Science Fiction/Fantasy, September 2011
Sep 15, 2011
| In this Article |
| Debut of the Month |
| Mass Markets of Note |
| The Votes are in |
Variety is the spice, not only of life, but also of imaginative literature. This month's selections display a breadth of topics, ranging from epic fantasies by Kate Elliott (Cold Fire), Dave Duncan (When the Saints), and David Anthony Durham (The Sacred Band) to Marie Brennan's steampunk tale of London's faery population (With Fate Conspire). Adding flavor to this heady brew are Alex Bledsoe's Appalachian fantasy (The Hum and the Shiver), the thrilling conclusion to C.S. Friedman's character-driven Magister Trilogy (Legacy of Kings), and a pair of urban fantasy debuts by Linda Poitevin (Sins of the Angels) and M.J. Scott (Shadow Kin). Also here are two very different and popular sf subgenres: David Drake and John Lambshead combine talents in Into the Hinterlands, a treat for fans of military sf, while Ken MacLeod's The Restoration Game touches on espionage and computer games.
The debut of the month brings back the glory days of the "buddy" fantasy as a pair of mercenaries find adventure and trouble around every corner in Michael J. Sullivan's Theft of Swords.
Short fiction has always been a mainstay of speculative fiction. Three collections, two featuring dark fantasy (or horror), celebrate award-winning and otherwise notable stories: Volume 3 of The Best Horror of the Year and The Horror Hall of Fame: The Stoker Winners, while online fiction is collected in Horizons: An Anthology of Prize Winning Stories from SFNovelist.com.
Finally, we close with a look at some of the recent and upcoming awards handed out by the sf and fantasy communities.
CHECK THESE OUT
Bledsoe, Alex. The Hum and the Shiver. Tor. Oct. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780765327444. pap. $15.99. FANTASY
Long before settlers arrived in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the Tufa, dark-haired people with deep superstitions and a magical power over music, had already claimed the land. Wounded in body and spirit, Private Bronwyn Hyatt returns home from Iraq to her mountain community of Needsville to recover and embrace once more her ancient Tufa heritage. But the trauma of war has stripped her of the songs she once knew, and omens point to an impending death in her family. With a deep love for the mountains embedded in his language, the author of the Eddie LaCrosse fantasy detective series (Burn Me Deadly) crafts a deceptively simple story of family and community, laced throughout with the music and beliefs of a magical reality. VERDICT Elegantly told, this series opener calls to mind the Silver John tales of the late Manly Wade Wellman and should attract a wide readership beyond genre fans.
Brennan, Marie. With Fate Conspire. Tor. Sept. 2011. c.528p. ISBN 9780765325372. $27.99. FANTASY
Eliza O'Malley, a young Irish woman living in Victorian London, still searches for her childhood friend Owen, stolen by the faeries seven years ago. Her search takes her to the city's aristocracy, to meetings of the Society of Psychical Research, and finally into the Onyx Court, a hidden faery city that is threatened with destruction from the encroaching effects of the Industrial Revolution. There, she finds strange allies to help her in her quest, including the faery who had originally stolen Owen. Brennan's fourth series tale (after A Star Shall Fall) blends history and fantasy to create a London of high grandeur and unspeakable squalor, where faery crime bosses hold hundreds in their thrall below the city and humans who believe in the unbelievable search for proof of another realm's existence. VERDICT Brennan's characters breathe life into a landscape rich in detail and vibrant with imagination. This title should please fans of Mercedes Lackey's "Elemental Masters" series and Elizabeth Bear's "Promethean Age" series.
Drake, David & John Lambshead. Into the Hinterlands. Baen, dist. by S. & S. Sept. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781439134610. $25. SF
Inheriting his noble family's duties and eager to reestablish his house's failing resources, Allen Allenson sets out on a mission to survey family holdings throughout their intergalactic territory. His astute judgment and knowledge of universal human virtues, however, land him in a critical position as a novice commander of the colonial forces. Allenson proves more than capable of leading his men against greedy Terran invaders as well as the ruthless barbarian "Riders," whose innate ability to navigate the pathways between stars makes them a threat to all settled worlds. Drake ("Lord of the Isles" series) and Lambshead (Lucy's Blade) have written a series opener featuring an honorable and likable hero and an intriguing vision of an intergalactic future.VERDICT Despite a lack of significant female characters and a distinctly old-school approach, this new military sf series should carry the day with fans of the genre and Drake's many readers.
Duncan, Dave. When the Saints. Tor. (Brothers Magnus, Vol. 2). Nov. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780765323484. $27.99. FANTASY
Angered by the untimely death of their brother Marek, the remaining siblings—Ottokar, Vladislav, Anton, and Wulfgang—gather to defend their castle in Cardice from invasion by the Count of Pelrelm. The magical powers possessed by Wulfgang—and forbidden by the Church unless under its control—can turn the tide, but whether the youngest Magnus brother can walk the fine line between loyalty and heresy calls the family's most sacred duties into question. The sequel to Speak to the Devil continues Duncan's portrayal of Renaissance Europe, albeit one blessed (or cursed) by the existence of a magic that some say comes from the saints while others denounce it as satanic in origin. VERDICT Duncan excels in finding imaginative ways to present supernatural powers, and his latest series proves no exception. Set in a 15th-century Europe, this engrossing family drama and historical fantasy should particularly appeal to fans of Katherine Kurtz's "Chronicles of the Deryni" tales.
Durham, David Anthony. The Sacred Band. Doubleday. (Acacia Trilogy, Bk. 3). Oct. 2011. c.576p. ISBN 9780307739681. $26.95. FANTASY
Having discovered the magic contained in the long-lost Book of Elenet, Corinn, now Queen of the Known World, unwisely demonstrates her godlike powers. Her brother Dariel, sent on a dangerous mission to the Other Lands, contends with a number of exotic tribes who could either pose a threat or become an asset to the Known World. Corinn's sister Mena and her sentient flying companion, Elya, travel to the northern lands to confront the dangerous Auldek, whose alliance with slavers provides them with the source of their apparent immortality. The conclusion of Durham's trilogy (The War with the Mein; The Other Lands) ties the threads of these separate stories unto a satisfying climactic world-changing battle. VERDICT Strong writing, intriguing characters, and a richly detailed background—along with the possibility for future development of Durham's scenario—make this fantasy epic a winner for those who enjoy large-scale fantasy along the lines of George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" series.
Elliott, Kate. Cold Fire. Orbit: Hachette. (Spirit Walker Trilogy, Bk. 2). Sept. 2011. c.544p. ISBN 9780316080996. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
Fleeing an enforced marriage to a cold mage of Four Moons House, Cat Barahal, along with her cousin Beatrice and her half-brother Rory, seeks sanctuary among those who attempt to rebel against the laws that bind most people to the houses of magic. The journey undertaken by Cat and her companions leads them further into danger as they strive to avoid the Wild Hunt whose pursuit means certain death. This sequel to Cold Magic pits three engaging protagonists against conflicting factions and challenges them with unexpected enemies and unlikely allies. VERDICT Fans of steampunk and alternate history will enjoy this heady mix of magic and technology.
Friedman, C.S. Legacy of Kings. DAW, dist. by Penguin. (Magister Trilogy, Vol. 3). Sept. 2011. c.464p. ISBN 9780756406936. $25.95. FANTASY
For centuries, the exclusively male Magisters have kept the source of their magic a secret, unwilling to reveal that their power steals life from humans who, as a result, die of a mysterious "wasting disease." When the Wrath, the barrier that protects the civilized lands from the dragonlike Souleaters, shows signs of failing, the solitary Magisters must unite to save their world and ally themselves with a priest-king whose church despises them and with a young woman who possesses powers not unlike their own. Marked by epic battles and powerful emotions, the concluding volume of Friedman's rousing fantasy saga (Feast of Souls; Wings of Wrath) demonstrates once again her talent for creating and populating worlds with unforgettable characters. VERDICT A John W. Campbell Award finalist, Friedman shows herself equally adept at both sf and fantasy with a story that is sure to please her many fans.
MacLeod, Ken. The Restoration Game. Pyr: Prometheus. Sept. 2011. c.258p. ISBN 9781616145255. pap. $16. SF
Born in the little-known country of Krassnia, once part of the Soviet Union, Lucy Stone now lives in Edinburgh and works for a small games company. When her mother asks Lucy to create a game based on the ancient folklore of Krassnia, Lucy suspects an ulterior motive; her mother once worked as a spy for the West during the Cold War. As the game progresses, Lucy becomes drawn into a covert conspiracy that she does not fully understand, involving two men, one of whom might be her birth father, and a Krassnian mountain that supposedly contains a powerful secret that only natives can access. The author of The Star Fraction and The Night Sessions tells a compulsively readable suspense tale that blends magical realism with hints of another world. VERDICT Nominated for a 2010 British Science Fiction Award for Best Novel, this work of speculative fiction set in the near future provides a knotty puzzle as well as a coming-of-age tale as a young woman journeys to find her true destiny.
Poitevin, Linda. Sins of the Angels. Ace: Berkley. (Grigori Legacy, Bk. 1). Oct. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780441020911. pap.$7.99. FANTASY
Toronto homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis handles the investigation of a serial killer while breaking in a new partner, Jacob Trent. Taken aback by Trent's obvious disdain for her, Alex does not realize that Trent has been assigned to act as her Guardian by Heaven itself. Trent is, in reality, the angel Aramael, a hunter of fallen angels, and the serial killer is one he knows all too well. Alex's bloodline makes her a danger to Aramael's mission, and the two must find common ground before the killer's crimes hasten the end of the world. Poitivin's debut novel launches an urban fantasy series that focuses on the world of angels, fallen and otherwise. VERDICT Strong storytelling and a pair of intriguing characters make this title a strong draw for urban fantasy readers and heralds a new voice in the genre.
Scott, M.J. Shadow Kin: A Novel of the Half-Light City. ROC: NAL. Sept. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780451464040. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Cast out of Fae society because of her mixed blood, Lily now serves the vampire Lucius as his assassin. When her latest target proves to be a mage who uses the power of sunlight to incapacitate her, Lily expects death at his hands. Instead, he spares her and helps her escape her life as the slave of a ruthless Blood Lord. Scott's debut launches a new urban fantasy series set in a city divided by shadow and light where the beings of the Night World battle against the Fae of the Veiled World as well as human mortals.VERDICT This tale of redemption and impossible love features a unique setting and holds promise for future stories.
ANTHOLOGIES & COLLECTIONS
The Best Horror of the Year. Vol. 3. Night Shade. 2011. c.384p. ed. by Ellen Datlow. ISBN 9781597802178. pap. $15.99. HORROR
A profusion of magpies portends ominous events in Tanith Lee's doomsday story "Black and White Sky," while in Laird Barron's "—30—," a pair of wildlife experts find themselves inexplicably altered by their research. Award-winning editor Datlow (Lovecraft Unbound) lends her expertise to this collection of top-notch tales of dark fantasy chosen from a variety of sources, including magazines, webzines, single-author collections, literary journals, and other anthologies. VERDICT From subtle psychological suspense to graphic violence, this collection of tales by authors like Richard Christian Matheson, Catherynne M. Valente, and John Langan provides a broad spectrum of styles sure to please most fans of the genre.
Horizons: An Anthology of Prize Winning Stories from SFNovelist.com. Missouri Anthology. Oct. 2011. c.424p. ed. by Jim Gamble & others. ISBN 9780615433356. pap. $14.95. SF
Stranded on a planet amid superstitious natives, a space scavenger discovers where his true loyalties lie in first-time author David Rose's "Bad Gods," the opener in this collection of 34 original sf tales by contributors to the annual themed anthologies compiled by members of SFNovelist.com. Authors include Bruce Davis, Don Muchow, and Christine Lajoie Golden. The collection features multiple tales by several of the participants. VERDICT Fresh approaches to tried-and-true themes and a host of new hard sf voices make this a good collection for larger libraries and a genre sampler for sf aficionados.
The Horror Hall of Fame: The Stoker Winners. Cemetery Dance. Oct. 2011. c.336p. ed. by Joe R. Lansdale. illus. ISBN 9781587670268. $35. HORROR
Covering the years from 1987 to 1996, the 13 stories in this collection all share the honor of winning the Bram Stoker Award for short stories or novellas, presented yearly by the Horror Writers Association. From Robert Bloch's tale of an all-too-successful search for a notorious brothel ("The Scent of Vinegar") to David Morrell's story of an art student's obsession with the paintings of a famous artist ("Orange Is for Anguish, Blue for Insanity"), these stories provide a wide range of styles, from pseudo-Lovecraftian horror to splatter fiction. VERDICT With stories from Harlan Ellison, George R.R. Martin, Jack Ketchum, and others, this collection should attract horror fans of all tastes.
ADDITIONAL SF/FANTASY
Pratchett, Terry. Snuff: A Novel of Discworld. Harper: HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9780062011848. $25.99. FANTASY
Sam Vimes, Commander of the City Watch and reluctant Duke of Ankh, has faced down trolls, vampires, and the implacable politics of the Patrician, Lord Vetinari. But in Pratchett's newest Discworld (Unseen Academicals) novel, Sam is forced to do something he swore he would never do: take a vacation. At the insistence of his wife, Lady Sibyl, Sam is dragged to her family's country estate, far from the familiar crime and pollution of his beloved Ankh-Morpork. But the country is far from idyllic. Sam's instincts quickly send him on the trail of something rotten among the posh and elite. The Duke of Ankh may have been sent to the county for rest and relaxation, but perhaps the Commander of the City Watch was sent for justice. VERDICT Series followers will delight in this latest entry as it offers them a chance to catch up with Pratchett's recurring protagonist while enjoying a tight, fast-paced take on the traditional police procedural novel. As often happens, Pratchett's fun, irreverent-seeming story line masks a larger discussion of social inequalities and the courage it takes to stand up for the voiceless.—Jennifer Beach, Cumberland Cty. P.L., VA
| Author Information |
| Jackie Cassada, formerly with Asheville Buncombe Library System, NC, has been LJ's SF/Fantasy columnist since 1984 |
Sullivan, Michael J. Theft of Swords. Orbit: Hachette. (Riyria Revelations, Vol. 1). Nov. 2011. c.704p. ISBN 9780316187749. pap. $14.99. FANTASY
Together known as Riyria, Mercenary soldier Hadrian Blackwater and his partner, talented thief Royce Melborn, pride themselves on their ability to execute impossible tasks for the right price. When a commission to steal a sword leads to their implication in the murder of the king, the pair must rely on every skill they possess to save their lives—and some they discover along the way. Sullivan's debut, originally self-published as an ebook, became a Kindle best seller. Now this trilogy opener is presented in print, along with its succeeding volumes (Rise of Empire; Heir of Novron), to be published this December and January 2012, respectively. Filled with adventure and clever dialog and featuring a pair of not-quite-heroes whose loyalties to each other provide them with their greatest strength, this epic fantasy showcases the arrival of a master storyteller. VERDICT Fans of Fritz Leiber's classic "Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser" novels should welcome the adventures of Hadrian and Royce. A winning debut for fantasy lovers.
MASS MARKET PAPERBACKS OF NOTE
Jayne, Hannah. Under Attack: The Underworld Detection Agency Chronicles. Kensington. Nov. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780758258939. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Magic-immune agent Sophie Lawson finds more trouble in the form of Alex Grace, a fallen angel in search of the Vessel of Souls. San Francisco is the setting for this urban fantasy series that began with Under Wraps.
Jerome, Celia. Fire Works in the Hamptons: A Willow Tate Novel. DAW, dist. by Penguin. Nov. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780756406882. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Graphic artist Willow Tate's creative ideas have a habit of attracting magical creatures to the unusual town of Paumanok Harbor in the Hamptons. The third outing, following Trolls in the Hamptons and Night Mares in the Hamptons, features literal fireflies, a fire-breathing tot, a fire mage, and an all-too-ordinary arsonist.
McGuire, Seanan. One Salt Sea: An October Daye Novel. DAW, dist. by Penguin. Oct. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9780756406837. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
The fifth outing for half-Faerie PI October Daye (Late Eclipses) sees her on the trail of the kidnapped sons of Duchess Dianda Lorden, regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist, and ensnares her in the midst of a war in Faerie. [McGuire also writes modern horror and zombie fiction as Mira Grant; see zombie fiction roundup on p. 73.—Ed.]
SFF World News (www.sffworld.com) recently announced a number of awards in the fields of sf and fantasy. In these hard financial times, many libraries must pick and choose only the best books in any category to add to their collections. What better way to enhance your patrons' reading choices than by stocking your shelves with winners (or even nominees)?
2010 BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION AWARD
NOVEL Ian McDonald. The Dervish House (Gollancz)
2011 PHILLIP K. DICK AWARD
Mark Hodder. The Strange Affair of
Spring Heeled Jack (Pyr: Prometheus)
2010 NEBULA AWARDS
(presented each year by the Science Fiction Writers of America [SFWA])
NOVEL Connie Willis. Blackout/All Clear (Spectra: Bantam)
ANDRE NORTON AWARD (for YA)
Terry Pratchett. I Shall Wear Midnight (HarperCollins)
