The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Best Short Science Fiction Novels, Volume 2
Edited by Gardner Dozois
St. Martin’s Press, Feb 2007, $40.00
ISBN: 0312363419

Following up on the first edition of the Best of the Best (short story oriented), Gardner Dozois fills the second collection with classic novellas, starting with the fantastic “Sailing to Byzantium” by Silverberg. The entries speak for themselves as sci fi fans will recognize most if not all the contributions and many will have been read previously. The entries are Walter Jon Williams’ “Surfacing”, Joe Haldeman’s “The Hemingway Hoax”, James Patrick Kelly’s “Mr. Boy”, Nancy Kress’s “Beggars in Spain”, Michael Swanwick’s “Griffin’s Egg”, Frederik Pohl’s “Outnumbering the Dead”, Ursula K. Le Guin’s “Forgiveness Day”, Maureen F. McHugh’s “The Cost to Be Wise”, Greg Egan’s “Oceanic”, Ian McDonald’s “Tendeleo’s Story”, Ian R. MacLeod’s “New Light on the Drake Equation”, and Alastair Reynolds’s “Turquoise Days”,. The stories run the gamut of the genre with a few crossing into fantasy, but what they share are strong story lines with believable characters bringing to life questions of humanity’s place in the universe. The only question for readers is to pay or not to pay in light of having read most before as this compilation is top rate.

Harriet Klausner

My Favorite Earthling
Susan Grant
Harlequin HQN, Mar 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 0373771924

California States Senator Jana Jasper and Coalition Space Force Prime-Major Cavin of Far Star saved the earth from alien acquisition (see YOUR PLANET OR MINE?). To earthlings they are heroes; however his CSF superiors have sent REEF operatives to kill him.

However while everyone celebrates the rout of the alien invaders, Jana’s sibling Jared fears Lord-General Rakkuu will be back with an even more powerful Drakken Horde as he will not underestimate the enemy a second time. Jared looks for clues inside the dead REEF assassin’s vessel, but unintentionally hits the wrong device that sends him to a world whose ruler is known for using a plasma sword to cut off male genitals. Warrior Queen Keira assumes Jared is the Prince of earth as his kin is the first family of California and his sister is the renowned planet savior. She and her advisors decide they must marry so that an alliance can form against the common enemy the Drakken Horde. Initially worried about his precious jewels, Jared soon realizes that he loves his Queen and Keira, to her disgust, reciprocates. However someone wants his wife to be known as the widow-maker though he believes it is not her trying to kill him; she would slice and dice in person not through an assassin.

This is an exciting science fiction romance that delightfully lampoons the sub-genre with wit and humor yet maintains a hyper level of action. The fast-paced story line starts off fast as Jared finds himself out of this world and never slows down until the final confrontation with Keira’s sharpest weapon (her tongue not her sword). Readers will enjoy the latest Jasper escapades especially with the ultimate kick butt female accompanied by her beloved male saving two worlds.

Harriet Klausner

Dumbstruck
David Grant
BookSurge, LLC, Sep 2006,
ISBN: 1419636731

Neuro-psychiatrist Dr. J.M.J.J. Watson first saw his newest patient Creighton Dumbstruck in Clara’s Coffee Emporium in the historical district of Charleston, South Carolina. They sat at adjoining tables where they began a discussion on geography. Watson quickly realized that Dumbstruck was the perfect specimen as the retired military man preaches on anything and everything claiming in each case to be the world’s greatest authority (Professor Irwin Corey aside), but never gets it quite right. The psychiatrist plans to use Dumbstruck’s musings as the basis of a book on mental disorder that will make him renowned and wealthy.

Since both of them love geography they agree to do a walking tour of the South Carolina barrier islands. However, as Watson dreams of grandiose fame on a level of Freud, Dumbstruck continues his dissertation on whatever strikes his fancy. However, Watson becomes dumbstruck when his patient introduces him to M. Hirsute and the members of the American Lycanthropic Association who are holding their annual convention nearby. Dumbstruck explains that their family histories intertwine with his. While Watson fears being the main course at the gala, Dumbstruck explains how the lycanthrope are misunderstood by the normals. As they move on, the psychiatrist wonders how to explain what he has seen, but the tour has just begun as Dumbstruck is an author of note amongst those living outside what Watson can perceive and accept.

This is an interesting, entertaining but not easy book to read as the character driven plot lives up to the cover statement that “sanity is not all its cracked up to be.” Readers will wonder just who is crazier as the doctor and patient tour together while also deciding whether the various “people” they meet are real or imaginary. Fans who want something wildly different will want to peruse David Grant’s satirical paradox look at sanity from an insane focus.

Harriet Klausner

Every Inch a King
Harry Turtledove
Del Rey, March 2007, $14.95, 304 pp.
ISBN 0345487362

One night after a stellar performance given by Dooger and Clark’s Traveling Emporium, circus performance Otto of Schlepsig reads in the paper that the temporary ruler of Shqiperi wants the Hassockian Empire to send Prince Hallim Eddin to be their new king. Accompanying the article is a picture of the prince who could be Otto’s identical twin. Not one to miss such an oppurtunity, Otto and his friend Jim the sword swallower head for Shqiperi.

On the trek they have to first fight off a sea serpent and a vampire which they ultimately do. When they arrive, Otto, masquerading as the prince, orders Essad Pasha to introduce him to the army. He also wants the treasury and his harem moved to his palace after he is crowned king. He shows Essad Pasha in various ways that he will not be a puppet ruler and earns respect for that. Otto shares everything with Jim but his friend worries that they will be found out and if they don’t come up with a plan of escape if circumstances warrant, they will be killed.

EVERY INCH A KING is a delightful, straight forward fairy tale that will definitely enchant the audience. The main character is an anti-hero scammer and con artist, who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and would be a good ruler given the chance. Readers will adore him and hope he doesn’t get himself killed. Fans of Harry Turtledove’s epic alternate histories should know he is a great fantasist of smaller scale alleged events as well.

Harriet Klausner

From the Notebook of Dr. Brain
Minister Faust
Del Rey, Feb 2007, $13.95
ISBN: 0345466373

Most of the superheroes suffer from differing mental problems, but fighting their adversaries, supervillains, has proven a terrific release of aggression that enables them to stay emotionally healthy. It has also given this group of brave men and women a cause to live and occasionally die for. However, the worst that could happen occurs to the superheroes when they defeat their super foes leaving them with no one to vanquish and their quest ends.. Now these renowned heroes who no longer have to save the world turn to therapist Dr. Eva Brain-Silverman for treatment for such problems as an inability to score without wearing a mask or having split personalities unless they happen to be in denial.

This is an amusing satirical look at the psychological reactions of our greatest superheroes after they have won the war and are no longer needed. The members of the Fantastic Order of Justice need help to adapt to a peacetime environs so Dr. Brain tries to assist them in letting go of their anger. Fans of comic book superheroes will fully enjoy this lampooning while pondering the ultimate universe question of the boomers: what would have happened to Lois if Superman had a super orgasm with her.

Harriet Klausner

The Taste of Night
Vicki Petterson
Eos, April 2007, $6.99, 448 pp.
ISBN 0060898925

Joanna Archer was a mortal until her third life cycle and then she metamorphosed into a superhero, a member of Zodiac Troop 175 which consists of twelve members each a sign of the zodiac; Joanna is the Archer. Her troopers don’t entirely trust her for two reasons. The first she is the fulcrum and depending on which side she belongs to, the light or the shadow, that side will win. The second reason is she is the Kairos a being of dark and light and while she sides with the light, the shadow inherited by her father the Tulpa wants to lure her to be one of their own.

When she runs into a Shadow being, she worries her that his group has a weapon that will destroy her troop and mortals as well. She kills him and Rachel a shadow initiate, ready to undergo her metamorphous soon doesn’t try to stop her but kisses and warns her not to go to the troop’s sanctuary. At a fireworks show, a plague is released in the Las Vegas area killing people in horrific numbers. Joanna has to find the antidote but to do that she will have to deal with her father who she has never seen and who has the ability to crush her.

THE TASTE OF NIGHT is supernatural fantasy at its very best. Vicki Petterson knows how to create flawed characters that feel realistic, even the support cast of the light who make mistakes but keep their mission on track. The heroine has to deal with a dual heritage of Light and Shadow leading to nobody knowing how to relate with her because one such as her has never been born before.

Harriet Klausner

Hellstrom’s Hive
Frank Herbert
Tor, Apr 2007, $14.95
ISBN: 0765317729

In Oregon, filmmaking entomologist Nils Hellstrom establishes the human hive in which 50,000 peoplewill live together based on how insects work as a unit regardless of size. The Agency is concerned about the influence of the Hive and has begun spying on the entity especially wanting to steal a metallurgical technology for their personal gain.

Early information proves hard to gather as the agents are easily uncovered by the Hive. Those captured are placed in the dying vats and used as food for the members. Realizing that their first intrusion failed, the Agency sends in a more professional team of experts to learn more about Project 40 and the stunwand.

This is a reprint of an interesting 1980s tale focusing on two societies. Frank Herbert goes deep into the Hive so the audience obtains a discerning look at how humans could behave like the social insects that Nils wants to emulate in order for the members to work together for the common good. Within the Hive, a caste system exists for instance the scientists are out of 1950s B movie monster thrillers with all sorts of physical problems. On the other hand, the Agency remains in the shadows so that the audience knows little about them except their obsession over Project 40 and that they appear to be a secret part of the Feds. Science fiction readers will enjoy the HIVE that wants to spread out and assimilate the Outsiders.

Harriet Klausner

Atlantis Rising
Alyssa Day
Berkley, Mar 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 0425214494

Virginia Beach human empathic Riley Dawson tries to use her gift to help improve the lives of people; her need to help is why she became a social worker. However, even Riley is unprepared when she meets the High Prince of Atlantis Conlan. The Warrior of Poseidon is on a mission to recover the missing trident before a war ignites.

He has no time or inclination for the female human though he admits to himself she is attractive. Instead he believes his destiny starts with recovering the trident to save his people from the vampire horde already overwhelming them when they took control of the city. However getting rid of Riley proves more difficult than his quest as she knows he is her soulmate and that she is destined to help him and the Warriors of Poseidon fight the powerful bloodsuckers.

The first Warriors of Poseidon book is a fascinating romantic fantasy that uses vampires and shapeshifters to create a unique vision of Atlantis in which sub-genre fans will want to follow their exploits way down beneath the ocean. The story line is action-packed starting with Conlon’s return to the capital after a seven plus year exile and never slows down until the final confrontation. The attraction between the lead couple is magnetic, but the hero must choose between forbidden love and duty. Readers will welcome Alyssa Day’s delightful ATLANTIS RISING.

Harriet Klausner

Return of the Guardian-King
Karen Hancock
Bethany House, Apr 2007, 13.99
ISBN: 0764227971

Like its neighbor nations Kiriath has fallen. The Shadow rules with an iron fist oppressing any opposition. While most of his countrymen assume he is dead, a few close advisors are fleeing with distraught Abramm Kalladorne as they are forced to take flight way from his beloved Kiriath to take temporary sanctuary in the desert. He hopes to reach his wife Maddie in Fannath Rill in the last realm of Eidon’s Light, mountainous Chesedh. Once there he plans to assist his father-in-law fight the Black Moon legions of the Shadow. However no matter how hard he tries to reach his spouse’s side, he stumbles until finally Abramm assumes that for whatever reason Eidon has a different fate in store for him.

Meanwhile her family insist Abramm is dead having fallen nobly in combat and that to save their country from being the next and final domino to fall she must marry a suitor who can provide the realm galleys that could turn the tide in their favor. Without this aid, Chesedh will lose. Maddie tries to resist the pressure as she believes in her soul she would know if her beloved died, but saving her people and her family seems the right thing to do as the conquerors head in their direction.

The fourth tale in the “Legends of the Guardian-King” (see THE LIGHT OF EIDON, SHADOW OVER KIRIATH and THE SHADOW WITHIN) continues the exciting fantasy war between the Dark Moon forces of the Shadow and that of the Light of Eidon. However in this tale the hostilities play more of a doomsday countdown backdrop to the dilemmas of Abramm and Maddie as each ponders what to do next as duty supersedes their personal relationship. Fans of Christian Armageddon sagas will enjoy the fight between the light and dark due to the quandaries confronted by the lead pair, who put human faces on the supremacy war.

Harriet Klausner

The Poisoned Crown
Amanda Hemingway
Del Rey, April 2007, $12.95, 384 pp.
ISBN 0345460804

In the English village of Eade lives an extraordinary group of people. There is the sorcerer who is several millennia old.; Anne who followed her dead lover into death and was raped by a man from another world; the fledging witch Hazel and Nathan who contains a portal in his mind so that when he sleeps he travels to other worlds in spirit and sometimes in body.

During his travels he meets the Grandir, the ruler of a cosmos that has died with only one planet Eos hosting some life. Nathan likes the Grandir and helps him to perform the Great Spell which will supposedly fix the problem of magic causing pandemic death of a cosmos. So far Nathan has retrieved the Sword and the Cup on two different worlds and now seeks the crown on the underwater realm of Widewater where it is held in an underwater cavern of air by the goddess Nefanu. The goddess wants the mermen folk to go to war with the beings in the north since she hates all air breathers. Nathan wants to prevent the war and retrieve the crown but his troubles are far from over; in fact, they are just beginning.

THE POISONED CROWN, an interesting take on the great mythos of the Grail, concludes the Sangreal trilogy, tying up all the loose ends from the previous books in the series. Amanda Hemingway is a fantastic storyteller whose works will appeal to the Harry Potter Crowd and remind boomers of the early fantasy works of Andre Norton. Young adults as well as older discerning readers will find this book thoroughly enjoyable.

Harriet Klausner