Review: _The Shrine of Light_ by Sarah Isidore

History holds a fascination for us. It connects us to our roots. The distant past is cloaked in mystery, which has been fertile ground for stories. Fantasy authors mix history with fantasy elements to produce the subgenre of Historical Fantasy. These novels can be entertaining. Sarah Isidore gives readers an entertaining read with _The Shrine of Light_, the second book of "The Daughters of Bast" trilogy. Ms. Isidore provides an exciting story with a different setting, memorable characters and stimulating plot.

The book’s setting gives it a touch of reality. The story takes place around 481 CE in Eire (Ireland) and Gaul (France). With the Roman Empire in decline, whole groups of people are on the move to new lands. This creates conflicts between the different groups and cultures. Christianity is on the rise, adding more stress for the pagan religions trying to survive. The author describes this ancient time in detail, bringing the time to life with vivid descriptions of the people, land and the clashes. She also adds different magic to the story, which makes the setting more mysterious.

Next, Ms. Isidore inhabits her vivid setting with memorable characters. Damona is a woman with a life full of tragedy. Her life is traced throughout the book as she must overcome anger and grief to save her land. She is helped by an enigmatic black cat that serves her goddess. Along the way, she meets Rionach, the queen of her kingdom and a Christian as well as Chlodweg the ambitious king of the Franks and his pregnant wife. These characters and two Egyptian goddesses play important roles in Damona’s life. All of these characters fit their time with the powerful descriptions by the author that brings them to life.

Finally, the setting and characters combine with an interesting plot     for entertaining results. Damona is the priestess of the shrine dedicated to the Egyptian cat goddess Bast in Eire. The lord of her kingdom comes for a prophecy. When it is not to his liking, he massacres Damona’s family, setting into motion a cycle of revenge and redemption. Damona pledges herself to Sekhmet, Egyptian goddess of destruction, to exact her revenge on the king. She brings a curse on her people and must travel to Gaul in  order to find the wands to break the curse. The plot has struggles between the goddesses, Christianity versus paganism, and the Franks against the Alemmani. There is a lot of action driven by this plot to keep a reader entranced to the end.

Historical Fantasies are very entertaining to read. Authors blend history and fantasy to create intriguing works that appeal to our interest in the past. _The Shrine of Light_ by Sarah Isidore is such an entertaining read. Its different setting, memorable characters and interesting plot gives the reader a lot of action and suspense. Ms. Isidore blends Celtic and Egyptian mythology to provide her novels with a unique story. This second book of "The Daughters of Bast" is a good addition to the genre. Read this book if you get a chance.

Ilona Andrews

Urban fantasy is wide open to many authors adding their visions of the fantastic existing in our world. New books join the ranks of urban fantasy every month. These books reflect different aspects of how the supernatural affects people, and changes lives as well as the world. Different authors provide a variety of interesting ideas on the topic. One of these authors, Ilona Andrews, a husband and wife writing team, have added some interesting, gritty stories to urban fantasy for readers to enjoy.

The first series consists of the “Kate Daniels” books. This is set in Atlanta, Georgia where magic rises and subsides like a tide on an unpredictable basis. The world switches back and forth between technology and magic, which devastates modern buildings and life. Fantastic creatures and beings populate this changed world. There is the Pack, a group of shapeshifters banded together for survival. The Pack vies with the People, a group of necromancers that navigate vampires. Other people and beings inhabit the city too. Ordinary humans need help and protection from all of these creatures, so various groups of humans exist in order to provide this protection.

Kate Daniels is the main character of these books. She is a strong woman who works as a mercenary and private detective, protecting people from vicious magical creatures and solving mysteries. In addition, Kate has a secret about her past that no one can find out about or she would be killed along with her loved ones. Each book tells the story of a new aspect of her life as she grows and changes with each new encounter with a magical mystery to solve.

The books in the series so far are:

_Magic Bites_

_Magic Burns_

_Magic Strikes_

_Magic Bleeds_

_Magic Slays_

_Magic Rising_ (forthcoming in Aug. 2013)

A new book, _Gunmetal Magic_, tells the story of Kate’s detective partner Andrea. She is a member of the Pack, a were hyena, who struggles with a desire for acceptence by others. An accomplished warrior, Andrea fights a personal battle with accepting herself. During this struggle she fights dangerous creatures threatening the people of Atlanta and the Pack.

The other series by this author is called the “Edge.” This is a border between two worlds, ours called the Broken and the Weird where magic and magical beings live. Each book focuses on a different set of characters that live in the Edge and must solve a problem or conflict. _On the Edge_ tells the story of Rose Drayton who must team up with Weird aristocrat Declan Camarine to save the Edge from magic hungry monsters. The second book, _Bayou Moon_, finds Cerise Mar caught in a war between two Weird nations. In _Fate’s Edge_, the characters must keep a dangerous magical object out of the wrong hands. Finally, _Steel’s Edge_ brings the series to a close with swordsman Richard helping healer Charlotte stop a slavery ring.

Ilona Andrews is a memorable writing team of urban fantasy novels. Their stories are filled with interesting three dimensional characters that grow and suspenseful plots of gritty adventure. Each new book they write adds to the growing urban fantasy category. For more information on the books, visit the authors’ web site at:  http://www.ilona-andrews.com/

Touchstones of Fantasy

When reading fantasy, different readers get something from the books. Many books give a brief pleasure but soon are forgotten. Other books turn into classics read by many different people like Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Most books leave behind what I call touchstones.*

Touchstones are sentences or paragraphs that leave a lasting resonance for the reader. They touch something in us or say something to us that we want to remember. They influence our lives in subtle ways. Touchstones can consist of dialogue or any part of a book which evokes a vivid image in the reader’s thoughts and can be different for every reader.

In this article I’ll share some of the touchstones that mean something to me. Garnered from many years of readin, I haveve picked some of the ones that appealed the most to me and I hope will say something to you. Please be aware that these are only based on my personal choices.

The first touchstone is from Burning Water by Mercedes Lackey:

"There ain't no such thing as 'one true way', and the way you find is only good for you, not anybody else, because your interpretation of what you see and feel and understand as the truth is never going to be the same as anyone else's.

"The only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself.

"Leave the world better than you found it.

"If it isn't true, going to do some good, or spread a little love around, don't say it, do it or think it.

"There are only three things worth living for; love in all its manifestations, freedom and the chance to keep humanity going a little while longer. They're the same things worth dying for. And if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."

This touchstone has become sort of a philosophy about life for me. It says what I feel about religious tolerance and how one can live a happy life without doing much damage to others.

"Whose world was it, in God's eyes? Could man in his vanity and pride ride roughshod through space and time forever, forcing his will on all other living creatures, giving them life or death according to his sufferance? Must there not sometime be a day of reckoning also for man-when he must make an accounting for his custodianship of his brothers, who likewise breathed his air and trod his soil and knew sorrow, joy, and love?" This touchstone is from Merlin's Ring by H. Warner Munn, a fantasy book that tells the tale of Merlin's godson through an alternate history earth. As an animal lover this touchstone speaks to me about how we treat animals and our world.

Also from the same book mentioned in the last paragraph comes the following touchstone:

"This tale is not the end, for no story ever really comes to any definite end. There is only a pause in a life-a change, a blending, a transmutation into something new, which in itself is impermanent. It continues changing toward a development known only to God." Life is ever changing. People have trouble dealing with change. For me, this touchstone says that good things come from change.

"Mithras, Apollo, Arthur, Christ-call him what you will," I said. "What does it matter what men call the light? It is the same light, and men must live by it or die." comes from The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart. It is another touchstone that talks to me of religious tolerance and fighting for the good of the world.

“Please don’t tell me that was God’s will. It’s a damned dangerous business to assume you know the mind of God, however much what happens seems to agree with your own view of the world.” from Glenda Larke's  “Aware” series of books.

These are some of the touchstones I've been happy to share with you. I hope that I didn't offend anyone. Please let me know some of your favorite touchstones from fantasy books. Until next time.

*The term Touchstones is an idea that originally appeared in the defunct magazine Fantasy Review.

_Strategies of Fantasy_ by Brian Attebery

People that study the Fantasy genre can’t agree on a definition of what Fantasy is. Occasionally a nonfiction book comes out from a scholar that tries to explain Fantasy and give it a legitimacy as literature. These books can be interesting to the Fantasy reader in gaining a better insight into the purposes of the genre and intentions of the authors. Strategies of Fantasy by Brian Attebery is such a book. It traces the literary importance of Fantasy as an important, viable literature.

Brian Attebery is a scholar who studies and writes about the Fantasy genre. He presents his ideas about the genre in clear, straight forward words. His expertise spans several books and he is part of the conference for t¯he International conference on the Fantastic in the Arts every year. Several aspects of Fantasy are explained in this book: a definition of Fantasy, its relationship to literature, and the contributions of women to the genre.

Defining Fantasy literature with a set meaning has been debated for a long time. Everyone has their own definition of what constitutes a Fantasy work. In his book, Brian Attebery provides a viable and sensible one. He believes that Fantasy is a fuzzy set that revolves around core books and expands out to books on the fringe. Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is an example of a core book. People’s conception of High Fantasy springs from this book. He thinks other core books are at the center of several sub-genres with a few books that defy definitions. Once Mr. Attebery established this definition, he moves on to explain the relationship of Fantasy to literature.

The author uses several literary theories to compare Fantasy books against. Through an exhaustive use of exa
mples, he demonstrates that Fantasy is a part of literature. Readers gain insights into the importance of the genre and how it fulfills its purpose by story and character. He covers several books that are classics in the genre like John Crowley’s Little, Big. Mr. Attebery thinks the power of story and characters give Fantasy a legitimacy for consideration.

Lastly, the contributions of women authors to Fantasy have increased the genre’s strength. Mr. Attebery thinks women have helped the genre by addng their unique points of view. He tells how women authors like Ursula K. LeGuin, Patricia McKillip, Andre Norton and many others have created female heroines of strength and intelligence to the genre. They have brought us the women’s coming-of-age story to our attention. Women add different stories than the standard male hero.

Strategies of Fantasy by Brian Attebery is a fascinating book about the Fantasy genre. He develops many interesting ideas like a definition of Fantasy, the genre’s relationship to literature and the contributions of women authors in the book. Readers will get valuable insights about Fantasy from reading this book. If you come across this book, be sure to read it.

Book Review: _Owlknight_ by Mercedes Lackey

How does a reader of Fantasy feel when the last book of a series comes out? Satisfied? Relieved? Joyous? These are the feelings readers will get with Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey, the final book of a trilogy set in the Fantasy world of Valdemar. The book is an entertaining conclusion because of its likable characters, adventurous plot and strong themes.

The likable characters continue to mature in the final book. Darian undergoes various ceremonies to take his place as the respected leader of his Vale. He is troubled by memories of his missing parents and weird dreams. This drives him to find closure before taking his place as a leader. Keisha is confused by her love for Darian and fears rejection by him. She must work through this problem with the help of her friends. Both of them are assisted by various friends like the Hawkbrothers and Kelvren the griffin. All of the characters come together by Ms. Lackey’s strong talent to write believable characters that are lifelike.

An adventurous plot keeps the reader hooked on the book. Darian keeps having strange dreams and visits from totemic spirits while doing ceremonies for his leadership. He is driven to find any trace of his parents many years after their disappearance. The discovery of a vital clue sends him along with a group of allies on a long journey to find a northern tribe that might have information about Darian’s parents. Along the way they encounter many dangerous problems like large predators and vicious raiders. Plots are important to books so they make sense. Ms. Lackey puts her plot threads together seamlessly for a story that flows well from beginning to end.

Lastly, strong themes in a book leaves readers with something to think about when finished with the book. This book has memorab ple strong themes. Most people have a need for closure before moving on with their lives, which is the main theme of this book. Darian needs to know what happened to his parents before assuming the role of leader in his community. Another theme is love and how it gives strength to people in adversity. Keisha finds this through the support she gets from Darian, her sister and her friends. The author includes these themes in her book in a subtle way that helps keep the reader engrossed in the story.

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey is the final book of a trilogy. The likable characters, adventurous plot and strong themes provide this book an entertaining end to another story set in the fantasy world of Valdemar. Readers will find a satisfying conclusion for the time invested in reading the book. Mercedes Lackey adds another good book to her large series of Valdemar.

Review: _Owlsight_ by Mercedes Lackey

Middle books of trilogies sometimes end up being slow or do not advance the story further. It becomes difficult for authors to keep the momentum going. This is not true of this book. Owlsight by Mercedes Lackey is the second book of a trilogy continuing the story of Darian. It is a part of Ms. Lackey’s Valdemar series. The author keeps the second book entertaining by growth in the characters, an interesting plot and a realistic setting.

Characters, old and new, continue to grow throughout Owlsight. A few years have passed when Darian returns to his village a little older. He is expected to be a bridge between two different cultures. This character undergoes further maturing as he faces new problems and meets new friends. A new character is introduced in Keisha. She is a young woman with the gift of healing who must self-train herself to be a Healer. Keisha is unsure of herself as she grows throughout the story. Changes in their lives helps with the growing and increase in depth along with the influence from nonhuman characters like the hertasi and dyheli. The characters’ growth comes from the plot.

An interesting plot keeps the book from getting dull. Darian returns to his home town after living and training for years with the Hawkbrothers. He helps his friends set up the new vale in the forest. While this is happening, Keisha struggles to learn how to use her burgeoning healing talent. everyone is brought together when a new threat appears. Another group of barbarians are moving closer to the town and an outnumbered diverse group must work together to stop the new incursion. Ms. Lackey weaves these plot threads together for an entertaining read.

Finally, a realistic setting gives the characters a place to live out the events of the plot. Ms. Lackey provides vivid descriptions of the setting that brings it to life. The Vale is an interesting community of humans, nonhumans and magic. Dwellings and buildings fit together in an environmentally regulated place of living. This place mixes in with a rural village, lord’s keep and forest, creating conflict and a need to be watchful for survival. Such a detailed setting gives the readers a realistic touch that draws them into the story.

Owlsight by Mercedes Lackey is an entertaining middle book of a trilogy. The growth of characters, interesting plot and realistic setting blend to create an absorbing book for readers. Ms. Lackey’s writing style brings another tale of Valdemar to readers by appealing to the reader’s emotions and sense of adventure. This is a good book to read.

Mini-Book Review:  Magic’s Song: Tales of the Harper Mage by Laura Underwood

This book is a collection of short stories about the harper mage Anwyn Baldomyre and his talking harp Glynnanis.

Anwyn Baldomyre is born with a magic talent. To release the magic within him, he must make some kind of sacrifice. He refuses to do this, preferring to wander the world as a harper. His magical harp, Glynnanis, contains the soul of the last unicorn in it. Together, they roam their world, getting into various problems. Each story tells of a predicament Anwyn gets into and must use his magic songs to escape. Ms. Underwood creates vivid images and interesting problems for each story.

Book Review: _Perchance To Dream_ edited by Denise Little

“To sleep perchance to dream,” wrote William Shakespeare. Dreams are a part of our world each night. They fascinate us and can be nonsensical, entertaining or profound. Perchance To Dream edited by Denise Little is a themed anthology with stories about dreams. They range from pleasant diversions to sad tales. There are many stories that readers will like.

The anthology opens with “1-900-NODREAM” by Diane Duane. Jim is haunted in his dreams by the ghosts of murder victims. He spends his time trying to help the ghosts but the dreams are destroying his mind with the constant reliving of the crimes. In desperation, he calls a phone number that claims they can help with dreams. A Ms. Cumaya helps him through the rest of the story. This story is very entertaining with likable characters. It has an interesting theme of how dreams can affect people’s lives.

Nina Kiriki Hoffman is a creative author of Contemporary Fantas   y. She writes stories that are memorable. “Night Stuff” is a strong ghost story about a mother and daughter that met a tragic end. They can only talk while inhabiting other people’s dreams. Through dreams can they find the doorway to redemption and freedom. Readers will enjoy this poignant tale.

“Needle and Dream” by classic Fantasy author Andre Norton takes place in one of her worlds. When people in the village dream, they must tell the Keeper who records it. Dreams are rare in this world and some prophetic. Krista wakes up from a dream about a threat to her village. The Keeper determines that she needs to finish her quilt. What follows is a wonderful story of courage and dreams fulfilled.

Historical Fantasy is represented by Nancy Springer’s clever story “Dreamfisher.” A young girl is driven from her people for naming things. She comes to a mountain lake where she meets Herodotus the a   ncient historian. He helps her to discover herself and the beauty of dreams. Ms. Springer gives readers a descriptive story of what life is like without dreams.

The theme of dreams takes a different turn in “A Butterfly Dreaming” by Susan Sizemore. Maggie is a surgeon from our world or dreaming trapped in the body of a woman in a Fantasy world by magic. She can’t go home and faces a perilous existence in the other world. The priests burn anyone they discover is from another dreaming. Ms. Sizemore weaves a clever plot with good characters that ends in a surprise.

Perchance to Dream is an entertaining anthology on the theme of dreams. Readers will find stories with interesting plots and likable characters. Dreams are an important part of our lives. We can’t live without them. Read some the the stories in this anthology, then go dream your own.

Apologies for March

I apologize for the lack of posts in March. Life caught up with me as well as some work commitments. I work at a high school and the students had a research paper and essay they needed help with so my personal writing fell by the wayside. I plan to be back on track in April. Until then, may the gifts of fantasy and wonder be yours.

"Merlin Codex" Trilogy by Robert Holdstock

A ship sits at the bottom of a north European lake in winter screaming. Merlin hears the screaming and travels to the frigid winter place to raise the ship. This is how the mythic fantasy trilogy by Robert Holdstock called the “Merlin Codex” begins. The series is a fascinating blend of Greek, Celtic and Arthurian mythology with interesting characters and a gritty, memorable plot. Mr. Holdstock provides another intriguing addition to the mythic fantasy sub-genre.

Celtika is the first book introducing readers to an ancient Europe of Celtic tribes before the rise of Rome. Merlin is a traveller on a long path in life. He has magic and has lived a long time. In his travels, he has met important people like Jason from the golden fleece Greek myth. After many years, Merlin travels to a northern European lake where he raises the ship Argo from the depths and revives Jason. Merlin begins a quest with Jason to find Jason’s missing sons. The quest involves travel with interesting characters through strange lands on the living ship Argo. Merlin meets Urtha from Alba, which sets up the next book. The mystery of Jason’s oldest son is resolved by book’s end. Readers will have a satisfying experience and be eager for the next book in the trilogy.

The second book, The Iron Grail, begins with Merlin emerging from hiding on Alba. He encounters the Fates who tell him four people are looking for him. Merlin moves through this story encountering the prophesied people while helping Urtha restore his kingdom and helping Jason find his second son. More details of the story are told in a gritty dark presentation of a Britain with an active supernatural influence. Mr. Holdstock furthers the story of Merlin in the second book and his dealings with Jason, Medea and the ship Argo as Merlin grows on his long journey.

In The Broken Kings, the final book of the series, Merlin must solve the problem of why the Ghostlands are expanding into Urtha’s kingdom. This book focuses on Merlin’s character while Jason fades mostly into the background. The ship Argo still plays a role in helping Merlin with the problem. A journey to Crete and other strange places occurs in their travels a Merlin helps Urtha save his kingdom and children, setting the sage for the future King Arthur. The book brings the series to a fulfilling close.

The “Merlin Codex” trilogy by Robert Holdstock is a fascinating mythic fantasy. Mr. Holdstock’s use of Arthurian, Celtic and Greek mythology mixed together brings a transformed ancient world to life. Following his character Merlin through this world and his trials provides readers with a dark, compelling adventure that resonates on many levels. Readers will find a thought provoking, entertaining journey through the series.

Review: _Legends II_ edited by Robert Silverberg

A few years ago author Robert Silverberg edited the popular anthology Legends. The book contained longer stories set in Fantasy worlds by authors such as Anne McCaffrey, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan and several others. Now Robert Silverberg is back with the second book Legends II featuring new stories set in more popular Fantasy worlds. Authors from the previous book return with new stories along with new authors and their contributions. Like any book with a variety of stories, they range in interest. There is something entertaining for every reader.

Anne McCaffrey’s Pern is a world mixing dragons and computers. The books come under the sub-genre of Science Fantasy. “ Beyond Between“ is a follow up story to her book Moreta, Dragonlady of Pern. This story tells what happens to two queen riders separated from their dragons and the mysterious dimension of Between. The holder Thalion  is haunted by a strange ghost after Moreta vanished into Between during a plague. Moreta finds herself trapped in a weird area of this dimension, but helped by a dragonrider from the past. She keeps returning to the last place she left from to leave a message. Readers will find this a satisfying, bittersweet conclusion to a tragic story.

Neil Gaiman contributes a new American Gods story to the book with “ Monarch of the Glen.” His character Shadow from the book returns in this story. Shadow is traveling through Scotland when he meets a man in a pub who hires him as a bouncer at a party for a weekend. A strange dream of Vikings on a ship made of fingernails begins to plague him. The party he will work at is held in a strange country house. He discovers a group of paranoid party goers at the house where he is forced into a fight with a huge man. Help comes from some fantastic characters. Mr. Gaiman provides a dark entertaining story for the anthology.

A new story of survival set in one of the Fantasy worlds of Robin Hobb’s appears in “Homecoming.” The story is told by a noble woman called Lady Carrillion. She and her family are exiled along with others to make a home in a new unexplored land. It is a harsh land of marshy ground and jungle. Abandoned without supplies, they must find a place to settle. Carrillion tells the story in a series of journal entries. Readers learn how she slowly gains leadership through her knowledge. When they discover an ancient, buried underground city, survival becomes even more perilous. Ms. Hobbs makes the story suspenseful with vivid, tight descriptions of the action and setting.

George R.R. Martin’s world of Westeros is represented by the story “Sworn Sword,” a sequel to the story from the first anthology. Duncan (Dunk) and Egg return, working for a destitute lord. It is a time of drought and the neighboring land owner dams up a stream belonging to Dunk’s lord. They are hopelessly outnumbered. Duncan decides to try talking with the other land owner because of this fact. He goes with the squire Egg to the castle of the lady who is rumored to be a vicious murderer. From this visit, the story moves on to a good conclusion. The author provides an interesting plot and characters, adding a good story to his fantasy world.

“Yazoo Queen” by Orson Scott Card is set in his Alvin Maker world. This is an alternate history fantasy world of early America, but people have magic talents called knacks. Alvin is traveling down the Mississippi River on the steamboat called the Yazoo Queen. His young apprentice Arthur Stuart travels with him. There are slaves from the kingdom of Mexica on board. Arthur hates slavery because his mother died in getting him to freedom. Alvin must keep Arthur out of trouble while trying to stay out of a plot to invade Mexica. He meets Jim Bowie during the trip. Mr. Card creates a fascinating alternate history full of memorable characters. The story leaves readers with a satisfying end.

Legends II edited by Robert Silverberg has many entertaining stories for readers. There are stories from popular authors that explore other aspects of their Fantasy worlds. In addition to the stories reviewed in this article, the book contains stories from Terry Brooks, Elizabeth Haydon, Robert Silverberg, Diana Galbadon and Raymond Feist. The book provides readers new stories in their favorite worlds as well as places for new readers to the genre to sample without reading the book series many of the stories take place in. This is a strong anthology worth reading.    

Review: _The Wood Wife_ by Terri Windling

Some people believe deserts are lifeless stretches of sand. That is untrue. Deserts vary in their habitats all over the world. The desert country of southern Arizona is unique. It is a vibrant desert full of many one of a kind species like the giant saguaro cactus. Fantasy author Terri Windling writes a powerful Mythic Fantasy book set in this extraordinary desert with The Wood Wife. The book is a timeless, memorable story that hooks readers with its setting, characters and plot.

Setting can be a powerful element of a book. Terri Windling sets the story in the Rincon mountains near Tucson, Arizona. This provides the book a strong sense of place. Her vivid descriptions of the desert increase the sense of wonder when the magical creatures appear. Coyotes, stags, cacti and other things are imbued with magic. The setting seems alien enough to a separate fantasy world existing   ¥ within the modern world. Setting brings mystery and change into the lives of the characters.

Ms. Windling creates realistic, believable characters that readers can follow with interest. Maggie Black is a writer and lapsed poet. She has an annoying ex-husband and moves around to many different places, running away from life. Finding a place and her poetry is her major conflict. Johnny Foxxe is a young man she meets. He is a native of Tucson with a strange family background. Dora is the young wife of a painter. She loves her husband, but becomes troubled by his erratic behavior all of these people encounter the magical beings like the wood mage, wind mage and shape shifters that bring changes to the lives of the characters. The author brings all of these interesting characters to life with intriguing backgrounds.

Finally, Ms. Windling weaves a suspenseful plot with depth. Maggie Black inherits a house in a canyon near Tucson from th   µe poet Davis Cooper. Murdered. he leaves all of his papers to Maggie who plans to write a biography of Cooper’s life. In the canyon, she meets the tenants of the other cabins such as Fox and Dora. Maggie’s investigation of Cooper’s life draws her into the strange world of magical creatures. The creatures are powerful and capricious beings. Various encounters with them bring danger to people and sometimes ruin. Maggie must try to unravel the past to save people’s lives. The plot moves at a fast pace and is thought provoking.

The Wood Wife by Terri Windling is a powerful book that is part Urban Fantasy, but mostly a Mythic Fantasy. Setting, characters and plot come together to create a deeply affecting book. It is a memorable journey through the desert Southwest brought to life by vivid descriptions. Ms. Windling's story demonstrates that magic can touch the real world in our imaginations. I recommend ths book highly to readers.

Book Review: _The Winter Queen_ by Devin Cary

In our present day, we have little free time for reading a book. Many Fantasy books are over four hundred pages long. So, finding something short and quick to read is difficult. The Winter Queen by Devin Cary fits such time constraints. It is a shorter book, making for a fast read and it is very entertaining. The book's plot, characters and magical system adds to the intrigue, action and adventure.

The king has died naming his wife Elissa as regent to the kingdom until their son comes of age. Elissa faces a hard challenge because women are believed to be unfit to rule. She must meet the struggle with every resource at her hand. No one knows that she possesses magic. It's that talent and her intelligence she must learn to use in order to protect her son. Elissa does have the help of Geoffrey, the lord marshal and her husband's best friend. Sometimes that isn't enough. There are court intrigues going on as well as a threat from a rival kingdom. The author handles the story deftly with a swift moving plot and lots of action.

Characters add a sympathetic touch to this book. Elissa grows from a desperate, frightened woman to a strong, sword wielding queen. The lord marshal Geoffrey is a loyal friend who stands by her despite her mistakes. He has a growing love for Elissa, but has a sickly wife that he loves too. The villains include the king's cousin Randall and an ambitious church leader that try to find ways to discredit Elissa. The characters provide the plot good people to move along at a brisk pace.

Mr. Cary's magical system gives the book some intriguing complications. Elissa lives in a kingdom that abhors magic. The magic of her people seems to be some kind of psychic abilities though it doesn't play a big role until near the end. Among her people, the women have the magic and the men are the teachers. Elissa discovers a different talent involving shadow turning. Unfortunately, though it helps her, this magic has a price.

Plot, characters and magic combine to make The Winter Queen by Devin Cary an exciting fast read. The book can be read quickly and doesn't have a lot of complicated things going on like longer Epic Fantasies. This book leaves a few loose ends, which promises a possible sequel. I look forward to the further adventures of Elissa, Geoffrey and her son. Readers will too.

Review: _Out of Avalon_ edited by Jennifer Roberson

Avalon. This name invokes thoughts of King Arthur, Merlin and everything associated with the Arthurian legend. It was the mystical island where King Arthur went to and waits for his return to the world. Out of Avalon edited by Jennifer Roberson is a new Fantasy anthology with stories revolving around the Arthurian legend. The stories vary, covering new ideas and twists in the legend. Many of them are entertaining and memorable.

“The Mooncalfe” by David Farland tells the story of Merlin’s daughter. Conceived the same night as Arthur, she lives a lonely life with her mother in a forest. She spends the earlier part of her life trying to appease her mother’s prayers to be human. This story has a sympathetic character and good ending. The author creates a strong sense of magic and place with his prose.

Few Arthurian stories deal with the death of King Arthur. “Grievous Wounds” by Laura Resnick begins with King Arthur dying from his wounds after the battle of Camlann. He is full of regrets and self pity. While he waits for death, he travels to other times and examines his life. The story has a powerful theme about facing death. Characters are realistic and interesting. It is a worthwhile story to read.

“The Secret Leaves” by Tricia Sullivan is the story of  Nina and Myrddin. Nina is a young girl who gets lost in the woods. Myrddin saves her and she stays with him. He tries to teach her magic while she fights her growing love for him. It is a vivid story of quiet magic and love with an unusual ending.

One story is told from a different point of view in the King Arthur legend. “Black Dogs” by Lorelei Shannon is told by King Arthur’s faithful dog Cabal. He tells about a curse placed on Arthur during a hunt. Cabal and Arthur must solve the mystery of a demon black dog haunting a village. This story is poignant and enjoyable to read.

Judith Tarr contributes a story with “Finding the Grail.” Melisende is a bored lady of Queen Guenivere. She thinks women should be able to quest for the Grail too. Along with a male companion, she sets out on a quest for the Holy Grail. They undergo tests to find the object. Ms. Tarr provides an entertaining story with an unusual ending. The story is very descriptive and realistic.

"Avalonia" by Kristen Britain is about the spirit an   ûd sense of wonder the Arthurian legend engenders in us. Anne Wilder is a biologist with little belief in anything fantastical. While visiting Glastonbury Tor, she is drawn into a world of wonder where she meets a goddess and must make a choice. The author creates a wonderful story of magic and delight fading from the world. Her character is very realistic and likable. It is a very nice story.

There are many other entertaining stories in Out of Avalon. Jennifer Roberson did a good job in her story choices. Few of the stories are disappointing. Whether you like Arthurian stories or other Fantasy, readers will find this anthology interesting. Check it out.

Book Review: _Oceans of Magic_ Anthology

The oceans of the world are the last frontier for humanity besides space. They hold a mystique in our psyches and a promise for the future. Oceans are the theme of the Fantasy anthology Oceans of Magic edited by Brian Thomsen and Martin  H. Greenberg. Divided into three sections, it has different Fantasy stories centered on the ocean. The first section has Historical Fantasies about our world’s oceans during different eras. Next is a section of stories taking place in oceans of Fantasy worlds while the last section deals with sea gods. Many of the stories are interesting and entertaining. So, let’s go explore the mysterious oceans of Fantasy.

“Oh, Glorious Sight” by Tanya Huff takes place on a voyage of Italian explorer John Cabot. It is the poignant story of an abused, orphan boy. Cabot saves him and takes him on the voyage. The boy idolizes Cabot. Befriended by the crew,  he develops a magical talent to control the wind and Aurora Borealis. Cabot considers his powers from the devil and this leads to surprising end. This a sad story with good characters and a bittersweet ending.

World War II is the backdrop for “Tribute” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch. A sailor aboard a battleship is the censor. He reads all the mail of the other crew members, deleting parts for security reasons. While reading the mail, he discovers that the crew are seeing a ghost ship. The captain of this ship demands tribute. A decision must be made by the main character to save the ship. This story has realistic characters and an interesting theme.

An interesting story of a navy in another world can be found in “Midshipwizard” by James M. Ward. Hal is a young naval officer wizard on his first ship. In this world there are dragonships, large sea dragons with shells on their backs where the crew lives and fights. On his first experience, Hal saves the dragon’s heart from a saboteur with powerful magic. He endures further training and problems throughout the story. This is a wonderful story with a sense of humor and very different navy.

The longest story in the book has a lot of action and adventure. “The Colossus of Mahrass” by Mel Odom is a magical tale of pirates. Pirate captain Jaelik Tarlsson is being haunted by a ghost. She wants him to help her destroy a magical device of her dead Elven father. He is reluctant to put the lives of his crew in jeopardy, but she convinces him otherwise. An exciting story of magic, trips through dungeons, and sea battles ensues with interesting characters and a touch of humor.

Readers get a different sea tale in the story “Catch of the Day” by Jeff Grubb. The world has succumbed to a strange deluge that fills the sky with clouds. Humans have taken to sailing the cloud sea in magical ships. Captain Meridian is leery of her new passenger and next voyage. August Gold is a scholar who wants to prove dragons exist. They venture into a part of the cloud sea held by a hostile force. This tale is very entertaining with its unusual setting and ending.

“Walk Upon the Waters” by Paul Kupperberg is a story about the last days of Atlantis. The sea gods are angry. They wish to destroy Atlantis for turning to science and forgetting the gods. Thalis is the last wizard who protects Atlantis and must battle with the gods. On his journey to a final battle, Thalis     remembers his life and lost love Kahna. He refuses to surrender to futility. This is a poignant story of enduring love and sacrifice. Thalis is a sympathetic character readers will feel sorry for in his sorrow.

The ocean provides inspiration for writers to create magical, entertaining stories. Oceans of Magic is a Fantasy anthology with many good stories to keep a reader interested for hours. Finding a story to like won’t be hard to  discover. Pick up a copy of the book and embark on a voyage to Fantasy oceans of adventure.

Review: _Fire Bringer_ by David Clement-Davies

What if animals could really talk? Fantasy is the genre to answer that question. Many authors have written about talking animals. Watership Down by Richard Adams is a literary classic about rabbits. Now, Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies does the same thing for deer in Scotland. The author brings the lives of deer to life and provides readers with an entertaining book through memorable characters, important themes and an interesting plot.

The author portrays the animal characters in a realistic manner that makes them memorable. Rannoch is the main character of the book. He grows up through the story as readers follow him from fawn to full grown stag. Facing several different events in his life, Rannoch constantly struggles with the burden of a prophecy and his strange powers. With the help of loyal friends like Willow the doe and Bankfoot, he grows and changes in his life. Sgorr is an antlerless stag, changing the natural ways o flf the deer. His evil is created by a terrible secret that drives him to the detriment of the deer. Mr. Clement-Davies demonstrates expertise in animals that makes them realistic along with excellent descriptions that brings the deer world to life.

Next, the important themes of the book keeps readers thinking. The main theme is about coming of age. Characters deal with growing up in the harsh life of deer. Rannoch undergoes several life changing events that bring him into adulthood. Coupled with this is the theme of destiny as Rannoch lives under a prophecy he is not sure he can fulfill. Trying to deny it only leads him to pain. These other two themes lead into a quest as Rannoch must solve his problems by discovering a secret. A deft weaving of the themes into the plot by the author makes the book entertaining.

In the end, it is the interesting plot that hooks a reader until the conclusion of the book. The book starts with the killing of Rannoch’s father by the herd leader Drail who is controlled by the cunning Sgorr. Rannoch’s mother must give him to another doe to protect his life. After a year, Rannoch’s foster mother flees with him and a group in order to keep him alive and get away from the oppression. Sgorr is in control of the herd, changing the natural ways of the deer. He goes against the laws of Herne. The prophecy of a savior coming to stop this keeps the pressure on Rannoch, who undergoes several trials. Part of Rannoch’s abilities gives him the power to talk with other animals, which helps move the story along quickly. The book reaches a satisfying conclusion through the author’s excellent descriptions and pacing.

Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies is an entertaining Animal Fantasy for readers. Memorable animal characters, important themes and the interesting plot blend together to create a good book. Readers will enjoy the fantastic journey into the world of red deer in ancient Scotland. This book can be enjoyed by young adult and adult readers.

Urban Fantasy

The fantasy genre has many categories under its umbrella. One of the popular ones right now is urban fantasy. These are stories that take place in a city or in somewhere in our world where magic, fantastic creatures and the supernatural exists in reality. Many authors are writing in this category, providing interesting and entertaining stories. This article shares some authors and their books of urban fantasy that readers might enjoy.

Patricia Briggs is the author of the “Mercy Thompson” series. Her character, Mercy, is an auto mechanic who changes into a coyote raised by werewolves. Mercy faces a new supernatural threat in each book as her life changes. She deals with werewolf pack politics, vampires, fae and other monstrous, dangerous creatures. The books are mainly set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. In each book, the characters grow as they face new problems. There also is a side series of books that follow the two werewolf characters of Charles and Anna. the first book in the Mercy series is Moon Called.

Magic and the supernatural exists in the world of author Him Butcher’s “Harry Dresden” books. Harry is a private eye and wizard in Chicago. He advertises in the phone book as a wizard, which people find humorous. The public doesn’t understand or refuses to accept that the supernatural is real and exists in the world. In reality, there are wizards, vampires, fairies and many other creatures in the world. Harry Dresden must solve a mystery, fight deadly monsters and protect the world in each book while contending with fellow wizards who don’t trust him. Each book shows growth in Harry’s character as he discovers new magic and insights about his life. Harry gets help from police detective Susan Murphy and a sarcastic talking skull. Storm Front begins the series.

Magic returns with a vengeance to our world, rising and falling like a tide in the “Kate Daniels” series by Ilona Andrews. Magic Bites begins the story of Kate, a mercenary and private detective with a secret past. She deals with shapeshifters, vampire controllers and other magical dangers in each book while solving a crime. Each time she must keep her past hidden to protect those she loves. Kate keeps herself emotionally distant which makes it difficult for her to deal with love. Curran, her love interest, is the leader of the Pack who tries to help Kate in each book. In every book there is a nice balance between action, romance and some humor in this gritty, entertaining series.

Some urban fantasy books can be subtle without the gritty action found in many books. Charles de Lint writes urban fantasy that focuses on characters and how magic touches their lives. His first books were set in Ottawa, Canada but later he created the fictional city of Newford to place his stories there. The characters are very realistic with problems like living people. Magic and fantastical creatures affect these lives in various ways for better or worse. The Newford books tend to be collections of short stories or single novels. Dreams Underfoot is the first of the books set in Newford.

Mercedes Lackey is known for her Valdemar books but ventures into urban fantasy too. She collaborates with authors Rosemary Edgehill or Ellen Guon for some of these books. The stories involve clashes between elves, humans and magic in our world, focusing on human characters and their interactions with the magic and elves. One character appears in most of the books. He is a bard that can do magic with his music. Each book has a conflict or mystery that must be resolved. The Summer Knight is the first book of the series.

The “Iron Druid Chronicles” by Kevin Hearne is an urban fantasy series set in Arizona. Atticus O’Sullivan is a druid who has lived for centuries. He must deal with ancient gods and other creatures to protect the world and himself. The druid is very powerful with impressive magic. Each book furthers the story of the druid with more devestating encounters. The first book is called Hounded.

Many urban fantasy stories are short stories. An anthology is a good place for readers to try urban fantasy to decide if they like it. These stories can be found in different books written by many authors in the fantasy genre. Some anthologies to try out are Naked City, Urban Fantasy, and Paper Cities.

Urban fantasy expands every month with new books from established and new authors. Settings are in cities and some in rural areas all over the world. Readers get imaginative ideas of what our world might be like if magic and the supernatural existed in our world. There are many books in this category of which this article only covers a few of the tons available. Enjoy the journey into the city streets but don’t forget to look over your shoulder.

Short Delay

Hello, There will be a short delay in this week's article. I will put it online this weekend. Sorry for the delay.

Review: _The Loneliest Magician_ by Irene Radford

One young woman is sold into slavery with a talent for making lace. A young magician loses his memory and magic from a traumatic event. The kingdom of Coronnan needs the dragons to return to stabilize the magic while a group of fanatics wants to kill all magic users. These are a few of the events in The Loneliest Magician by Irene Radford the third book of the Dragon Nimbus series. This book is very entertaining because of its plot, characters and magic the author uses.

The plot of this book has plenty of action and twists to keep the reader hooked. Characters are spread out over two kingdoms. There are wars, quests and political intrigues. Coronnan’s queen cannot produce an heir to the throne due to a magic problem and that leads to civil strife. Magic users are being persecuted by a cult of fanatics that want to kill all mages. The king suffers from a wound through his link to the dragons and they are not in the kingdom. All of these elements blend into a suspenseful tale that keeps you turning the pages until the end.

Another aspect that makes the book interesting is the sympathetic characters. Yaakke is a young mage sent on a quest to find the dragons and restore them to Coronnan. He has not reached his full power yet. His quest leads him into a dangerous confrontation with a powerful sorceress, which leaves him trapped in slavery. Readers will feel for him in his struggles. They will feel for Katrina too. She is a lace maker in a rival kingdom being torn apart by an insane king. Katrina watches her family get slowly destroyed and ends up in slavery too. Her struggle to get free brings her growth in courage and love. Other characters provide strong support and interesting problems for the main ones to solve.

Finally, Ms. Radford uses an interesting variety of magics to make the story more entertaining. Magic users have an assortment of types to draw on for spells. Mages in Coronnan are supposed to gather magic from the dragons. Some of the mages like Yaakke can draw on ley lines for energy. Women mages use music and are healers. The dangerous mages use human sacrifice, sex and an addicting drug for magic, which drives the user insane. Ms. Radford weaves these magics into her story deftly to keep it exciting and interesting.

The Loneliest Magician by Irene Radford is an entertaining addition to the Dragon Nimbus series. This third book in the series is made interesting and engaging through its plot, characters and the types of magic the author uses for her mages. Ms. Radford writes appealing books that keeps readers hooked and excited until the end. There are other books set in the world of Kardia Hodos that readers will enjoy too.

Review: _The Three Sisters_ by Rebecca Locksley

A mage of the Tari watches her sister-in-law destroy a tower of the enemy who destroyed three of their people utterly by feeding them to demons. The woman is pregnant and experiences all of the deaths she causes. Stress from the deaths results in the birth of triplets, three sisters with remarkable talents. This starts the book The Three Sisters by Rebecca Locksley. Readers will find this book interesting because of its troubled characters, action plot, and the clash of cultures and magical systems.

Three women of the title have troubled lives that make them interesting. They are Tari, a race of people that are part of the life spirit of their world. This gives them great magical powers but with a price. Yani is a warrior. She loves to fight with the sword, but cannot kill anyone or she will suffer the deaths of her enemies. Her sister Elena Starchild is beautiful, possessing the talent of fatal beauty that dr ives men to obsession over her. Marigoth is a powerful mage. She is eleven years old and refuses to grow up. All of them face conflicts that change them by the end of the book. Other characters like the Mirayan mage Ezratah, the Horse Seagani tribe member Duprey and Wolf Madraga add different insights into the lives of the sisters.

Next, the action plot keeps the book interesting by moving along at a good pace with exciting developments. The story begins when Elena Starchild’s husband is killed by conquerors and her husband’s people are enslaved. She becomes the prize of war of the Lord Scarvan, but once Wolf Madraga sees her, the fatal beauty sets events of change in motion. Yani journeys with her child sister Marigoth to the city to rescue Elena. Along the way, they meet Ezratah who tries a charm spell on Yani and ends up enslaved to her. This experience changes his perspectives on things. Yani finds herself drawn into the struggle between the Seagani and Mirayans when all she wants to do is rescue her sis ˇter. In addition, she must deal with a petulant sister who refuses to grow up. The also find themselves at odds with their uncle. He is trying to control destiny through them. Ms. Locksley weaves all of these threads and others into a good story with a lot of conflict.

The last element that makes this book interesting is the clash between cultures and different systems of magic. Ms. Locksley explores the theme of imperialism by a more advanced nation. With the Seagani and other natives being conquered by the Mirayans, shades of our world’s history of imperialism appear. This gets the reader to want the underdog to win. There is a difference in magical systems with the Mirayans using crystals to focus power while the Tari use the natural magic granted to them by the Life Spirit of their world, which gives a touch of an environmental theme to the book. The author works these themes subtly into the story.

The Three Sisters by Rebecca Locksley is an entertaining Epic Fantasy. Troubled characters, an action plot and a clash between different cultures and systems of magic makes the book interesting for readers. This book ends with some unconcluded plot threads, so there will probably be another book to continue the story. Rebecca Locksley is a pen name of author Jane Routely.

Review: _Out of Time_ by Lynn Abbey

A woman lives the quiet life of a university librarian in a small town when it starts to unravel after helping a battered young woman. She is thrust into a world of magic and curses, which she does not like or want a part of. Out of Time by Lynn Abbey is an Urban Fantasy and the first in a series. Readers will find the book entertaining due to a realistic character, interesting setting and action plot.

A realistic character gets the reader hooked quickly into the book. Emma Merrigan is an acquisitions librarian for a university library. Fifty years old, she lives a quiet, routine life until strange events begin. She is forced to confront a past highlighted by abandonment by her mother and discovering a strange fate has been set out for her. This brings out a strong sense of rebellion to her circumstances. Peripheral characters help or hinder Emma, but she is the main focus of the book. Ms. Abbey creates a believable character in the strong woman Emma.

Next, the interesting setting gives the book a strong sense of place and helps create suspense. The small university town with its environs is described vividly, bringing it to life. This is juxtaposed with the strange setting of the Wasteland where time flows differently and curses haunt the landscape. When Emma jumps between the two worlds, readers gain new insights from the character’s growth. Through the author’s vivid descriptions, the setting moves the plot along in interesting directions.

Finally, the action plot moves the book along at a fast pace that keeps reader wanting more. The action starts when Emma discovers Jenny hiding from her boyfriend Bran in the library. Jenny had been beaten by Bran the night before inexplicably. This draws Emma into their problems and sets off weird supernatural phenomena. When this happens, Emma discovers a box with a letter and things left by her mother. This dredges up old resentments for Emma. Also, she does not want her life to change because of these powers. Trying to help the young couple only makes matters worse. Then, Emma’s past comes back to add more stress to her problems. Emma’s coping with curses, her powers and the past are deftly woven together my Ms. Abbey into a tight story, which is a pager turner.

Out of Time by Lynn Abbey is an entertaining book with a realistic character, interesting settings and action plot. The author combines these elements into a tightly woven story that hooks readers from the beginning and takes them on a memorable journey. The first book of the Orion’s Children series ends with a small cliffhanger that promises more excitement and suspense in the next book. This is an good book for summer reading.