Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing, The (Review 9/2/00)
A collection of short stories, most about a woman named Jane. The first story hooks you with its humor, although the others never struck me as being quite as funny. Still, they are all well written and very engaging, including the two that are not about Jane. A quick read. I enjoyed the book a lot -- A.
Everville (Review 3/11/96)
The sequel to The Great and Secret Show. The city of Everville, Oregon is at the foot of a mountain where a door is open to the Metacosm. The Iad Uroboros are coming through, while all manners of strange things-and people-are converging on the town, including Tesla Bombeck, Tommy-Ray McGuire (aka Death-Boy), Grillo, D'Amour, and Kissoon. Also, Owen Buddenbaum,who desires the Art, and who is the one who put the idea of the city into the head of young Maeve O'Connell. Meanwhile, Joe is lost in the Metacosm and his lover Phoebe goes in to find him.
Eh. A decent story, but the characters just don't seem real. Even the human ones are lacking in dimensions. The dialogue is sometimes reasonable, but just as often is not. This is one of my major dislikes about most of Barker's work.
Great and Secret Show, The (Review 8/92)
The Search for the sea of Happiness-or maybe that should be "contentment". Two men gain god-like powers because of a search for power and the next evolutionary step, then fight because of opposing ideologies and purposes. Eventually, their struggles lead them to have "children", who continue the struggle-in a way.
Fairly engrossing, but very strangely paced-the first part, pre-children, passes very quickly and only occupies 20% of the book. Quite different from other Barker I've read-most things that occur are actually explained (look Ma, no holes!)
Overall, a good book for horror/fantasy/sf fans.
Imajica (Review 8/93)
Earth is the Fifth Dominion, separated from the other four. There is a plot to Reconcile the Dominions, but who will do it? And what will the God Hapaxemendios-or the Goddesses-do with it once it's healed?
Much better than other Clive Barker I've read. It's a bit too long, but an interesting story without the Barker annoyance of unexplained phenomena.
Dragonsword (Review 2/26/95)
Suzanne is a graduate student with a past, and Solomon Braithwaite is her advisor with a past of his own. But when the dragon in Braithwaite's paperweight takes the two of them to a world Braithwaite's obviously been to before, Suzanne comes to realize that not everyone's past -- or future -- is as easy to determine. As she struggles being a woman in a country where women are not valued (a fact which Solomon clearly enjoys), she also struggles with some of the strangeness she encounters from the people and their ways.
Very good. Gael has certainly become one of my favorites. A-.
Duel of Dragons (Review 4/17/95)
Suzanne meets Helen Addams, Sol Braithwaite's ex-wife, about the same time that the two women see Sol's corpse rising from the grave. As they're attacked in this world by unknown creatures, Silbakor takes them to Gryylth, where Helen becomes the sorceress Kyria. Gryylth is under attack-by twentieth-century weapons. Is it Vayyle that's attacking them, or something else? And what does the dead Sol have to do with it?
Good. Not quite as good as the first one, I think, but still very interesting. A good exposition on the necessity of violence and how far one should take pacifism. I give it a B+.
Gossamer Axe (Review 5/2/98)
Christa, born in the 6th century in Eriu (what is now Ireland), was forced to leave her lover in the land of the Sidhe (faerie). She emerged in the 1700's, and after two centuries of trying to find a way to bring her lover back, the harper thinks she's found a way. Music is magic, and while the Sidhe's music has never changed, the 1980's found a wave of music much different from 6th century Eriu -- heavy metal rock'n'roll. But Christa finds she needs a band...
A few events belying the traditional happy ending for everyone involved, but otherwise predictable. Still, it's great fun; definitely entertaining and worthy of Ms. Baudino. I give it a B.
Maze of Moonlight (Review 7/17/95)
Baron Christopher (Roger's grandson) returns to Aurverelle, insane from his experiences in the Crusade. Vanessa, granddaughter of Roxanne and the Elf Varden, is attacked by the churchman Etienne -- and fights back. Christopher (whose sanity is returning) helps her to live, tying his lineage to the elves yet again. Meanwhile, the free companies -- mercenaries who also fight and kill not by hired employ but for their own gain -- are on the way to attack cities of Adria and the Free Towns. Christopher gathers the armies of Adria to save them all, but will they be in time?
A much darker book than Strands of Starlight, but good. Maybe not quite as good as Starlight. A.
Shroud of Shadow (Review 2/25/95)
The elves are all gone -- except for Natil, the harper, and she would be gone as well if it weren't for Omelda, a runaway nun who hears voices in her head. The two seek a cure for Omelda, but Natil ends up embroiled in a plot by an Inquisitor to declare a rich man a heretic and therefore acquire all of his wealth, while Omelda ends up in hands that are the antithesis of elven healing. All the while, Natil has to accept that she is human, but her dreams of elves in a place called Colorado may yet come true.
Very good, but once again, even darker than Moonlight. I give it an A, but with anticipation for the sequel.
Strands of Starlight (Review 7/3/94)
Miriam is a young woman in Europe during the Inquisition, and her powers of healing have led the ambitious Bishop Cranby to torture her in hopes of getting a confession of witchcraft. She escapes to the Free Towns, outside the (political) jurisdiction of her home country. Before she arrives, she heals a man in the forest, and he repays her by raping here. In the Free Towns, she meets the Elves, true (Wiccan) witches, and Christians with good hearts (unlike the Bishop). Concerned with her self-destructive vow of revenge, her life is bound inexplicably with theirs. She convinces one of the elves to transform her, and she begins her path toward her revenge-and protecting the Free Towns from the Inquisition.
Very good. I read it in two days, which is unusual for me (esp. for a 380 page book). A+.
Strands of Sunlight (Review 8/14/94)
Natil has found the elves of Colorado, former humans, and she is doing her best to help them understand what they have become. But the Lady Elthia is lost to all of them, and Natil feels that to explain the Lady to the Secondborn when they cannot see her would be adding insult to injury. Add Sandy, a Wiccan harper who has been abused by her father (and is even now in a similar position with her "professor"), and TK, a veteran with a prosthetic leg and a crack house next door-it all seems hopeless, or does it?
Again, an exceptional book. This one ends with both a happy note and a sad one, and I can't help but think that this is how life is (sappy, I know). A+.
Mapp and Lucia (Review 8/12/2001)
Mrs. Lucas, a.k.a Lucia, gets bored with her English town of Riseholme after her husband dies, and she rents a house in the town of Tilling from Miss Mapp. As Lucia is used to being the center of society in Riseholme, and Mapp in Tilling, a battle begins -- and the summer never has a dull moment.
Brilliant banter, cuts subtle and not-so-subtle, and manipulations of an amazing degree on the parts of the two lead characters make a wonderful, entertaining novel. As the book group member who chose it said: It's a scream. An A.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (Review 10/17/98)
Subtitled "A Savannah Story", this non-fiction work paints a vivid picture of an unusual -- and not-so-unusual -- Southern city. While the spectacle of a murder becomes a focus for a part of the book, the book is less about the murder than about the city itself. Intentionally isolated, with its segregated desegregation, the town seems to be a study in denial. At times, I saw in Savannah a distorted, extreme version of the area where I grew up, in Tennessee. We didn't have the focus on high society, but the attitudes were much the same. That Savannahans are proud of their attitudes only emphasizes the ego-centrism and selfishness of both the individuals and the city.
The book reads like a novel, and I completely understand why it's been on the bestseller's list (and hence available only in hardback) for well over 3 years. The writing is excellent, and the "characters" colorful if nothing else. I give it an A.
Bloody Sun, The (Review 9/2/00)
A Darkover novel, which seems to come shortly after The Forbidden Tower. (This is published by Ace, not Daw, so it doesn't appear on the Daw list that shows the chronology of the series.) Jeff Kerwin, who lived in the Terran Spaceman's Orphanage on Darkover until he was 13, makes his way back to the world of his birth, only to find all records of his childhood existence have been destroyed or placed under heavy security. What is his connection to the Comyn, the psionic ruling class on Darkover?
The story is good, although some of the storytelling techniques seemed strange to me. I give it a B.
Catch Trap, The (Review 3/25/2002)
Tommy is a young man whose parents are circus folk---his dad's a lion tamer, but he wants to be an aerialist. He convinces their circus's aeralist troupe, a family act called the Flying Santellis, to train him and include him. He becomes a true part of the family, even as he falls in love with Mario, the star of the act and one of the best flyers out there. But, since this is set in the 40s and 50s (before Stonewall), they must be terribly careful, and the reasons why become painfully clear.
This was an incredible book, but rather long (almost 700 pages). The second part---the last 250 pages---were completely gripping, but there were sections in the first 400 pages in which I found it too easy to put down. It took me a while to read, between other books, until I got to that last section, and then I really wanted to keep reading. The ending is beautiful. I give it a B, only missing an A because of the slow parts.
Darkover Landfall (Review 6/24/95)
The first Darkover book, this story begins just after a ship from Earth, filled with crewmen as well as colonists, crashes on a planet in uncharted space. The world has very few metals, which makes it near impossible to rebuild the ship. Also, when the rain stops, the winds bring a form of madness....
Interesting. Very short. It makes me want to read more, not because the author's storytelling is so incredible (which is often the case with some of her books -- I'm not sure if it's because it's an early work or because it's so short). Instead, the characters and the plight of their world makes me want to know how they managed, and what their society grew into. I give it a B. (Next chronologically is Stormqueen!)
Firebrand, The (Review 5/16/97)
Just as Mists of Avalon intruiged us with the King Arthur legend from a woman's perspective, this novel presents The Iliad, seen from Kassandra's viewpoint. While I haven't read the Iliad, I knew a little of the story of the fall of Troy -- but in this account, at least, it didn't happen quite that way.
Ms. Bradley's longer novels seem to be her true shining moments. This is an excellent book; if you liked Mists, you should read Firebrand as well. A.
Forbidden Tower, The (Review 5/2/99)
Two telepathic sisters, native Darkovans, marry two telepathic men, one Darkovan and one Terran. But one of the sisters was a Keeper, and as such, was conditioned to be sexually nonresponsive. This, and other problems with the system governing the psychics on Darkover, leads the four to create a "tower" of their own -- which is forbidden by the rules of the system, and could could the four their lives.
Excellent, excellent, excellent. The way Ms. Bradley handles the relationships among the four telepaths -- two couples who share close quarters -- is exemplary. The Terran's resistance at becoming close to his Darkovan "brother" is handled with supreme delicacy and truthfulness. This book is joining my list of favorites!
Forest House, The (Review 11/28/96)
A Romeo-and-Juliet tale set in England of 1st century AD. The Romans are in control, but many of the natives -- Celts in particular -- are determined it won't stay that way. The Forest House is where the druidic priestesses live. When Eilan is chosen to be the new high priestess despite her pregnancy (forbidden, as the priestess are supposed to be chaste), the status quo begins to change...
Interesting how Eilan's perspective changes over the course of the book. B+.
Hawkmistress! (Review 1/22/98)
Chronologically, the third Darkover novel, from the Ages of Chaos (about 100 years after Stormqueen!). Romilly MacAran has the family gift: communication and control of animals. But her father, The MacAran, refuses to have her tested or trained to control her own abilities. What's a capable young woman to do?
Again, a strong female main character, which must be expected from Bradley (and partly why I enjoy her work). The storytelling is excellent, as we follow Romilly through two crucial years in her life. I was a little surprised at the ending (but only a little). I give it a A.
The Heirs of Hammerfell (Review 3/28/99)
A Darkover novel from the times of the Hundred Kingdoms (chronologically, after Two to Conquer). The heir of Hammerfell and his twin brother are the only remaining members of a ruling family for one of the hundred kingdoms, thanks to a blood feud between the family and a rival kingdom's family. The mother of the twins escapes with them, but she and the elder twin are separated from a family friend, who has the other twin. Both are raised believing the other dead, and when they are reunited they work to regain their kingdom.
Good, but not one of the better Darkover books. A bit of Romeo-Juliet when the elder twin meets the grandneice (and only other living relative) of the rival ruler. I give it a B.
Rediscovery (Review 10/?/94)
with Mercedes Lackey
A starfaring ship from Earth finds the world of Darkover. Some of the Earthers are psychic, though the other Earthers don't believe it--and their relationships with the Darkovans make for some interesting exchanges.
A good read; very light, but not total fluff. I give it a B.
Shattered Chain, The (Review 8/3/98)
This is the first novel after the rediscovery of the Darkover colony by the Terran Empire. It's been several decades since the rediscovery, and the Terrans are a distinct -- but very separate -- prescence on the planet. When one of the Terrans is mistaken for a Darkovan noble and held for ransom, his ex-wife takes on the persona of a Free Amazon to free him. But she runs into a group of real Free Amazons....
Clearly, Bradley is going to be exploring the interaction between Terrans and Darkovans from a feminist point of view. This book shows much about the Darkovan attitude toward women and the ?need? for the Free Amazons. Very good; A.
Stormqueen! (Review 12/28/97)
Chronologically, the second Darkover novel, from the Ages of Chaos (1000 years after Darkover Landfall). The breeding program started when the ancestors discovered their psionic potentials has resulted in some powerful and frightening people -- Dorily of Rockraven, Storm Queen, among them. As her father's Domain becomes embroiled in two wars, her childhood power over storms and electricity becomes stronger.
Bradley's strong storytelling skills are evident in this novel. I will definitely be reading more Darkover books in the near future. I give it a B+.
Thendara House (Review 8/3/98)
The sequel to The Shattered Chain, this book explores the differences between Terrans and Darkovans, and in particular women's place in the two societies, through two women: Jaelle, Darkovan and Free Amazon, now wife to Peter Haldane, and Magda/Margali, Terran and now Jaelle's Amazonian oathdaughter, and once wife to Peter Haldane. As Margali struggles to learn more about the Renunciates (Free Amazons), Jaelle struggles to be wife of a Terran while keeping true to herself and her Renunciate oath.
A good book, although I often wondered why the Terrans would be so adamant about using Jaelle's honorific, "Mrs." By 1983, when the book was written, it should have been clear that in a business atmosphere such honorifics would be less common. Does this mean Bradley thinks Terran future will fall back to such practices? I give it a B+.
Two to Conquer (Review 10/17/98)
In the time of the Hundred Kingdoms -- before the Terran rediscovery -- Bard di Asturien becomes "the Wolf", exiled from his homeland for seven years. Near the end of that time, the king dies, and Wolf returns. An accomplished strategist and soldier, Bard and his father begin to take over the kingdom -- and decide to find a "twin" by Darkoven sorcery (psionics). They find one -- over the reach of space, a Terran criminal who discovers a greater capacity in himself than he thought possible.
A good book. The climactic change in Bard seemed too easy, but the events leading up to the climax made it worthwhile. I give it a B.
Witch Hill (Review 8/93)
Sara is from a line of witches -- or so she's told. Upon moving into her late Aunt Sara's house, she is set upon by the local "witch coven", thinking she's Aunt Sara returned.
The book builds to a climax that is diffused in two pages -- the last two pages. Only
slight (unnecessary and useless) connections to The Inheritor, which was a very good book. Not recommended.
Lost Souls (Review 2/6/99)
Vampires walk New Orleans and the little town of Missing Mile, NC -- but these are not the undead; they are a separate race (although capable of crossbreeding with humans). Ghost is a psychic singer/songwriter, and with guitarist Steve, their music (as the band "Lost Souls?") attracts an unusual boy -- and his "family".
I really liked it at first, but as the novel wore on, the novelty wore off too quickly. Not the ending I expected, exactly, but that's fine -- however, it still left you more than a little flat. I suspect that may have been on purpose. I give it a B-.
Elfstones of Shannara, The (Review 8/93)
Allanon is back--an elvish tree, the Ellcrys, is dying and her death means the Demons will return. Shea's grandson, Wil, must accompany Eventine's granddaughter, Amberle, to the Bloodfire to awaken the Ellcrys' seed and plant a new tree; meanwhile, the Demon army attack the elves.
Too slow and boring; the characterizations are rather lacking, in my opinion. Not recommended, unless you LOVED the first book (Sword).
Sword of Shannara, The (Review 5/93)
The book that so many people have been clamoring over. Shea is the last of the Shannara elves, living with the human side of his relatives. A war is brewing, headed by the evil Warlock Lord, and Shea must find the legendary sword in order to save the entire realm.
Not bad. Lots of characters, somewhat interesting, but also quite predictable. While the characters are predictable, the plot does keep a few mysteries hid. Overall a good book.
Rubyfruit Jungle (Review 4/1/95)
Molly Bolt is different-adopted, independent, and a lesbian. This book follows her from childhood to adulthood, as she graduates high school, goes to college, switches schools (and goes part-time) until she finally graduates.
Interesting-thought provoking and somewhat introspective. A classic in the gay literature genre. Also reveals a little about some of the trials not only of homosexuals but of women. I give it an A.
Ethan of Athos (Review 9/13/98)
Ethan is an obstetrician on a planet that (by choice) has no females. When the ovaries bought by the planet to replace the deteriorating ovaries used to replenish (and expand) the population are non-viable, Ethan has to go off-world to procure new ones -- encountering *gasp* females and inadvertantly discovering the reason behind the bad ovary shipment.
Excellent! The societal structure of Athos was very well planned, and the mystery behind the ovary shipment was gripping -- and ultimately delightful. The only complaint I have is the misogynistic dogma that (apparently) came from the Founding Fathers of Athos. Assuming that at least half the Fathers were homosexual, the dogma is simply unrealistic -- if they were all religious fanatics, maybe (and religion does seem important to Athosian men), but then the sexual mores seem extremely unrealistic. Because this complaint is a strong one, I have to lower what would otherwise be "A" to a "B+".
By author: A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T W
©2002 Eric E. Karnowski, All Rights Reserved.