http://www.sfsite.com/ The new issue of the SF Site is now online. Copyright 1996-2010 SF Site en-us http://www.sfsite.com/images/sfspot1.gif http://www.sfsite.com/ http://www.sfsite.com/12b/pr358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT The novel opens with Everett Singh going to meet his physicist father at a lecture -- but instead Everett witnesses his father's kidnapping. The police are little help, and neither is his divorced mother. Soon enough Everett realizes that his father was involved in some very interesting research, research which led to opening a gate between parallel worlds. And when his father's rather creepy boss comes around, it seems clear that Dr. Singh must have made an important discovery, and that the authorities are after it. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/sa358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Not in the Christmas spirit yet? You might try this collection wich opens with a pair of mystery shorts, "Rehabilitation" and "Snow Angels." They are essentially psychological explorations of criminals who made their appearance on Christmas. In the first, Matt is a Mall Santa who stops young men from executing a jewelry heist. The police tongue-lash him for acting so boldly, but he had his reasons. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/mp358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Less than a decade after the book's first appearance, it seems, if anything, even more science fictional, because a story about middle class revolt appears not just prescient, it is eerily predictive. Everywhere we look around us, from the Tea Party to the Occupy movement, from clashes over tuition fees to the sight of doctors and teachers and top civil servants on strike, we see the middle classes in revolt. Surely that is exactly what Ballard was writing about in this novel? http://www.sfsite.com/12b/ws358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Don't let yourself be put off by the vulgar cover nor deterred by the ambiguous promise of "urban fantasy with an erotic edge" suggesting cheap, second-rate fiction by mediocre writers. This is a very good book, extremely engrossing and entertaining, including a couple of remarkable highlights of superior quality when compared with more celebrated anthologies. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/rp358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT It's the middle of the twenty-first century, the oil has run out, economies have collapsed, people are living in trailers stacked on top of each other, and the virtual reality known as OASIS is an attractive place for lots of people, including Wade Watts, his fellow students, and gamer friends. Oasis was the brainchild of James Halliday, a genius game designer with an obsession for 80s pop culture who built Oasis to encompass all the aspects of personal relationships. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/ns358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT It begins in Bohemia in 1741 with Bohdan Reznik, a priest who has to perform certain rites on a Hungarian princess before she is laid to rest. These are not ordinary rites though, as she has her head removed, holy water splashed over her corpse, and many other rituals, but no one other than him knows why this happens. This first part of the story brings readers into the mind of the priest who performs the rites without any emotion. He does as he is told and, strange as it seems, he also removes all trace that the princess ever existed. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/ww358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT It tells of lawyer Janine D'Angelo who defends an occult serial killer who won't help her help him cop a plea of insanity. It's not that he agrees or disagrees but that he's completely emotionless. Now that he's in the process of being sentenced, he appears not to approve of Janine's handling of the case (or maybe she insulted or doubted him), for he appears in her house with a showy display of ooze coming from the walls to tell her she must die on Halloween. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/gr358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT This is a collection of three short stories written by L. Ron Hubbard and published in science fiction pulp magazines during the 40s and 50s. These stories are brought to life with sound effects and a multicast performance reminiscent of old-time-radio, plus the sound quality is crystal clear. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/og358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT The theory is that humanity, thousands of years ago, was visited by aliens who built gigantic structures such as the pyramids and Stonehenge and were mistaken for gods by our ancestors. They are the inspiration behind much of the ancient mythology around the world and the fantastic beasts included in many of those myths are actually the result of genetic experimentation. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/wh358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT This collection isn't just about Christmas -- it treats Thanksgiving and New Year's as well -- but several also capture some of that old-time holiday spirit. Itn opens with a Thanksgiving mystery, "Pudgygate," where young men are bragging about their most embarrassing moments. Reuben claims his tale rivals them all. He manages to serve his secret love (Princess Diana), steal a kiss, and capture a criminal -- thanks to a turkey-crazed cat named Pudge. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/et358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT The human outpost Embassytown is on the far distant planet Arieka -- accessible only by a dangerous trip through extra-dimensional space dubbed the immer -- home to a diplomatic corps of specially cloned twins that are the only line of communication to the native Ariekei, whose unusual double-mouthed physiology makes their language unique in the known universe. Ariekene speech can only convey literal concepts, so Ariekei can't lie. But they will occasionally expand their language with the help of human volunteers. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/ba358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT The collection of short shorts, Bam! 172 Hellaciously Quick Stories, widely displays his ability for ideas: fiery tornados aswim with sharks, attempted murders on Barbie, a war conducted by clowns. His stories have a penchant for turning familiar ideas on their head: aliens abduct a human to conduct... a taste-test for to discover the superior cheesecake? Another book worth looting is his book on ideas, The Writing Engine. He discusses the psychology of finding and developing ideas. http://www.sfsite.com/columns/graphica358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT As promised last issue by Mark London Williams, Rick Klaw is presenting the finale of the fourth annual Nexus Graphica best graphic novels of the year. This year's selections offer the fewest crossovers of any of the previous lists with only one title making both top ten lists. Partially this occurs because the two of them are not always getting the same books for review and also a result of the natural deviations in personal taste. Whatever the reason, it results in a greater coverage for you, the reader. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/st358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Stephenie Meyer's novels have interested many people over the past few years, and feature a lot of messages on love sexuality, class, race and cultural issues. This time around the characters in her books are discussed by lecturer Natalie Wilson using these themes of life, love and other cultural issues. Her interest is making this book happened when she was asked to do a series of talks. http://www.sfsite.com/12b/lf358.htm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT This critical study of science fiction and other related genres is comprised of several chapters that deal with lesbian writing and the novels which feature prominent lesbian characters. Phyllis M. Betz leaves no stone unturned with her analysis of lesbians in famous fiction whether it is old or new. For many, lesbians have been seen as frightening characters in novels due to their differences to other more feminine heroines. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/cc357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Presented as a series of recollections and reports, this sumptuous collection features contributions from popular artists and best-selling fantasy authors. It's a diverse and quirky entertainment, loosely connected by the late Thackery T. Lambshead, whose fabled Cabinet of Curiosities purportedly held a vast collection of rare and strange objects, around which each story is based. Rarely will you come across a collection that rattles and rambles along in such a fantastical, often meticulous, yet always engaging fashion. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/dr357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT As sick as Mario is of reading fiction about vampires, he couldn't miss the opportunity to get a copy of an Australian anthology whose contributors were (with the notable exception of Angela Slatter) completely unknown to him. His hope was to get a refreshing view of an old and overused topic by a bunch of writers not belonging to the circle of the usual suspects from the USA or the UK. In a way, his desire has been fulfilled. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/ct357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT This novel follows in the footsteps of her first novel, Forbidden Cargo, moving the action from Mars to an Earth that has already been affected by the developments recounted in the first book. That includes MAM, a technology that gives anyone endowed with its abilities access to the entire library of human knowledge, and the spread of a mysterious fungus that is threatening the habitability of buildings across the landscape of Los Angeles. Enter Rika Grant, a data thief charged with investigating one of the first buildings where the fungus has taken over. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/fsf78357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT In this issue of the magazine, there is a neat mix of fantasy and science fiction stories, plus novellas for those who like to read something more substantial. "Books to Look For," by Charles de Lint starts off with his review of a debut novel by Lish McBride; Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. It's a funny and endearing story that has readers interested in the characters before the story really gets going. That is the true mark of the writer, and it is understandable why Lish has the power to make SF readers laugh, as writing humour is one of the hardest things to make believable. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/fsf56357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT It's a mixed bag in this month's issue of Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction for May/June. From photographers and scientists to natural disasters, there is plenty to choose from as far as unusual stories are concerned, and in-between all that, there are the other things of interest, namely articles and book reviews. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/bs357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT This issue has all the features the reader needs to get into during the weekend when they are ready to let their hair down. Mur Lafferty reviews "The Wolf Tree," by John Claude Bemis, with an interview conducted by Don Campbell with the author and, at five pages, it is very in depth and gives enough of an idea to readers of what kind of writer he is. There are a good number of short stories, some shorter than others, and yet have very powerful endings. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/sp357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT From the front cover, readers will think that the poets inside this small sized digest think outside the box, and they would be right. These poems are all based on the imaginings of poets who have in them an interest in science fiction whether it is about spaceships, far off galaxies or robots. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/gi357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT It is the 24th century and technology has continued to advance by leaps and bounds. In fact, one very innovative organization, Dr. Zeus Incorporated, also known as "The Company," has discovered the secrets to both immortality and time travel. The mission statement of The Company is to use these inventions to improve the lot of human kind... while making a healthy profit, of course. As always, time travel comes with restrictions. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/dv357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT This novel opens with Jacob Burn taking an assignment to make a delivery to the zombie-like riverdwelling Fehn. Things quickly -- and predictably -- go pear-shaped, as the delivery seems to precipitate a change in the Fehn, who suddenly begin to invade Veridon in great numbers. Jacob and his "spider" friend Wilson are on the run. The mystery involves a man named Ezekiel Crane, and the ancient people who may have built Veridon, as well as Jacob's dying father and general uproar among the rulers of the city, include Jacob's old enemy, the half-machine woman Angela Tomb. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/fi357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT The first of four stories, "The Last Apollo Mission on the Moon" is about a young writer, Paula Austin, who thought she was headed for great things, but her career never panned out. Years after a long dry spell, Stanley Kubrick visits her in her job at a bookstore and recruits her to write a script about the moon for him -- a script to be shot on the Twin Towers. Strangely enough, two of Kubrick's henchmen are sent to corral Austin into delivering are Nicolas Cage and Scarlett Johansson although they never present themselves as a true menace. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/dl357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT "My goal as I set out was to be a writer and that was all. It was only through the pursuit of this practice that any other goal formulated itself, and that goal is constantly morphing. Lately I've actually been more interested in developing a consistent aesthetic or artistic stance beyond a vague surrealism." http://www.sfsite.com/columns/graphica357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT It's that time of year again, folks, which is to say, the part of the year where there's little time left on the calendar. That means -- well, it means that next time Mark London Williams and Rick Klaw do this, it'll be on cusp of all the Mayan tumult of 2012! But it also means that it's time for their annual "that was the year that was" best-of round-up. Mark's caveat, of course, is there's no pretense that these are, somehow, the objective "best" graphic novels of the year, to the exclusion of others. They are, simply, the things that Rick and Mark have read, and written about here, that affected them most deeply, or stayed with them in some way. http://www.sfsite.com/columns/derek357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT A couple of years ago Derek caught the movie Taken at the discount cinema outside of Austin. He paid $1.50 to watch ex-CIA officer Liam Neeson rescue his daughter from white slave traffickers and he can honestly say he got his money's worth, but no more, because he never completely engaged with the material. Part of it was due to the standard movie thriller ridiculousness but more of it had to do with its betrayal of how the best thrillers should work, a point driven home to Derek after catching a recent performance of John Frankenheimer's classic shocker Seconds. http://www.sfsite.com/books/new357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Newest arrivals in the SF Site office include forthcoming titles from Glen Cook, Lucius Shepard, the latest from L.E. Modesitt, Jr., a new series edited by Mike Resnick with the first book featuring authors Kevin J. Anderson and Steven Savile, plus plenty more. http://www.sfsite.com/12a/ft357.htm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT Most characters that populate young adult fantasy novels are beautiful, strong, secure and/or smart. Princess Lucero-Elisa possesses none of these traits or at least doesn't think she does. Elisa is fat, insecure and pales in comparison to her older sister when it comes to playing political games and socializing with strangers. So, she's terrified when she is to secretly marry Alejandro, the leader of a neighboring kingdom in the midst of its turmoil. http://www.sfsite.com/rssfeeds01.htm Sat, 1 Jan 2005 11:00:00 GMT After constructing our first RSS feed, it soon became apparent that the size of files could grow quickly. We decided to separate them into smaller ones, breaking them up by month. On this page you will find RSS feed files for all of our content beginning with January 2005.