Review: Operation Arcana

Operation Arcana by John Joseph Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



John Joseph Adams, publisher of _Lightspeed_ magazine and editor of a large number of themed anthologies, gathers together here sixteen stories under the general theme of magical military operations. The stories range from modern incursions into fantasy/magical lands such as in David Klecha and Tobias S. Bucknell's "Rules of Enchantment" to Tanya Huff's shape-shifting story "Steel Ships".

As different as the stories selected were, they each brought a fresh perspective to the theme and they were uniformly enjoyable. It is hard to pick a favorite though Simon R. Green's "Bombers Moon" which is set in a WWII where in the Axis Powers have sought demonic assistance which is matched by angelic assistance for the allies would be a good candidate.

If you are a fan of military science fiction or fantasy, If you enjoy a little magic with your combat ops, or if you just want to sample some of the best short stories out there I recommend that you give _Operation Arcana_ a shot!



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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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