Category Archives: Books

Philip Nutman, Cities of Night

Philip Nutman is one of the more frustrating horror authors out there, largely because the quality of his output makes the reader wish there were a lot more of it. His novel Wetworksstill stands up as one of the best … Continue reading

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Michael Moorcock’sThe Runestaff

The Runestaff is the rousing finish to Michael Moorcock’s classic Dorian Hawkmoon tetralogy. I had to say that. The Runestaff is, like its predecessors in the series, pulp fiction of the highest order, and even more over the top than … Continue reading

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Jon F. Merz, The Kensei

When the press release for Jon F. Merz’ The Kensei came over the wire (and doesn’t that sound just the least bit retro?), I immediately e-mailed the Chief and said “It sounds weird enough to be interesting.” I mean, a … Continue reading

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Alan Garner’s The Owl Service

This is a magical book, and the finest of Alan Garner’s young adult novels. Now, a lot of people associate magic with ethereal forces, great quests and spells and all that, and indeed spells can be found in several of … Continue reading

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Ann and Jeff VanderMeer, eds.: Steampunk II: Steampunk Reloaded

After reading the first couple of pieces in this collection, I contacted a friend who’s active in the steampunk community. “Who’s a good writer in the field?” I asked her. She was embarrassed. Really, she said, there isn’t anybody much. … Continue reading

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Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches

In Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches, which seems more researched than written, vampire fiction is reduced to the, pardon the pun, palest ghost of what made it unique and interesting. As cliché is piled upon cliché and derivative plot … Continue reading

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Phillip José Farmer, The Dark Design

The Dark Design, the second volume in Tor’s reissue of Philip José Farmer’s Riverworld series, is actually the third book in the saga, following To Your Scattered Bodies Go and The Fabulous Riverboat. We’re following four threads of narrative here. … Continue reading

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Interview: Andrew Fox

I met Andrew Fox for the first time at CapClave 2010; his “elevator speech” about one of his books (Fat White Vampire Blues) hooked me immediately: “Anne Rice meets A Confederacy of Dunces.” I promptly bought the book, and enjoyed it … Continue reading

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Robert Silverberg: The Last Song of Orpheus

One might think that a retelling of the life of a demigod would offer a rich field, particularly if the demigod told the story himself. It was, therefore, with a fair degree of anticipation — and a vivid recollection of … Continue reading

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Jasper Fforde’s The Fourth Bear

My new favourite Welshman, Jasper Fforde, presents his sophomore effort in the Nursery Crimes detective series. The novel starts out strongly. After a brief first chapter describing a mysterious event (like the teaser trailer before the opening credits in a … Continue reading

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