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Shrine of Stars by Paul J. McAuley
reviewed by Rich Horton
Many of the mysteries introduced in the first two volumes, Child of the
River and Ancients of Days, are slowly dispelled in this
concluding volume. Here, the author actually delivers on the implied promise
of the first two books: the nature of Confluence, the nature of Yama and the
answers to the mysteries of the first two books are all revealed in logical
and satisfying ways. In the end, the three books are clearly, unambiguously, far future science fiction.
Kingdom of the Grail by Judith Tarr
reviewed by Steven H Silver
The author has taken the epic Chanson de Roland and the historic Charlemagne and created
a fantasy novel which explains Ganelon's treachery and Roland's death while mixing in the more familiar and popular
grail legend from Arthurian mythology. Her representation of Charlemagne's court is a composite of the historical
court and the Charlemagne depicted in the chanson.
Terminal Visions by Richard Paul Russo
reviewed by Georges T. Dodds
While the settings of the stories in this collection range from interstellar lifeboats to decaying post-apocalyptic inner
cities, and the technology from invasive alien body suits to a device for time/space-hopping in old-fashioned
cars, the stories are first and foremost about ordinary men and women, their emotions, interactions, hopes, and
motivations. These largely transcend the technological backdrop or unusual abilities of the characters.
Best of all, the characters are neither save-the-world superheroes, nor
cloyingly sentimental; they are ineffectual emotional wrecks.
The Return by Buzz Aldrin & John Barnes
reviewed by Steven H Silver
The possible murder of a popular athlete during a "Civilian in Space" flight of the shuttle Columbia spells the
end of ex-astronaut Scott Blackstone's career and his hopes to help mankind eventually reach Mars. In the aftermath
and reprisals, Scott finds himself out of a job and faced with a multi-million dollar lawsuit. His former company,
NASA, and the other defendants in the case recommend settling, but Scott, his ex-wife/attorney Thallia and his brother,
Nick, choose to fight.
Babylon 5.1
TV reviews by Rick Norwood
Rick offers his opinion on a wealth of interesting DVDs coming onto the market -- from
Sherlock Holmes to The Lathe of Heaven written by Roger E. Swaybill
and Diane English, from the novel by Ursula K. Le Guin
and Destination Moon written by Robert A. Heinlein, Rip Van Ronkel, and James O'Hanlon.
The 8th House by Wendy Jensen
reviewed by Jonathan Fesmire
Popular suspense author Zoë Zignego lives a thrice-cursed life.
She reads minds, has psychic dreams of horrible murders, and sees
ghosts -- all of which started after the car accident that left her
with head wounds and her husband dead. Since gaining her powers, she's helped in homicide
investigations as a psychic consultant...
Rules of Conflict by Kristine Smith
reviewed by Marc Goldstein
Despite its martial title, this isn't military SF (with all the carnage and cardboard
characters that sub-genre usually implies). Rather, this sequel to the author's well-received first novel,
Code of Conduct, is a labyrinthine thriller emphasizing intrigue and personal politics. She has imagined an
impressive future of believable characters, credibly convoluted political affairs, disturbingly realistic aliens,
and fearsome technology.
Forthcoming Books
compiled by Neil Walsh
Here's a sampling of some of the F&SF books that are headed our way in the coming months...
Killing Time / Sensing Others by Frank Tallis
reviewed by Georges T. Dodds
Here are 2 novels of the urban underbelly set in modern day London. Both are very marginally science
fiction... scientist-fiction might be a better term, given the author's other career. Both are certainly not juvenile material,
with graphic though not gratuitous sex and violence. Having read them, Georges ponders what genre they belong to:
science fiction, psychological thriller, noir, or realistic novels of the urban underbelly?
Wysard by Carolyn Kephart
reviewed by Lisa DuMond
Magick and mystery and ghosts aside, this is a struggle for a young man to fulfill his destiny and become a true
leader. It's as much a coming of-age tale as a fairy tale. Ryel, the wysard of the title, is on a quest to save
his homeland, and, just possibly, the world. Something is sapping the very magic from the air at Markul.
New Magazines
compiled by John O'Neill
The SF Site's FictionHome page brings you the latest news and
reviews of genre magazines and other short fiction. We look at brand new issues of
Talebones, Interzone, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and many more.
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A Conversation With James Barclay
An interview with Wayne MacLaurin
On inspiration:
"I also look around at what dedication can achieve and I find that inspiring. Particularly athletes -- the regime
of a top athlete is extraordinary but they give up what they have to in order to achieve their dreams. I used to
be one of the many that said 'I'd love to write a book,' and now, having been fortunate enough to have been
published, I give the same response I was given: 'Well, sit down and write one, then.'"
Noonshade by James Barclay
a novel excerpt
"Thraun had unshouldered his pack and was stripping off his leather before the sound of the fallen bell registered as trouble in Hirad's mind.
'You don't have to do this, Thraun,' said Will, his stance edgy, worry lining his face.
'We must have a diversion or Ilkar and Denser will be killed.'
'I doubt that,' said Hirad."
Noonshade by James Barclay
reviewed by Wayne MacLaurin
Truly excellent fantasy is rare. Truly excellent heroic fantasy is rarer
still. Discovering a new author who writes truly excellent heroic fantasy is
perhaps the rarest gem of all. This author, with his Chronicles of the
Raven, is such a find. Sequel to Dawnthief, this is a tale of
the Raven, a band of near legendary (and aging) mercenaries -- a diverse
assortment of fighters, mages and rogues -- in their encounters with
dragons, barbarian hordes, sorcerers, demonic summonings, shape-shifters,
and the threat of worldwide devastation.
Brain Plague by Joan Slonczewski
reviewed by Greg L. Johnson
Chrysoberyl is a young artist, struggling to mount an exhibition
and pay her rent at the same time. In addition, her family cannot afford
the medical help her brother needs. When she signs up for an experimental
program, she becomes host to a microbe colony known as the Eleutherians.
Her status as a carrier is her ticket to wealth and fame,
but it also exposes her to the growing prejudice against the brain plague and its human hosts.
First Contract by Greg Costikyan
reviewed by Victoria Strauss
Following alien contact, Mukerjii loses his mansion, his wife, his money, and his business. Homeless and penniless, he's
reduced to working as a soup-kitchen cook in a shantytown. He may be down, but he isn't out. He has an
idea for how to beat the aliens at their own game. Sure, Earth can't compete with alien technology, but what about
tacky tourist items? If only he can figure out how to make and market some cheap bagatelle the aliens will want to buy.
September Books
compiled by Neil Walsh
September has seen some fabulous new arrivals so far, including new novels from Louise Marley, Judith Tarr, Jeffrey E. Barlough, Steven Krane, Juliet E. McKenna, Kristine Smith, Paul J. McAuley, James Stevens-Arce, and Richard Matheson -- well, ok, the Matheson isn't new; it's his first novel, written half a century ago, but it's finally seeing publication for the first time ever.
Telzey Amberdon by James H. Schmitz
reviewed by Peter D. Tillman
Telzey Amberdon, age 15, is a genius, a law student, and a psi supergirl who can save the Federation in a fortnight,
and still make it home in time for her 16th birthday party. This is silly but engaging fluff, sort of a
Nancy Drew in space -- but much better-written. It's a pleasure to see the Telzey stories back in print.
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