aboard the al-Rihla, learns that the wolves may have triggered a new cycle of life for the Colony, bringing a final reckoning to animal and human alike. Once reunited, the three outcasts begin a journey into wolf territory to face the last remnant of the queen's empire.
But while destiny has drawn them together, it may destroy them as well, for even love, courage, and honor may not be enough to stop the forces of destruction set to be unleashed on the world.
Critique: A deftly scripted and inherently fascinating dystopian novel, "Malefactor" by author Robert Repino (and the third and final title in his 'War With No Name' trilogy) is essentially a romantic fantasy played out against the background of a Post-Apocalyptic world. While highly recommended, especially for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Malefactor" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
That Was Now, This is Then
Michael Z. Williamson
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com
9781982125769, $25.00
https://www.amazon.com/That-was-Now-This-Then-ebook/dp/B09M931ZJ1
That Was Now, This is Then represents military sci-fi and alternate history at their best. It tells of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan flung back to the Paleolithic Age, along with other historical figures from different eras. As new allies and foes emerged from the fracas, the team survived and even found a way back home.
Enter the present, where humans from the far future have done the same thing to another group of humans, standing them in the past. Sometimes, it's not enough to survive. Sometimes duty calls upon the soldier to return to fight again. Thus it is that Sean Elliott, having survived one time-travel disaster, is called upon, with his veterans, to rescue another time-stranded team. The gripping, unpredictable scenarios make for a story that is gripping and involving as past, present, and future circumstances collide.
1637: The Coast of Chaos
Eric Flint, Paula Goodlett, and Gorg Huff
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com
9781982125776, $25.00
https://www.amazon.com/1637-Coast-Chaos-Eric-Flint-ebook/dp/B09M8ZX4BV
Prior fans of Eric Flint's classic 1637 Ring of Fire stories will enjoy the short novel and stories in 1637: The Coast of Chaos, which adds more segments to the adventure, expanding the political conflicts that keep the stranded West Virginia town residents on their toes on the past. In this story, the newly formed United States of Europe has made an agreement that holds the possibility of abolishing slavery... until the French send invading troops to New England to create a special form of chaos that may change the future irrevocably. Fast-paced tales emerge that will delight Eric Flint readers with compelling drama and new events.
The War of the Dragons
Ronald D. Goode, author
Katherine M. Comacho, author
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9781638672555, $11.00, PB, 72pp
https://www.amazon.com/War-Dragons-Controlled-Powerful-Dragon/dp/1638672555
Synopsis: Toward the beginning of time, God created dragons of fire, ice, and water from the Earth, who rule the planet by fear-untamed and feeding on human race. Only one thing can bring peace to the chaos that reigns: the Dragon Sword. But who will be God's chosen one to wield it?
Critique: A deftly crafted novella by the team of Ronald D. Goode and Katherine M. Camacho, "The War of the Dragons: Fire Dragons, Ice Dragons, and Water Dragons All Controlled by the Powerful Dragon Sword" is an inherently fascinating and entertaining read (and featuring impressively attractive cover art) that will have special appeal to fantasy fans with an interest in dragon lore fantasy fiction. While recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The War of the Dragons: Fire Dragons, Ice Dragons, and Water Dragons All Controlled by the Powerful Dragon Sword" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.00).
Goddess of Limbo
Lea Falls
Zauberfalls Publishing
www.leafalls.com
9781737011507, $17.31 (Amazon), PB, 698pp
https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Limbo-Forgotten-Splinters-Chronicles/dp/1737011506
Synopsis: Free will is a relic of the past. Souls have a prewritten path to heaven. If they miss it, they are doomed to roam the lost realm of limbo as splinters of their former selves or worse-as demons. Their only hope is the reaper Alames, whose own soul shattered when her celestial lover, Balthos, usurped their creators to make them gods. In her absence, he builds a pantheon of monsters and tricks the mortals, whom he blames for his grief, into worshiping him. But when a new generation defies Balthos's law, Alames's splinters appear among them.
Brilliant physicist Ally longs for progress and innovation, but the Council controlling her nation strips the "Mad Princess" of power. Pregnant and uncertain, the unrivaled Captain Se'azana abandons her career for the false promises of love. The starving serf Richard makes a deal with a Fae demon to save his son. And teenage rebel Vana trades her guitar for a blade when faced with ruthless nobility.
Critique: A veritable saga of a novel that will have special appeal for fans of LBGTQ fantasy fiction, "Goddess of Limbo" is the debut title for author Lea Falls new 'The Forgotten Splinters Chronicles' series. Original, deftly crafted, and a truly memorable read, "Goddess of Limbo" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated fantasy fans that "Goddess of Limbo" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Dark Origins: Arkham Horror
Dave Gross, et al.
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
9781839081187, $19.95, PB, 512pp
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Origins-Arkham-Collected-Novellas/dp/183908118X
Synopsis: "Dark Origins: Arkham Horror" from Aconyte Books is an anthology of four outstanding horror fantasy novellas by four impressively skilled and imaginative masters of the genre. These four novellas are: Hour of the Huntress by Dave Gross (the mysterious disappearance of dilettante Jenny Barnes' beloved sister triggers a frantic search through Arkham's darkest shadows); The Dirge of Reason by Graeme Davis (for federal agent Roland Banks, investigating a bizarre incident exposes him to the supernatural horrors of Arkham) Ire of the Void by Richard Lee Byers (the astronomer and professor Norman Withers finds himself the subject of a strange creature's gaze when he agrees to assist in a fellow scientist's weird experiment); The Deep Gate by Chris A Jackson (sailor Silas Marsh must return to Innsmouth and confront his harrowing nightmares when he stumbles on a tome foretelling the end of the world).
Critique: Each inherently fascinating and deftly crafted Arkham House themed horror fantasy novella comprising "Dark Origins: Arkham Horror" is a truly memorable (and haunting) read. Highly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted that "Dark Origins: Arkham Horror" is also readily available for the legions of horror fiction fans in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.95).
Gods and Dragons
Kevin J. Anderson
Tor Books
c/o Tor/Forge Books
120 Broadway, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10271
www.tor-forge.com
9781250302205, $29.99, HC, 496pp
https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Dragons-Wake-Dragon-3/dp/125030220X
Synopsis: "Gods and Dragons" by Kevin J. Anderson is the story of two continents at war: the Three Kingdoms and Ishara which have been in conflict with each other for a thousand years. But when an outside threat arises in the form of the reawakening of a powerful ancient race that wants to remake the world, these two warring nations must somehow set aside generations of hatred to form an alliance against a far more deadly enemy.
Critique: The third title in science fiction and fantasy author Kevin J. Anderson acclaimed 'Wake The Dragon' series, "Gods and Dragons" is still another imaginative, riveting, deftly crafted, and memorably original novel by a true master of the science fiction and fantasy genres. While absolutely and unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of the growing legions of Kevin J. Anderson fans that "Gods and Dragons" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Kevin J. Anderson has written dozens of national bestsellers and has been nominated for the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the SFX Readers' Choice Award. His critically acclaimed original novels include the ambitious space opera series The Saga of Seven Suns, including The Dark Between the Stars, as well as Wake the Dragon epic fantasy trilogy, the Terra Incognita fantasy epic with its two accompanying rock CDs. He also set the Guinness-certified world record for the largest single-author book signing, and was recently inducted into the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame.
Malefactor
Robert Repino
Soho Press
www.sohopress.com
9781641290982, $27.00, HC, 456pp
https://www.amazon.com/Malefactor-War-Name-Robert-Repino/dp/1641290986
Synopsis: Over a decade has passed since the ant queen began her apocalyptic war with the humans. In the aftermath, she leaves behind a strange legacy: a race of uplifted animals, the queen's conscripts in the war effort, now trying to make their way in the world they destroyed. While the conflict has left deep scars, it has also allowed both sides to demonstrate feats of courage and compassion that were never possible before. And now, after years of bloodshed, the survivors have a fleeting chance to build a lasting peace.
But peace always comes with a price. The holy city of Hosanna (where animals and humans form a joint government) finds itself surrounded by wolves who are determined to retake the land. A powerful matriarch has united the rival wolf packs, using a terrible power harnessed from the Queen herself.
Soon, the looming violence pulls in those who sought to escape. The war hero Mort(e) suspects a plot to destroy Hosanna from within, and recruits a team of unlikely allies to investigate. Falkirk, captain of the airship Vesuvius, must choose between treason and loyalty to save the city. And D'Arc, sailing aboard the al-Rihla, learns that the wolves may have triggered a new cycle of life for the Colony, bringing a final reckoning to animal and human alike. Once reunited, the three outcasts begin a journey into wolf territory to face the last remnant of the queen's empire.
But while destiny has drawn them together, it may destroy them as well, for even love, courage, and honor may not be enough to stop the forces of destruction set to be unleashed on the world.
Critique: A deftly scripted and inherently fascinating dystopian novel, "Malefactor" by author Robert Repino (and the third and final title in his 'War With No Name' trilogy) is essentially a romantic fantasy played out against the background of a Post-Apocalyptic world. While highly recommended, especially for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Malefactor" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
That Was Now, This is Then
Michael Z. Williamson
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com
9781982125769, $25.00
https://www.amazon.com/That-was-Now-This-Then-ebook/dp/B09M931ZJ1
That Was Now, This is Then represents military sci-fi and alternate history at their best. It tells of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan flung back to the Paleolithic Age, along with other historical figures from different eras. As new allies and foes emerged from the fracas, the team survived and even found a way back home.
Enter the present, where humans from the far future have done the same thing to another group of humans, standing them in the past. Sometimes, it's not enough to survive. Sometimes duty calls upon the soldier to return to fight again. Thus it is that Sean Elliott, having survived one time-travel disaster, is called upon, with his veterans, to rescue another time-stranded team. The gripping, unpredictable scenarios make for a story that is gripping and involving as past, present, and future circumstances collide.
1637: The Coast of Chaos
Eric Flint, Paula Goodlett, and Gorg Huff
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com
9781982125776, $25.00
https://www.amazon.com/1637-Coast-Chaos-Eric-Flint-ebook/dp/B09M8ZX4BV
Prior fans of Eric Flint's classic 1637 Ring of Fire stories will enjoy the short novel and stories in 1637: The Coast of Chaos, which adds more segments to the adventure, expanding the political conflicts that keep the stranded West Virginia town residents on their toes on the past. In this story, the newly formed United States of Europe has made an agreement that holds the possibility of abolishing slavery... until the French send invading troops to New England to create a special form of chaos that may change the future irrevocably. Fast-paced tales emerge that will delight Eric Flint readers with compelling drama and new events.
The War of the Dragons
Ronald D. Goode, author
Katherine M. Comacho, author
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9781638672555, $11.00, PB, 72pp
https://www.amazon.com/War-Dragons-Controlled-Powerful-Dragon/dp/1638672555
Synopsis: Toward the beginning of time, God created dragons of fire, ice, and water from the Earth, who rule the planet by fear-untamed and feeding on human race. Only one thing can bring peace to the chaos that reigns: the Dragon Sword. But who will be God's chosen one to wield it?
Critique: A deftly crafted novella by the team of Ronald D. Goode and Katherine M. Camacho, "The War of the Dragons: Fire Dragons, Ice Dragons, and Water Dragons All Controlled by the Powerful Dragon Sword" is an inherently fascinating and entertaining read (and featuring impressively attractive cover art) that will have special appeal to fantasy fans with an interest in dragon lore fantasy fiction. While recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The War of the Dragons: Fire Dragons, Ice Dragons, and Water Dragons All Controlled by the Powerful Dragon Sword" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.00).
Goddess of Limbo
Lea Falls
Zauberfalls Publishing
www.leafalls.com
9781737011507, $17.31 (Amazon), PB, 698pp
https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Limbo-Forgotten-Splinters-Chronicles/dp/1737011506
Synopsis: Free will is a relic of the past. Souls have a prewritten path to heaven. If they miss it, they are doomed to roam the lost realm of limbo as splinters of their former selves or worse-as demons. Their only hope is the reaper Alames, whose own soul shattered when her celestial lover, Balthos, usurped their creators to make them gods. In her absence, he builds a pantheon of monsters and tricks the mortals, whom he blames for his grief, into worshiping him. But when a new generation defies Balthos's law, Alames's splinters appear among them.
Brilliant physicist Ally longs for progress and innovation, but the Council controlling her nation strips the "Mad Princess" of power. Pregnant and uncertain, the unrivaled Captain Se'azana abandons her career for the false promises of love. The starving serf Richard makes a deal with a Fae demon to save his son. And teenage rebel Vana trades her guitar for a blade when faced with ruthless nobility.
Critique: A veritable saga of a novel that will have special appeal for fans of LBGTQ fantasy fiction, "Goddess of Limbo" is the debut title for author Lea Falls new 'The Forgotten Splinters Chronicles' series. Original, deftly crafted, and a truly memorable read, "Goddess of Limbo" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated fantasy fans that "Goddess of Limbo" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review