As for my reading, I've found a few good books lately. Notable among them are:

• The Mark of Ran: The Sea Beggars, Book 1 by Paul Kearney (Bantam Press, trade, 339 pages, October 2004, UK)
      I can't quite figure out why this seems so fresh. It's a pretty straightforward fantasy, that appears to be full of clichéd plot elements: a young man, brought up on the isolated outskirts of civilization, flees his home following the death of his family, learns he is somehow special, falls in love with the wrong woman, becomes apprentice to the wrong master, and is gifted with a magic sword. It all sounds somewhat familiar, right? Nevertheless, Kearney injects an enthusiasm into his tale that makes it new and exciting. There are echoes of the best in other fantasists (the sword vaguely evokes Moorcock's Stormbringer; the training is slightly reminiscent of Fitz in Hobb's Farseer trilogy; etc.), and yet it's all distinctly Kearney's own delicious style. This is a solid introduction to a new series; I can hardly wait for the next volume.



• The Last Light of the Sun by Guy Gavriel Kay (hc, 501 pages, Viking Canada, February 2004, Canada / Simon & Schuster, April 2004, UK)
      Guy Kay probably does more historical research than just about any other fantasy writer. He has a unique style of reinventing historical periods, peoples and sometime even events, and making them distinctly his own. This time, the parallels are to dark ages Britain and northern Europe, linking the stories of the Cyngaels (Celts), the Anglcyn (Angles/Saxons) and the Erlings (Scandinavian Vikings). But it wouldn't be a Kay tale without the element of magic. So this dark, violent and extremely colourful world also harbours a magical half-world that co-exists in the shadows of the light of the (relatively) new Jaddite religion. The interesting thing about this novel is that the author manages to create reader sympathy for all three of the peoples who are each warring against the other (and frequently amongst themselves as well). Ultimately, it's a novel with a very hopeful message. It's also a tremendously entertaining read.
  SF Site Review

Projections: Science Fiction in Literature & Film edited by Lou Anders
MonkeyBrain Books (trade, 329 pages)
Publication date: December 2004, USA & Canada
    Featuring new and reprinted works from Catherine Asaro, David Brin, John Clute, Paul Cornell, Mark Finn, James Gunn, John Grant, Howard V. Hendrix, Tim Lebbon, Jonathan Lethem, Robert A. Metzger, Sean McMullen, Michael Moorcock, Adam Roberts, Mike Resnick, Robert J. Sawyer, Lucius Shepard, Robert Silverberg, and Michael Swanwick.

The Empire of the Stars: The Dragon Throne, Book 2 by Alison Baird
Aspect Fantasy (trade, 406 pages)
Publication date: November 2004, USA & Canada
    Sequel to The Stone of the Stars.

Exultant: Destiny's Children, Book 2 by Stephen Baxter
Del Rey, Ballantine (hc, 472 pages)
Publication date: 30 November 2004, USA & Canada
SF Site Review of Coalescent, Book 1

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Egmont Books (trade, 376 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, UK & Canada

The Etched City by K.J. Bishop
Spectra, Bantam Books (trade, 383 pages)
Publication date: 30 November 2004, USA & Canada
    First published by Prime Books in 2003, to wide acclaim.

Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Weapons & Technology by W. Haden Blackman, illustrated by Ian Fullwood
Lucas Books, Del Rey, Ballantine (trade, 198 pages)
Publication date: 2 November 2004, USA & Canada

Sleeping in Flame by Jonathan Carroll
Orb, Tom Doherty Associates (trade, 303 pages)
Publication date: 5 October 2004, USA & Canada
    First published by Doubleday in 1988, this new edition has a catchy Dave McKean cover.

Time Hunter: Kitsune by John Paul Catton
Telos Publishing (trade, 100 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, UK / January 2005, USA & Canada

EverQuest: Rogue's Hour by Scott Ciencin
CDS Books (hc, 298 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada

The Discontinuity Guide by Paul Cornell, Martin Day & Keith Topping
MonkeyBrain Books (trade, 349 pages)
Publication date: November 2004, USA & Canada
    Subtitled "The Definitive Guide to the Worlds & Times of Doctor Who."

The Unicorn Treasury compiled & edited by Bruce Coville
Magic Carpet Books, Harcourt (trade, 202 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA & Canada
    First published in 1988 by Doubleday, this is a collection of stories, poems and unicorn lore for readers 8-12. It includes works and excerpts from Megan Lindholm, William Jay Smith, Margaret Greaves, Madeleine L'Engle, Bruce Coville, E.V. Rieu, Jane Yolen, C.S. Lewis, Patricia C. Wrede, Jennifer Roberson, and others.

Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Gris Grimly
Harcourt (hc, 30 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada
    A Halloween tale of an unlikely friendship that grows between Bella Legrossi and Boris Kleanitoff, the odd couple of Booville. For readers aged 4-7.

Liberty's Journey by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Richard Egielski
Hyperion Books for Children (hc, 32 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada
    For readers aged 4-7.

Half Magic by Edward Eager, illustrated by N.M. Bodecker
Harcourt (hc, 217 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada
    50th anniversary edition. For readers 8 and up.
SF Site Review

Exile's Return: Conclave of Shadows, Book 3 by Raymond E. Feist
Voyager, HarperCollins (hc & trade, 356 pages)
Publication date: 6 September 2004, UK

Subterranean Worlds: A Critical Anthology edited by Peter Fitting
Wesleyan University Press (hc, 225 pages)
Publication date (forthcoming): 1 December 2004, USA
    The author is a University of Toronto Professor who has taught courses on science fiction for 35 years. This book explores the theme of the hollow earth presented in fantastical fiction throughout the ages, with excerpts from some of the original stories.

Freewalker: The Longlight Legacy Trilogy, Book 2 by Dennis Foon
Annick Press (hc & trade, 387 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA & Canada
    For readers 11 and up.

Sliding Scales by Alan Dean Foster
Del Rey, Ballantine (hc, 247 pages)
Publication date: 2 November 2004, USA & Canada

The James Tiptree Award Anthology 1 edited by Karen Joy Fowler, Pat Murphy, Debbie Notkin, Jeffrey D. Smith
Tachyon Publications (trade, 320 pages)
Publication date (forthcoming): January 2005, USA
    Previously uncollected works associated with the award, from James Tiptree, Jr., Geoff Ryman, Joanna Russ, Matt Ruff, Ruth Nestvold, Pat Murphy, Sandra McDonald, Kelly Link, Ursula K. Le Guin, Karen Joy Fowler, Carol Emshwiller, Kara Dalkey, Suzy McKee Charnas, Richard Calder, and Hans Christian Anderson.

Smoke in the Wind: The Book of Cul by Wil Hanson
Five Star (hc, 429 pages)
Publication date (forthcoming): December 2004, USA

Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein
Tor (hc, 320 pages)
Publication date: 1 October 2004, USA & Canada
    First published in 1963, this book has been described as Heinlein's "one true fantasy novel."

Fool's Fate: The Tawny Man, Book 3 by Robin Hobb
Voyager, HarperCollins (mm, 805 pages)
Publication date: 6 October 2004, UK
SF Site Review of The Golden Fool, Book 2

To Light a Candle: The Obsidian Trilogy, Book 2 by Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Tor (hc, 656 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada

The Shadow of Armageddon by Jim LeMay
Silver Lake Publishing (trade, 345 pages)
Publication date: June 2004, USA

Khai of Khem by Brian Lumley
Tor (hc, 320 pages)
Publication date: 13 October 2004, USA & Canada
    First published in the US in 1981 under the title Khai of Ancient Khem.

Futureways edited by Rita McBride & Glen Rubsamen
Arsenal Pulp Press (mm, 200 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada
    Each chapter of this "novel" is written by a different contributor. They are Laura Cottingham, Nick Crowe, Aline Duriaud, Nalo Hopkinson, Nico Israel, Matthew Licht, Peter Maass, Rita McBride, Alexandre Melo, Glen Rubsamen, David Schafer, Mark von Schlegell, and Rutger Wolfson.

The Moon Pool by A. Merritt
Wesleyan University Press (trade, 309 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA
    Originally published in a shorter version in 1918, this novel is probably Merritt's most well-known work. It's still a fun read, if you're a fan of the early "lost-world" adventure story. It ranges from creepy to exciting, with a healthy dash of cheesiness.
SF Site Review

The Martian War by Gabriel Mesta
Pocket Books (hc, 272 pages)
Publication date (forthcoming): April 2005, USA & Canada
    Subtitled "A Thrilling Eyewitness Account of the Recent Alien Invasion as Reported by Mr. H.G. Wells."

Wizardry & Wild Romance: A Study of Epic Fantasy by Michael Moorcock
MonkeyBrain Books (trade, 206 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA
    Back in print for the first time in nearly 20 years, this new edition includes an introduction by China Miéville and an afterword by Jeff VanderMeer.

A Blazing World: The Unofficial Companion to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume Two by Jess Nevins
MonkeyBrain Books (trade, 304 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA
    Even though it's "unofficial," this book includes an introduction by Alan Moore, an interview with Alan Moore, and an interview with Kevin O'Neill.

Quicksilver Zenith: Quicksilver Trilogy, Book 2 by Stan Nicholls
Voyager, HarperCollins (trade, 327 pages)
Publication date: 6 September 2004, UK

Watching Anime, Reading Manga: 25 Years of Essays and Reviews by Fred Patten
Stone Bridge Press (trade, 384 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
HarperCollins (hc, 377 pages) / Doubleday (hc, 352 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA / September 2004, UK & Canada
SF Site Review

Mere by Robert Reed
Golden Gryphon Press (chapbook, 55 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA & Canada

The Destroyer Goddess: In Fire Forged, Part 2 by Laura Resnick
Tor Fantasy (mm, 594 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA & Canada
    Second half of the story begun in The White Dragon.

The Twentieth Century by Albert Robida
Wesleyan University Press (trade, 397 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA
    First published in French in 1882, this is the first English translation. Translated with an introduction by Philippe Willems.

The Crazy Years: Reflections of a Science Fiction Original by Spider Robinson
BenBella Books (trade, 294 pages)
Publication date: November 2004, USA & Canada

The Shore of Women by Pamela Sargent
BenBella Books (trade, 469 pages)
Publication date: November 2004, USA & Canada
    First published in 1986, this reprinting of a classic of feminist SF boasts a new introduction by Catherine Asaro.

Star Wars: Jedi Trial by David Sherman & Dan Cragg
Lucas Books, Del Rey, Ballantine (hc, 345 pages)
Publication date: 2 November 2004, USA & Canada

Elsewhere by Will Shetterly
Magic Carpet Books, Harcourt (mm, 249 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA & Canada
    First published in 1991, this YA novel is targetted to readers 14 and up.
SF Site Review

Nevernever by Will Shetterly
Magic Carpet Books, Harcourt (mm, 227 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA & Canada
    First published in 1993, sequel to Elsewhere.
SF Site Review

House of Swords by E. Shortt
Bedside Books, American Book Publishing (trade, 296 pages)
Publication date (forthcoming): January 2005, USA

Between Worlds edited by Robert Silverberg
Science Fiction Book Club (hc, 398 pages)
Publication date: July 2004, USA
    Featuring new works from Stephen Baxter, James Patrick Kelly, Nancy Kress, Robert Silverberg, Mike Resnick, and Walter Jon Williams.

Death of Innocence: Immortal Journey, Book 1 by Ruth A. Souther
Laruso Publishing (trade, 474 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA

Asgard's Conquerors: The Asgard Trilogy, Book 2 by Brian Stableford
Five Star (hc, 275 pages)
Publication date (forthcoming): December 2004, USA

Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon
Wesleyan University Press (trade, 314 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA
    A classic of science fiction, first published in 1937.
SF Site Review

A Vault of Horror by Keith Topping
Telos Publishing (trade, 427 pages)
Publication date: August 2004, UK / September 2004, USA & Canada
    "A book of 80 great (and not so great) British horror movies from 1956-1974.

Ten Dragon Tails by Candy Taylor Tutt
Libris Draconis Press (hc, 188 pages)
Publication date: 2003, USA

Why Should I Cut Your Throat?: Excursions Into the Worlds of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror by Jeff VanderMeer
MonkeyBrain Books (trade, 335 pages)
Publication date: October 2004, USA & Canada

Wizard at Work by Vivian Vande Velde
Magic Carpet Books, Harcourt (trade, 134 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA & Canada
    For readers aged 8-12.

The Book of Ballads by Charles Vess
Tor (hc, 192 pages)
Publication date: November 2004, USA & Canada
    A showcase of the artwork of Charles Vess, these ballads and folktales are retold by Emma Bull, Charles de Lint, Neil Gaiman, Sharyn McCrumb, Jeff Smith, Jane Yolen and others.

Sorcery & Cecelia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
Magic Carpet Books, Harcourt (mm, 326 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA & Canada
SF Site Review

The Grand Tour by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
Harcourt (hc, 469 pages)
Publication date: 2004, USA & Canada
    This book follows the adventures begun in Sorcery & Cecelia.

Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen
Magic Carpet Books, Harcourt (mm, 362 pages)
Publication date: September 2004, USA & Canada
    A novel of King Arthur for young adult readers.

The Young Merlin Trilogy by Jane Yolen
Magic Carpet Books (trade, 260 pages)
Publication date: August 2004, USA & Canada
    Complete in a single volume, comprising the works Passager, Hobby and Merlin. For readers aged 8-12.

The Firebird's Vengeance: Isavalta Trilogy, Book 2 by Sarah Zettel
Voyager, HarperCollins (mm, 499 pages)
Publication date: 2004, UK
SF Site Review of Usurper's Crown, Book 2

Magazines

Fantasy & Science Fiction, December 2004, USA & Canada
Contributors to this issue include: Matthew Jarpe & Jonathan Andrew Sheen, Albert E. Cowdrey, Michael Libling, Jack Cady, Sydney J. Van Scyoc, John Morressy.

Fantasy & Science Fiction, January 2005, USA & Canada
Contributors to this issue include: Alex Irvine, John G. McDaid, Bruce Sterling, Esther M. Friesner, Arthur Proges.