Review: Zombie Elementary: The Real Story

Zombie Elementary: The Real Story by Howard Whitehouse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The star of our story is Larry Mullet. He is in the fourth grade and life is about to get very interesting for him. All around Larry people are beginning to become zombies. This includes folks at school, on his little league baseball team, and all over town. Larry and his friends must defend themselves and search for a way to stop this outbreak.

Howard Whitehouse does an amazing job telling the story with humor and the perfect pace (and just the right amount of grossness) to keep the attention of middle grades readers (and this middle aged reader). Highly recommended!



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Review: A New Dawn

A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I had not read a Star Wars novel since the old Rogue Squadron books and was not sure what to expect. This book is not only a great Star Wars novel but it qualifies as darn good science fiction in its own right.

The book takes place on the periphery of the movie story line and is in many ways not dependent upon those events (except for the main characters origin). However, the events of the story are enriched by previous events and hopefully the story told here will be a part of the new continuity for the Star Wars Universe..



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Review: 1636: The Viennese Waltz

1636: The Viennese Waltz by Eric Flint

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Yet another solid entry in Eric Flint's fantastic 1632 series. This book features the popular (and romantic) Barbie Consortium as they begin to flex their political muscles in Vienna.



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Review: Harry Harrison! Harry Harrison!: A Memoir

Harry Harrison! Harry Harrison!: A Memoir by Harry Harrison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Harry Harrison's memoir was sometimes sad, sometimes inspirational, and all of the time interesting. While the book is not perhaps the behind the scenes tell all of the science fiction world that it could of been it is a look at a fascinating writer who led a singular life. What comes clear as you read this work is Harrison's devotion to his family, his love of the craft of writing, and the many ways that his interest in Esperanto worked to open doors in his life. If you have ever read any of Harrison's work or are simply interested in the history of science fiction then I recommend Harry Harrison! Harry Harrison!



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Review: The History of the Science Fiction Magazine, Part 2: 1936-1945

The History of the Science Fiction Magazine, Part 2: 1936-1945 by Mike Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In volume two of Ashley's History of the Science Fiction Magazine he again provides a first half filled with easy to read, incredibly well researched history covering this time the years 1936 to 1945. As before, he points out the editors, authors, magazines, and stories that shaped the era (which in this book covers the beginning of the Golden Age of Science Fiction). The second half again contains a single, carefully selected story indicative of each year covered. This book is essential for any science fiction fan.



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Review: The History of Science Fiction Magazine Vol. 1 1926-1935

The History of Science Fiction Magazine Vol. 1 1926-1935 by Mike Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Part history of science fiction and part anthology, this book succeeds completely. Int he first section, Ashley details the beginnings of magazine science fiction in the pulp era, beginning with the publication of the first all science fiction magazine, Amazing Stories, in April 1926. He follows the history through 1935 pointing out when each new science fiction magazine premiers and discussing important editors, authors, and stories. In the second half of the book, Ashley carefully selects a representative story for each year covered. The stories are all excellent and give the reader a feel for the evolution of science fiction during the period.

I highly recommend this as a first text for someone wanting to systematically study the history of science fiction. As a long time reader I was familiar with some of the authors and stories but Ashley puts everything into context and provides the reader a solid foundation in science fiction history.



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Review: Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire by Charles E. Gannon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Charles Gannon Does it Again

Gannon continues his excellent Caine Riordan saga in "Trial by Fire". This time Caine finds himself first in a huge space battle and then in another first contact situation.

The job that Gannon does in imagining the psychology of the insectoid Arat Kur is nothing short of brilliant! I have read no better imagining of a truly alien species than is done in this book.

Like the first book in the series, this book combines great action sequences with solid characterization and abundant political intrigue. This is a must read for military sci-fi fans and fans of good, old-fashioned space opera!



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Review: Anthopology 101: Reflections, Inspections and Dissections of SF Anthologies

Anthopology 101: Reflections, Inspections and Dissections of SF Anthologies by Bud Webster

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Bud Webster has published his Anthopology 101 column across a number of science fiction magazines and fanzines over the years. This book collects a number of those columns together.

In the columns Bud examines the history of science fiction anthologies. He begins by talking about how he, as a youngster in Virginia, discovered the anthology format in his public library. As he progresses through his columns he discusses various editors such as Frederick Pohl, Harry Harrison, and most significantly for him, Groff Conklin. He looks not only at the overall body of work put together by these worthies but at the significance of the individual stories within each anthology. Foe most of the anthologies discussed he provides a complete table of contents.

By the time that you finish reading this book you will doubtless have a long list of anthologies on your to buy list and you will have been swept up by Bud's enthusiasm, fascinated by his insider anecdotes, and utterly amused by his wonderfully outrageous turns of phrase. If you love science fiction - buy this book now!



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Review: The Joy of Booking: A guide to buying and selling used SF books

The Joy of Booking: A guide to buying and selling used SF books by Bud Webster

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Bud Webster, a longtime science fiction writer, critic, bookseller, and above all fan provides the reading of this work with am expanse of practical advice on becoming a successful dealer of science fiction books. Most of this advice is applicable to any sort of bookselling or in fact to the sale of anything you might wish to sell. If this is what you are looking for then I highly recommend the book. However, my personal reading of the book and my own recommendation has nothing to do with learning to sell books or anything else. I recommend this book so that you can share in the excitement that Bud feels about science fiction and the book business. Bud has a great sense of humor and the many anecdotes that fill this book are truly priceless.



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Review: Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life

Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life by Philip José Farmer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This fictional biography discusses the life of Clark "Doc" Savage, Jr. The story is told as if the events published in the pulp magazines were fictionalized accounts of real events. Farmer not only summarizes the events of the most prominent of Doc's adventures but provides chapters on the allies, gadgets, and villains that Doc faced. Appendices provide a chronology of the adventures, a bibliography of Doc related stories, and a genealogy of Doc that details his links to Tarzan and other prominent figures. Whether you are new to Doc or an old hand this book will enhance your study of the Man of Bronze.



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Review: ePulp Sampler Vol 1

ePulp Sampler Vol 1 by John Picha

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This is a small collection of five New Pulp stories offered as a sampler pack for readers. Obviously, the hope is that upon reading these short stories you will want to no more about the characters and/or follow the authors. As such this collection is a mixed bag.

The first story, Rurik of the Demonwatch: Arena of Death by Russ Bopp,has a promising title character but as one reads it becomes more and more disappointing. While the story moves along quickly and is interesting enough if overly formulaic. It is obvious that the author was in desperate need of an editor for this story as there are numerous typos and grammatical errors. As second draft of this story might have been a winner but this unpolished work seems ill fit in a sampler volume designed to draw readers.

Dead Reckoner by Matthew J. Davies is the story of a Zulu cursed soldier named Axamander and is better written than the first story with few issues with grammar or spelling. The author does an excellent job setting the mood and his description of war in the trenches of World War I rings true. The dialogue moves the story along nicely.

N.R. Grabe's Wild Marjoram: The Pill is an interesting Noir tinted story with several twists that make it difficult to talk about in detail without giving too much away. Suffice it to say that this story is the gem of the collection.

The final two stories; Pandora Driver: Blind Luck and Skyracos: Set Adrift, both by John Picha, were both decent stories and did not suffer from the problems of the first.

Overall this is definitely worth a look. Most collections or samplers are uneven in quality and this one is no exception. I recommend that folks give this FREE sampler a try - if you like pulp you are bound to enjoy one or more of the stories.



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Review: Skin Game

Skin Game by Jim Butcher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In yet another great romp in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files universe Dresden finds himself again entangled in the politics of the Fey. Being the Winter Knight comes with a lot more than just a power boost. In order to pay off a debt held by Mab he is placed on loan to one of his worst former enemies and finds himself involved with powers beyond even those he has faced in the past.

As always, Butcher tells a fantastic story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and hurriedly turning the next page. While Dresden himself is a fantastic character what I feel makes these books special is the well written supporting cast. His support crew of Murphy, Butters, Molly, Michael, and of course Mouse all show up here and play significant roles in the plot. Highly recommended!



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Review: Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked

Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked by Aaron E. Carroll

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



"Don't Put That in There" is an amusing and informative romp through all of the questions that you, I, and everyone else have always wondered but were afraid to ask (and even more afraid to Google). From classics like whether size matters the G-spot to helpful advice on piercings and shaving and on to more risque topics including anal sex and the toys and other aids topic that forms the title of the book, nothing is considered taboo.

Those readings this work for practical answers to questions in their own lives can feel secure that the advice contained herein is reliable. Carroll and Vreeman are both medical doctors with a broad range of applicable experience in these areas. Moreover, the authors have included an extensive list of references to medical studies discusses in each section for further reading. Those reading simply for enjoyment will find the authors' direct prose and matter of fact approach to these questions a delight.



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Review: Magic City: Recent Spells

Magic City: Recent Spells by Paula Guran

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This fantastic anthology brings together a wide selection of authors who are known for their urban fantasy works including a short story from Jim Butcher's popular Dresden Files universe. The twenty-five stories included are extremely diverse featuring love spells, a blind witch, a magical library, and even a mystical Nigerian cab driver. The stories selected were uniformly of high quality with absolutely no filler material.

I particularly enjoyed Scott Lynch's "In the Stacks" where four wizard students venture into a living library to complete their final exams - they are required to re-shelve a book. This proves to not be the simple task that the students might have imagined. Another highlight was Nacy Kress' "Stone Man" about a young skateboarder who discovers that not only is there another, more fantastical world out there, that he has powers that may make him important in that world, but that he already has enemies there.

In truth, nearly every story in this collection was a high point. I truly hope that the title format implies that there are further "Magic City" volumes to come. If so, I look forward to reading each one.



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Review: Intelligently Designed: How Creationists Built the Campaign against Evolution

Intelligently Designed: How Creationists Built the Campaign against Evolution by Edward Caudill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In this useful history of the Intelligent Design movement, Edward Caudill explores "creationism not just as a science-religion issue, but as a political movement that skillfully engage[s] the press with a campaign grounded in American myths." Caudill shows how the Scopes Trial in set the stage for the conflict between creationists and science as it has played out ever since.

In spite of the lack of evidence to support their claims, creationists/intelligent designers, have been highly successful in following William Jennings Bryan's model of appealing to an underlying anti-intellectualism rampant in the United States along with a strong sense of support for traditional values and wisdom.

While Charles Darrow clearly "won" the trial on debating and factual terms Scopes was still convicted and Bryan's intellectual followers have succeeded in keeping creationism, in the guise of intelligent design, at the forefront of the national conversation. Opinion polls consistently show that nearly 50% of Americans, and a far larger percentage of Conservatives/Republicans, still do not believe in the clearly established science behind evolution.

The release of this book is especially well timed due to the recent Bill Nye-Ken Hamm evolution debate and the continued assault on science education in our schools. Highly recommended - essential reading to anyone teaching science at the high school or collegiate level!




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Review: 1636: Commander Cantrell in the West Indies

1636: Commander Cantrell in the West Indies by Eric Flint

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



1636: Commander Cantrell in the West Indies follows Eddie Contrell, the naval hero of the Baltic, and his king's daughter wife as they travel to the new world to secure a supply of oil for the USE and its allies. This volume is the best in the series in a long time and is evocative of C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower books. Highly recommended.



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Review: Rescue Mode

Rescue Mode by Ben Bova

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Science-fiction author and noted scientist David Brin has often stated that far too much recent science-fiction is dystopian in nature. With this book Ben Bova and Les Johnson provide a story that is optimistic about space exploration while remaining realistic about the challenges that we face as we reach for the stars (and planets). The action revolves around the first manned mission to Mars and the difficulties that the crew face in space as well as the difficulties that forward thinking politicians and the NASA administration need to overcome in order to maintain humanity's role as explorers.

The narrative does a remarkable job of providing the right mix of interesting character interactions, scientific information, and political intrigue. This is a fantastic book and is highly recommended.



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