Important Note: All reviews reflected on this page are solely the expressed opinions of the reviewer. Our reviewers are not paid or given any incentive by any publisher.

Title: Academ’s Fury
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Jim Butcher
Publisher: Ace Books/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: July 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Second in the Codex Alera series.  After winning a scholarship to the Academy, Tavi is the First Lord’s page.  Now he finds himself covering for the injured First Lord and fending off spies and assassins while trying to convince everybody that everything is normal.  And just to make it more interesting, he’s got to fight magic users without having any magic of his own.  Really interesting plot developments; fast-paced read with strong characters.

Title: Aftershock
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Jean Rabe & John Helfers
Publisher: Roc/Penguin
Copyright: July 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is a stand-alone read in the Shadowrun series. A group of runners, in the process of completing their mission, get more than they bargained for. They have been betrayed and are being hunted for the merchandise they stole. An interesting one-time read.

Title: Against Gravity
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Gary Gibson
Publisher: Tor
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: 3 ½. A strong, well-written read. Fast paced and very suspenseful. Kendrick Gallmon was a survivor of a series of illegal and highly dangerous experiments designed to increase a person’s abilities and perceptions. He finally escaped “the Maze” with a bunch of other people who call themselves “Lab Rats.” He now finds his modifications malfunctioning, and somebody is trying to kill all the Lab Rats to keep them from finding out the true purpose of their modifications and what they can do.

Title: Agent to the Stars
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: John Scalzi
Publisher: Subterranean Press
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A good library read. The aliens are fun and humorous and the storyline is engaging. This is the author's first attempt at writing a book. He originally posted it as a free read on the Internet until his other books took off. His publisher asked him for more material and he gave them this.

Title: All About Passion
Classification: Romance
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Publisher: Avon Books/HarperCollins Publishers
Copyright: September 2001
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Historical romance. The beginning was slow and the plot implausible. Didn't finish it; not worth it.

Title: Alpha
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Catherine Asaro
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: September 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A female android designed to be the ultimate killing machine is falling in love with her target. A very good sequel to “Sunrise Alley.” This story is a fast-paced, truly enjoyable read which provides an interesting view of the possible interaction between humans and artificial intelligence. Also has an interesting exploration of the possibility of immortality.

Title: Beast Master's Quest
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Andre Norton and Lyn McConchie
Publisher: TOR/Tom Doherty Associates
Copyright: June 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: #3 in the Beast Master series. The main character, Laris, and her telepathic alien cat friend, Prauo, both orphans, are trying to find the cat's people. Laris recently inherited a space ship to use in their search. Well-written, good read, just like any Andre Norton book.

Title: Benighted
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Kit Whitfield
Publisher: Del Rey/Random House, Inc.
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Lola Galley is a lawyer who gets involved in a case where she’s defending somebody for a crime he did commit. In a society where most people are werewolves, she is not. The characters are hard to like and the storyline seemed jumbled.

Title: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Classification: Romance
Author: Maggie Shayne
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: December 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Romantic fantasy. Three short stories which are interesting enough for a one time read, but I would not buy the book.

Title: Bloodsucking Fiends
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Christopher Moore
Publisher: Spike/Avon
Copyright: 1995
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I don't know why this was published. The way the vampires played games made no sense to the story. The characters were weak and flat. I've got nothing good to say about this book.

Title: Boundary
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Erick Flint and Ryk E. Spoor
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Hard science fiction. A paleontology expedition on Earth finds the remains of an alien along with the dinosaurs the alien killed. The clues they find in their excavation site lead them eventually to Mars and the remnants of alien civilizations. I liked the relationships as they build between characters in spite of their occupations -- such as between a paleontologist and a technophile.

Title: Bring It On
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Publisher: Luna
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: No. 3 in the Retriever series.  Wren is asked to find an object which turns out to be a very powerful magic talisman.  While this is going on, she’s also in the center of a struggle between the Lonejacks and the Mages’ Council.  The Council is trying to control who actually practices magic.  Fun interaction between strong leading characters, and some really interesting plot twists.

Title: Cadmian's Choice
Classification: Fantasy
Author: L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book (#5 in the Corean Chronicles series) and the one preceding it are actually prequels to the rest of the series, but it still makes more sense to read them in the given order. This book tells of the continuing struggle between the Alectors, the Ancients and the humans who now inhabit the world of Corean. The Ancients are the original inhabitants. The Alectors have to feed on the life force of the planet and they brought the humans to this world to serve as cattle, i.e. food. The Ancients struggle to kick the Alectors off the world, the humans struggle to get their freedom, and the Alectors struggle to take over the planet because their previous planet is dying. I like this series very, very much. The characters are strong but not invincible; they make mistakes and they learn from them. Well-written.

Title: The Cause of Death (BSI: Starside #1)
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Roger MacBride Allen
Publisher: Bantam/Random House
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Hard to follow. Too convoluted for my taste. A lot of political infighting, which really does not interest me. An okay one-time read.

Title: The Chick is in the Mail
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Esther Friesner
Publisher: Baen Publishing/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: October 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Humorous short story collection in the Chick series. Fun, easy, enjoyable read. Almost all the short stories are very good.

Title: Choosers of the Slain
Classification: Fiction
Author: John Ringo
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: July 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: #3 in the Mike Harmon series. "Ghost" takes on the illegal sex-trade, and on the way he stumbles across a major blackmail ring that affects him and his people by giving him a whole new range of enemies. Fun, fast-paced adventure. I really liked the military humor.

Title: The Cobra Trilogy
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Timothy Zahn
Publisher: Baen
Copyright: September 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is a series of three books compiled in one volume. A volunteer elite group of space commandos encounter difficulties and adventures after the war ends. The story has a well-developed main character and is a very enjoyable read. An interesting view into the intrigue and duplicity that is sometimes associated with the political maneuvering of military units. I rate the first two books as a 4 and the 3rd book as a 3.

Title: Code Noir
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Marianne de Pierres
Publisher: Roc/Penguin
Copyright: 2004; July 2006 in U.S.
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Interesting second book in the Parrish Plessis series; best to read in order. 3 1/2. When Parrish takes over as a warlord while infected with an alien symbiont, the Cabal gives her the task of finding out who's stealing the shamans.

Title: Curse the Dark
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Publisher: Luna/Harlequin
Copyright: July 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Wren & Sergei #2. Urban fantasy. For their own protection, Wren and Sergei have agreed to become part of a super-secret magic monitoring organization. Wren then finds the organization trying to separate her partnership, so together they jump at an opportunity to look for a missing artifact, about which they have no information other than that it's deadly. In this book, Wren and Sergei's relationship is heating up.

Title: Cursor’s Fury
Classification: Fantasy
Author:Jim Butcher
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: December 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Third in the Codex Alera series.  Tavi is now a Cursor, i.e. a spy for the First Lord.  His first assignment is to be with a newly formed Legion that is just crawling with other lords’ spies.  Not only does he have to take up the mantle of an Officer even though he is untrained, but he also has to prevent the assassination of his close friend and learn who is trying to sabotage the Legion.  And fight a civil war and stop an invasion at the same time.  It’s not too much to ask for a man who has no magic.  Great book!  I read it in one sitting and could not put it down.

Title: The Dance of Time
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Eric Flint and David Drake
Publisher: Baen Publishing
Copyright: February 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the sixth and final book in the Belisarius series, which began with "An Oblique Approach". It tied everything together well; I highly recommend it. It is military/historical/alternate timeline.

Title: Dark Demon
Classification: Romance
Author: Christine Feehan
Publisher: Jove/Berkley
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: No. 16 in the Dark series.  Natalya is the daughter of the Dark Sorcerer and a vampire.  She inherited the powers of both her parents and she’s in a struggle to prevent the evil vampires from taking over the world and also fighting her father’s evil legacy.  Really fun and action-packed.  I really enjoyed her introduction to Vikirnoff, who believes she is destined to become his main love interest.

Title: Dead and Loving It
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Romantic fantasy by the author of the Undead series. This is a collection of 4 short stories with characters from her other novels. You can enjoy these without having read her other books. Each one is a different way for the characters to fall in love. 3 1/2. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Dragon and Herdsman
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Timothy Zahn
Publisher: Starscape/Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
Copyright: June 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: #4 in the Dragonback series. A boy and his symbiotic dragon find a group of the dragon’s people, reverted back to primitivism, on a world where they are not expected to be. Jack and Draycos stumble onto them in their continuing struggle to stop a conspiracy to kill the rest of the dragon’s race.

Title: Engaging the Enemy
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Elizabeth Moon
Publisher: Del Rey/Ballantine/Random House
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Military science fiction. Strong characters, interesting interactions, and really interesting plot twists. An embattled survivor of a shipping clan must turn to privateering to combat the pirates who have destroyed her family. This is #3 in the Vatta's War series which began with "Trading in Danger". (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Fallen Angels
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Stephen Kenson
Publisher: ROC/Penquin
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is #3 in the new Shadowrun series. There are a lot of older, out-of-print Shadowrun books, but you don't have to read them to enjoy this new series. The first one is "Born to Run" and the second is "Poison Agendas." I give the whole new series a "5" rating. It's really science fantasy. Kellan Cost is back, and this time she's on the trail of her heritage, trying to find out more about her mother, her father, and the mysterious magical amulet that was given to her. She has to escape from deep inside enemy territory. She makes her way through the shadows, trying to accomplish her mission and avoid being betrayed at the same time. A lively and entertaining case of characters--including the people who might or might not be villains.

Title: Fleshworks
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Lucien Soulban
Publisher: Black Library/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Necromunda #5. Each book in this series features a different character, so they are stand-alone reads. Storm is an undercover operative who is given a mission to retrieve stolen bio-implants, but he doesn't realize he's being set up to be betrayed. Enjoyable, entertaining read.

Title: Full Moon Rising
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: Bantam Dell/Random House
Copyright: February 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Werewolf/vampire fantasy. I liked the main character and her interactions with those around her. It had some really interesting plot twists. I hope the author continues this story line as a series. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Furies of Calderon
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Jim Butcher
Publisher: Ace Books/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: October 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: 4 ½.  First book in the Codex Alera series.  This is the story of a young man learning to cope with life in a magical realm when he himself has no magic.  Not only does he have to stave off an invasion, but he has also inadvertently saved one of the realm’s spies, and has now become enmeshed in the struggles for power when all he really wants to do is be a shepherd.  Very strong characters, lots of action, and truly interesting concept of controlling magic.

Title: Ghost
Classification: Fiction
Author: John Ringo
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: October 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Military action adventure series. Mike Harmon, a retired SEAL, stumbles onto a terrorist kidnapping of young college women, and takes action to track and free them.

Title: The Ghost Brigades
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: John Scalzi
Publisher: Tom Doherty Assoc.
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The sequel to "Old Man's War." The continuing story of humanity's fight against encroaching aliens and our urge to expand through space. It's also a tale of how political decisions can nullify or complicate military actions. Very good read.

Title: Heiress For Hire
Classification: Romance
Author: Erin McCarthy
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: January 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A funny, fast read. A rich woman learns there is more to life than money when she is disinherited.

Title: The Hidden Dragon
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Irene Radford
Publisher: Daw Books, Inc.
Copyright: Feb. 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: 2 1/2. Science fantasy. A group of three brothers are on the run from the galactic government. They accidentally find a remote, uncharted planet where there are actually humans already. The planet is also inhabited by dragons, and something about the planet is bringing forth undiscovered powers and hidden talents in the brothers. Slow-paced plot build-up in each book of the series. Kind of boring. A lot of unfulfilled potential. Disappointing.

Title: Hounding the Moon
Classification: Fantasy
Author: P.R. Frost
Publisher: Daw Books/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: September 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Tess is a grieving widow. She's also a fantasy writer with a secret: as a member of the Sisterhood of the Celestial Blade Warriors, she fights real demons. On the course of her quest to rescue a girl from a magical beast, she runs into two attractive men who seem to know more about her than they should. Interesting tie-in of Native American myths with the more conventional supernatural elements. This is the beginning of a series; the sequel will be "Moon in the Mirror."

Title: I Hunger for You
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Susan Sizemore
Publisher: Pocket Books
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Vampiric romance. Strong character interactions. The main character, Mia, comes from a long line of vampire hunters, but she doesn't know it. When she's attacked by vampires, she's saved by another vampire who just happens to be a SWAT officer. He's fighting his attraction for her while she's trying to get to the bottom of why the vampires are attacking her. Good read; well-written.

Title: Imperial Bounty
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: William C. Dietz
Publisher: Ace Books/ Berkley
Copyright: May 1988
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: #2 in the McCade series.  McCade is tasked with finding the missing prince, but the princess doesn’t want him found.  She had control of most of the military and wants the throne for herself.  All McCade has to do is find somebody who doesn’t want to be found while dodging half the Imperial Fleet who are trying to kill him.  I love this whole series and consider them my “comfort” books:  friends to fall back on and read over and over again.  I definitely recommend this for anyone’s science fiction library.  A great, fun read.

Title: In Fury Born
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Weber
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Military science fiction. This is an expanded "Path of the Fury", which was published in 1992. I always liked this story and it just got better. It's one of the few times I've ever read a rewrite of something I'd already enjoyed in which the author actually made major improvements in the new version. I bought the hardcover for myself after reading the library copy four times. I hope he makes this stand-alone read into a series.

Title: Jane’s Warlord
Classification: Romance
Author: Angela Knight
Publisher: Berkley Publishing/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: June 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Science fiction romance. Jane Colby is a reporter for a local paper. She’s now covering a grisly series of murders. What she doesn't know is that she’s next on the killer’s list. Baran Arvid is secretly from the future; his one assignment—to save her life. The problem is she doesn't want to be guarded. Unbeknownst to both, the killer is also targeting the warlord. The time travel element of the story was very entertaining.

Title: Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace
Classification: Teens
Author: MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: August 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Enjoyable series about a teenage girl who finds she can turn into a dragon, and the misadventures she gets into trying to come to terms with this ability. She learns that the world is a much stranger place than she ever thought it was. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Kildar
Classification: Fiction
Author: John Ringo
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Military action adventure series. The sequel to "Ghost." The continuing adventures of a former SEAL, Mike Harmon, code name Ghost, who is dealing with the aftermath of previous missions. He's trying to find some peace but he stumbles on to more terrorist activity. He struggles to help people while fighting his own darker nature.

Title: Kitty Goes to Washington
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Warner Books
Copyright: July 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Sequel to "Kitty and the Midnight Hour." Urban fantasy. Kitty gets in trouble for bringing the supernatural community (i.e. werewolves, etc.) out into the open where everyone can see them. Now she has a whole bunch of enemies, and has to contend with different governmental agencies and dirty politicians. A good continuation of the first story. Well-crafted characters. 3 1/2. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Lt. Leary Commanding
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Drake
Publisher: Baen Books
Copyright: June 2001
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the second book in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy series, which began with the title "With the Lightnings". Fast, fun read. Military space opera. Lt. Leary has to overturn a conspiracy and stop an invasion.

Title: Master of the Moon
Classification: Romance
Author: Angela Knight
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: May 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Paranormal romance. Second in the series. She’s a werewolf in charge of a city. He’s the king of Sidhe. They’re both after a vampire who is killing people in her town. Alone, neither of them is its match; together, they can be. Now all they’ve got to do is learn to work together. I enjoyed the funny situations when the irreverent werewolf meets the proud and stubborn king of the fairies.

Title: Master of the Night
Classification: Romance
Author: Angela Knight
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group USA, Inc.
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Erin Grayson was tricked into investigating Reece Champion as a suspect in a series of killings, by the killers themselves. To finally defeat these people, she has to unlock her magical talents, but the only way to do this is by trusting the man she was investigating. Really fun. A good introduction to the rest of the series.

Title: Master of Swords
Classification: Romance
Author: Angela Knight
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: October 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Paranormal romance. Fourth book in the series. The witch Lark McGuin survived a vicious vampire attack. The last thing she wants is to be partnered with a vampire knight to hunt the evil ones. The last thing Gawain, the vampire knight, wants is to be training and trying to protect a novice witch while in the midst of the hunt. I liked the interaction between a contemporary woman and a man who’s been around since the time of King Arthur and the Round Table.

Title: Master of Wolves
Classification: Romance
Author: Angela Knight
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: April 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Third book in the series.  Jim London is trying to find out who murdered his best friend.  Faith Weston is a small town K-9 cop.  Together they form a great team, only Faith doesn’t know that Jim’s her partner.  She knows him as Rambo, her German Shepherd police dog, but Jim is really an Alpha Dire Wolf, who finds himself falling in love with his handler.  A fun and fascinating read.  I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting. 

Title: Micah
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: Jove/Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Vampire Fantasy. This is the thirteenth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. Series began with "Guilty Pleasures". There is a reason this new release was put directly into paperback; it's disappointing. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Mistral’s Kiss
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: Ballantine Books/Random House Inc.
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Meredith Gentry series # 5.  Princess Meredith is still trying to consolidate her power and keep herself and her men safe while she navigates the twisted paths of the elven courts.  With Mistral’s kiss, more wild magic awakens.  I like the dark mystery of where the story is going, because as you read, you really don’t know what to expect next. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Moon Called
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Patricia Briggs
Publisher: Ace/Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: February 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Urban fantasy. A stand-alone read. I liked the story and the way the characters interacted. I was tickled by the concept of the main character being a female shapeshifting mechanic, and I really liked how she made friends out of the rest of the paranormal community (i.e. werewolves, vampires and witches) who should have been her natural enemies. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The Musashi Flex
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Steve Perry
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: January 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Tells of the beginning of the 97 steps and the founding of the resistance to the Confederation.

Title: Mysteria
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, P.C. Cast, & Gena Showalter
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: July 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Fantasy romance. A very interesting short story collection centered around a town that is a sanctuary for magical and supernatural beings who live there along with regular humans.

Title: Nightlife
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Rob Thurman
Publisher: ROC/Penguin
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In this urban fantasy, a pair of brothers try to protect themselves and stop an evil from taking over the world at the same time. It starts off slow, but towards the end it's a much better read; the pace picks up and it makes more sense. This is the author's first book.(Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Old Man's War
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: John Scalzi
Publisher: Tom Doherty Assoc.
Copyright: January 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Good character development; interesting story. A quick and very enjoyable read. A space adventure with lots of action and a love story with a twist.

Title: On Basilisk Station
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Weber
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: First book in the Honor Harrington series, which is military SF. Very good main character. One woman is able to bring victory out of an impossible set of circumstances.

Title: One Good Knight
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Publisher: Luna-Books/Harlequin Books
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A Tale of the Five Hundred Kingdoms. The magic system in this universe makes logical sense because every action has an equal or opposite reaction. Princess Andromeda is trying to save her kingdom from marauding dragons and an evil power behind the throne. She teams up with a most unlikely champion, George, to solve the mystery behind the dragons and why there is a barrier around the country keeping other champions out. I liked the interaction between the Princess and her champion, and how they deal with their adventures along the way, especially as they're trying to make their traditions work for them instead of against them. A fun, easy read.

Title: Other Times Than Peace
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Drake
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: August 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: 3 1/2. This is a good collection of short stories, some previously published in books and magazines. I liked most of the stories but not all. I recommend this for anybody who likes military science fiction. You will find something to like.

Title: Path of the Fury
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Weber
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Space opera. A retired commando survives an attack on her home world, and will do anything for revenge.

Title: Perfect Dark: Initial Vector
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Greg Rucka
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Copyright: October 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A fascinating story based on a video game. A female bounty hunter is tracking down the people responsible for a world-wide plague. I would really look forward to reading another book with these characters.

Title: Princess of Wands
Classification: Fantasy
Author: John Ringo
Publisher: Baen Publishing/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: January 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Urban Fantasy. First in a possible new series. A housewife takes on the forces of darkness. Good, strong female character. Fast action. Would like to see more. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: PSI Hunt
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Michael Kurland
Publisher: Berkley Books
Copyright: September 1980
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Lt. Robert Burrows, who doesn’t believe in “mind tricks,” is forced to work with a secret government agency using psionics to capture a rogue general who has nuclear weapons.  Badly written; poor character development; fractured storyline.  And on top of that, I didn’t like it.

Title: The Quantum Connection
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Travis S. Taylor
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: April 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The sequel to Warp Speed. I've read them both 3 times each in the past month. I loved the new characters, and I really like how they start kicking butt on the aliens.

Title: Rogue Clone
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Steven L. Kent
Publisher: Ace Books/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: October 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The continuing story of Lt. Wayson Harris as he deals with both the knowledge that he’s a clone and the deteriorating political and military climate that he finds himself in. It’s a good read with lots of action but it’s kind of difficult to follow some of the plot twists. Sequel to “The Clone Republic;” must be read in order.

Title: Sanctuary
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Publisher: Daw Books
Copyright: May 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the 3rd book in the Dragon Jousters series. The escaped Dragonriders have found sanctuary, are taking in refugees from both countries, and are trying to stop the needless war being brought on by the Magi (evil magic-users who steal life forces). I fell in love with the heart-touching relationships between the dragons and their riders.

Title: Scepters
Classification: Fantasy
Author: L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Publisher: Tor Books
Copyright: July 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Third book in the Corean Chronicles series, which began with "Legacies". The reluctant hero is back and being forced to take on even bigger challenges.

Title: Sleeping with the Fishes
Classification: Romance
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Jove/Berkley
Copyright: December 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Paranormal romance.  Stiff writing, hard to read.  A bad “Splash.”  I didn’t enjoy it at all. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Soarer’s Choice
Classification: Fantasy
Author: L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
Copyright: November 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Corean Chronicles series #6.This story chronicles the transition between when the Soarers were active and when the Alectors ruled the land.  This is a must read because it brings the story full circle.  It is also an engaging read which clears up questions left by the other books in the series.

Title: The Solar Queen
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Andre Norton
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Copyright: December 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is an omnibus edition of two previously published books, "Sargasso of Space" (c.1955) and "Plague Ship" (c.1956). These are the first two stories in a four book series. A second omnibus includes the next two books, "Postmarked the Stars" and "Voodoo Planet." This is classic space opera which set the standard for future writers of this type. Everybody who likes science fiction should read it. It's stories like these that got me hooked on science fiction.

Title: Some Golden Harbor
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Drake
Publisher: Baen
Copyright: September 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Fun, fast read in the RCN series. I enjoyed the way the characters overcame obstacles presented to them. Leary's success has created enemies in the upper ranks, and they have conspired to give him an impossible mission: to stop a planetary war with little or no resources.

Title: Star Corps
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Ian Douglas
Publisher: EOS/Harper Collins
Copyright: April 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This first book in the Legacy Trilogy is a good work after his previous Heritage trilogy. Military SF. Marines are sent to deal with aliens who keep humans as slaves. A fast read.

Title: Starfist: Flashfire
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: David Sherman & Dan Cragg
Publisher: Del Rey Books/Random House Inc.
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Eleventh in the futuristic military series beginning with "Starfist: First to Fight". Many good, interesting characters; well-written.

Title: Staying Dead
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Publisher: Luna/Harlequin
Copyright: August 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Wren & Sergei #1. Urban fantasy. Wren is a "retriever"--she finds things that have gone missing, no questions asked. With the help of her partner Sergei, and other friends, she can find and retrieve almost anything, but sometimes people don't want her to find what's been missing. Interesting. I like the interaction between Wren and Sergei. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Strange Candy
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: October 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is Laurell K. Hamilton writing the way I truly enjoy. This is a collection of short stories. Some of my favorites are situated in the “Nightseer” world. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: A Taste of Darkness
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: Nina Bangs
Publisher: Leisure/Dorchester
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: 3 1/2. Vampire romance. Interesting interaction between the vampires and the shape shifters. The main vampire character, Reinn Mackenzie, has the job of keeping vampires and shape shifters from intermarrying, a job he hates but has to do. Unfortunately for him, he's just fallen in love with a woman who happens to be a "were-." Her problem is that her animal form is an uncontrolled saber-tooth tiger. I really liked it!

Title: Thunderbird Falls
Classification: Fantasy
Author: C. E. Murphy
Publisher: Luna
Copyright: May 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Urban fantasy. The disappointing sequel to "Urban Shaman." It just didn't read well, and I expected better.

Title: Traitor to the Blood
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Barb and J.C. Hendee
Publisher: Roc/Penguin
Copyright: January 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Fantasy. I liked the characters but was not impressed with the story. I got too dark for my taste. This is the 4th book in the Noble Dead series which began with "Dhampir."

Title: Turn the Other Chick
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Esther Friesner
Publisher: Baen Publishing/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: March 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Actually, I would give it a 4 1/2 book rating. A great collection of short stories. Humorous and very entertaining. Each one was unique. The author did a very good job at portraying strong female characters. I've liked every one I've read so far in this series.

Title: Undead and Unpopular
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Berkley Sensation/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: June 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: #5 in the Undead romance series. The continuing adventures of the new Queen of the vampires as she deals with European royalty. Wasn't as funny as some of the other books, but still good. 3 1/2. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Undead and Unreturnable
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Copyright: November 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Romantic fantasy by the author of the Undead series. Funny, enjoyable characters getting into really silly and ridiculous predicaments. A true joy to read. Laugh-out-loud funny.

Title: Urban Shaman
Classification: Fantasy
Author: C. E. Murphy
Publisher: Luna/Harlequin
Copyright: June 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Urban Fantasy. Tells of a new shaman just getting her powers and way over her head in trouble.

Title: Von Neumann’s War
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: John Ringo & Travis S. Taylor
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: August 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Contemporary soldiers try to defend against invaders who are taking over the solar system. Interesting collaboration between two of my favorite authors.

Title: Warp Speed
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Travis S. Taylor
Publisher: Baen/Simon & Schuster
Copyright: December 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Really interesting concepts about space travel and the ways technology can be used. Loved the story and the characters. Fast-paced and a really fun read. Rednecks rock!!

Title: WebMage
Classification: Science Fiction
Author: Kelly McCullough
Publisher: Ace Books/Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Copyright: August 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This science fantasy story features a really interesting magic system which uses computer programs to cast spells. Ravirn is a computer hacker, which also means he can do magic. He is asked by one of the Fates to fix a spell (i.e. a program) she created. He refuses because he finds out the spell would take away all free will. Now he has to deactivate the spell before anyone else fixes it, and he has to survive the Fates being mad at him. Fast-paced. Novel and interesting interaction with mythical characters.

Title: Wild Blood
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Nancy A. Collins
Publisher: Two Wolf Press/White Wolf Publishing, Inc.
Copyright: September 2005 (reprint; previously published 1994)
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Didn't like it at all. Couldn't finish it, and I've read some real dogs. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

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