The Soprano Sorceress by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
reviewed by Jeff Berkwits
The author is best known among fantasy fans for his long-running Recluce series. Throughout this novel (not in that series), he creates a compelling tale where mastery of melody can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Moonwar by Ben Bova
reviewed by Lisa DuMond
The author keeps the action going in grand space opera style, relying often on stock characters, indulging only occasionally in the truly cornball to tie up loose ends. The technology is intriguing, the settings exotic, and the story involving -- promising endless material for the proposed saga.

The Scroll of Thoth by Richard L. Tierney
reviewed by Wayne MacLaurin
This collection includes twelve of the author's works dealing with Simon Magus, a great figure in Western occult tradition. Simon Magus is mentioned in The Bible and is often referred to as the sorcerous opponent of Peter. Fictional accounts of Simon and his exploits have appeared in countless forms including that as one of the formative influences of the main character in the latest movie version of The Saint.

How Few Remain by Harry Turtledove
reviewed by Alexander von Thorn
George Custer and Teddy Roosevelt fighting the British in Montana. Abraham Lincoln preaching socialism in Chicago. Samuel Clemens arrested for sedition. Trench warfare on the Ohio River. This story bursts forth from the first page and pushes ahead with the force of a speeding train. How Few Remain is a compelling and entertaining story and a thoughtful study of some of the core issues of American history.

Merlin's Gift by Ian McDowell
reviewed by Stephen M. Davis
Ian McDowell has put a real twist on the Arthurian legend, telling the story from the point-of-view of Mordred -- but a Mordred you may not recognize. This is the sort of book that would be outright foolishness if it weren't all managed so deftly by the author. Stephen was most impressed!

Touched By The Gods by Lawrence Watt-Evans
reviewed by Jim Greer
Jim found it to be a clever, thought-provoking story that moves with good pace. The characters are slightly static, but well-drawn and interesting. There is enough mystery and intrigue to keep the reader glued to the story.

February New Arrivals
compiled by John O'Neill
The first two weeks of February have produced nearly as many titles as the entire month of January, including new books by John Kessel, Charles Sheffield, Jack Vance, Christopher Rowley, Severna Park, Kate Elliott, S.M. Stirling, Martin H. Greenberg, Scott Mackay, Elliot S. Maggin, and many others.

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
reviewed by Steven H Silver
Steven has enjoyed several Connie Willis short stories or novellas. At longer lengths, he subscribes to the minority opinion that her work is vastly overrated. While sure that To Say Nothing of the Dog will sell well and may even garner Willis another Hugo or Nebula, it is another book supporting his opinion that she should stick with short fiction and stay away from time travel.

Black Mist: and Other Japanese Futures edited by Orson Scott Card and Keith Ferrell
reviewed by Stephen M. Davis
The idea behind the anthology is intriguing: six authors in five novellas look at the future of Japanese culture and society in outer space, cyberspace, and Earth. Much to the reader's sorrow, the editors succeed only partially in realizing their goal.

Halfway Human by Carolyn Ives Gilman
reviewed by Lisa DuMond
Lisa will be looking for this book on the Hugo and Nebula ballots this year. Yes, it's that good. Developing characters that readers will care enough about to become wrapped up in their struggles is tough work for an author. Carolyn Ives Gilman does it and she does it well. And this is only her debut novel.

Spares by Michael Marshall Smith
reviewed by Rodger Turner
Rodger thinks this is an author with a remarkable eye. His writing is starkly visual reminding him of what Blade Runner would be like on speed. Smith captures the essence of characters with a deft touch, all the while pushing the plot forward with surreal intensity.

Percival and the Presence of God by Jim Hunter
reviewed by Neil Walsh
In his introduction, the book's editor calls this "Christian existential novel." Neil agrees, it is an oddity, all right. Perhaps even more existential than it is Christian. Not much action. Lots of introspection. And yet, very visceral.