Betrayed
P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
St. Martin’s Griffin, Oct 2007, $8.95
ISBN: 9780312360283
When Zoey Redbird was MARKED by the vampyre goddess Nyx, it was known that she would turn into a vampyre or die while being at the House of Night, a school and home for fledglings who need to be with their own kind and away from humans. However Zoey is not a normal fledgling because unlike her so called peers she has aMark yhat is filled in and an affinity for all elementals.
Thank to her mentor The High Priestess, Zoe is the new leader of the Dark Daughters and the enemy of Aphrodite and her clique who tortured others and called up vampiric ghosts. High school football players that Zoe knew when she was human are found dead. When her former boyfriend Heath, whom she still cares about in spite of her Changing into a vampyre turns up missing, Zoe vows to go to hell to find and rescue him and save her school from the murderous invaders. Instead she is captured by the killers due to a betrayal by someone she trusts.
Although this is classified as teen fiction, adults will enjoy this just like we do the works of André Norton. The mother-daughter author team casts a spell on readers in which vampires are accepted as a real species by humans. In some ways Zoe is a teenage Anita Blake before experience made the latter wary of sentient beings. The story line is fast-paced with a bit of an amateur sleuth mystery solved the hard way: being captured as Zoey fights for her freedom and being true to her school.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Dowry Bride-Shoban Bantwal
The Dowry Bride
Siobhan Bantwal
Kensington, Sep 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758220318
In Palgaum, India, Megha Ramnath overhears her mother-in-law Amma insist that her son kill his wife because divorce is unacceptable, but a widower can find a new spouse. Amma is irate that Megha has failed to produce the heir and her father has not paid the dowry. Megha knows law enforcement will think she is an inane bride and not intervene until she is dead from the execution of a fiery plan. Frightened she flees into the night to escape the arson’s death.
However, anyone she turns to for help will be ostracized by society. Her own family will reject her as a woman belongs to and with her husband and her best friend would be ruined. Megha decides her only hope resides with kindhearted Kiran, Ramnath’s cousin; as he has showered her with respect although he has kept his distance from her. Outraged by his aunt’s plan, he hides her in his apartment even while their attraction to each other turns to unacceptable love
THE DOWRY BRIDE is an insightful look at India’s culture as the beleaguered heroine has no options once Amma decides she must go without a scandal; which means homicide not divorce. The story line is incredible when the frantic Megha seeks help; once she mentally settles in Kiran’s apartment, the exigency and stress abates somewhat yet also continues to provide a powerful discerning look at relationships. Still this is a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride.
Harriet Klausner
Siobhan Bantwal
Kensington, Sep 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758220318
In Palgaum, India, Megha Ramnath overhears her mother-in-law Amma insist that her son kill his wife because divorce is unacceptable, but a widower can find a new spouse. Amma is irate that Megha has failed to produce the heir and her father has not paid the dowry. Megha knows law enforcement will think she is an inane bride and not intervene until she is dead from the execution of a fiery plan. Frightened she flees into the night to escape the arson’s death.
However, anyone she turns to for help will be ostracized by society. Her own family will reject her as a woman belongs to and with her husband and her best friend would be ruined. Megha decides her only hope resides with kindhearted Kiran, Ramnath’s cousin; as he has showered her with respect although he has kept his distance from her. Outraged by his aunt’s plan, he hides her in his apartment even while their attraction to each other turns to unacceptable love
THE DOWRY BRIDE is an insightful look at India’s culture as the beleaguered heroine has no options once Amma decides she must go without a scandal; which means homicide not divorce. The story line is incredible when the frantic Megha seeks help; once she mentally settles in Kiran’s apartment, the exigency and stress abates somewhat yet also continues to provide a powerful discerning look at relationships. Still this is a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride.
Harriet Klausner
The Dowry Bride-Shoban Bantwal
The Dowry Bride
Siobhan Bantwal
Kensington, Sep 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758220318
In Palgaum, India, Megha Ramnath overhears her mother-in-law Amma insist that her son kill his wife because divorce is unacceptable, but a widower can find a new spouse. Amma is irate that Megha has failed to produce the heir and her father has not paid the dowry. Megha knows law enforcement will think she is an inane bride and not intervene until she is dead from the execution of a fiery plan. Frightened she flees into the night to escape the arson’s death.
However, anyone she turns to for help will be ostracized by society. Her own family will reject her as a woman belongs to and with her husband and her best friend would be ruined. Megha decides her only hope resides with kindhearted Kiran, Ramnath’s cousin; as he has showered her with respect although he has kept his distance from her. Outraged by his aunt’s plan, he hides her in his apartment even while their attraction to each other turns to unacceptable love
THE DOWRY BRIDE is an insightful look at India’s culture as the beleaguered heroine has no options once Amma decides she must go without a scandal; which means homicide not divorce. The story line is incredible when the frantic Megha seeks help; once she mentally settles in Kiran’s apartment, the exigency and stress abates somewhat yet also continues to provide a powerful discerning look at relationships. Still this is a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride.
Harriet Klausner
Siobhan Bantwal
Kensington, Sep 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758220318
In Palgaum, India, Megha Ramnath overhears her mother-in-law Amma insist that her son kill his wife because divorce is unacceptable, but a widower can find a new spouse. Amma is irate that Megha has failed to produce the heir and her father has not paid the dowry. Megha knows law enforcement will think she is an inane bride and not intervene until she is dead from the execution of a fiery plan. Frightened she flees into the night to escape the arson’s death.
However, anyone she turns to for help will be ostracized by society. Her own family will reject her as a woman belongs to and with her husband and her best friend would be ruined. Megha decides her only hope resides with kindhearted Kiran, Ramnath’s cousin; as he has showered her with respect although he has kept his distance from her. Outraged by his aunt’s plan, he hides her in his apartment even while their attraction to each other turns to unacceptable love
THE DOWRY BRIDE is an insightful look at India’s culture as the beleaguered heroine has no options once Amma decides she must go without a scandal; which means homicide not divorce. The story line is incredible when the frantic Megha seeks help; once she mentally settles in Kiran’s apartment, the exigency and stress abates somewhat yet also continues to provide a powerful discerning look at relationships. Still this is a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Prophecy-Hilari Bell
The Prophecy
Hilari Bell
Eos, Sep 2007, $6.50
ISBN: 9780060599454
The dragon has devastated Kingdom of Idris, destroying the land and terrorizing its people. For five years young scholar Prince Perryndon has searched the enormous castle’s library seeking a means to slay the dragon. Finally when he turns fourteen, Perryndon believes he has found the solution in an ancient prophecy. His father the king pays no attention to his scholarly teenage offspring as the royal ruler thinks that a master swordsman to fight the Norsemen and the dragon is what is needed and not a physically pathetic bookworm.
Although he is hurt by his sire’s disdain for him, the courageous Perryndon seeks to save the kingdom so he turns to the magical Mirror of Idris where he learns that Cedric the master of arms, the Norsemen, and the dragon are in cahoots. Unlike his liege, Cedric recognizes the threat posed by Perryndon and plans to kill him. Perryndon realizes he must leave his home in search of the elements that make up the prophecy. He seeks a bard, a unicorn and the Sword of Samhain while his adversaries want him dead before he fulfills his quest of killing the dragon
This entertaining coming of age quest fantasy hooks the audience from the opening sequence when preteen readers meet the young hero and never slows down as he tries to save the kingdom. Perryndon is a terrific yet uncommon hero as he is totally a scholar rather than a warrior, which is why his sire is disappointed in him. Hilari Bell provides a fun tale as her intrepid teen attempts to fulfill THE PROPHECY while his foes try to kill him.
Harriet Klausner
Hilari Bell
Eos, Sep 2007, $6.50
ISBN: 9780060599454
The dragon has devastated Kingdom of Idris, destroying the land and terrorizing its people. For five years young scholar Prince Perryndon has searched the enormous castle’s library seeking a means to slay the dragon. Finally when he turns fourteen, Perryndon believes he has found the solution in an ancient prophecy. His father the king pays no attention to his scholarly teenage offspring as the royal ruler thinks that a master swordsman to fight the Norsemen and the dragon is what is needed and not a physically pathetic bookworm.
Although he is hurt by his sire’s disdain for him, the courageous Perryndon seeks to save the kingdom so he turns to the magical Mirror of Idris where he learns that Cedric the master of arms, the Norsemen, and the dragon are in cahoots. Unlike his liege, Cedric recognizes the threat posed by Perryndon and plans to kill him. Perryndon realizes he must leave his home in search of the elements that make up the prophecy. He seeks a bard, a unicorn and the Sword of Samhain while his adversaries want him dead before he fulfills his quest of killing the dragon
This entertaining coming of age quest fantasy hooks the audience from the opening sequence when preteen readers meet the young hero and never slows down as he tries to save the kingdom. Perryndon is a terrific yet uncommon hero as he is totally a scholar rather than a warrior, which is why his sire is disappointed in him. Hilari Bell provides a fun tale as her intrepid teen attempts to fulfill THE PROPHECY while his foes try to kill him.
Harriet Klausner
The Last Knight-Hilari Bell
The Last Knight
Hilari Bell
Eos, Aug 28 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 9780060825034
Two centuries have past since the vocation of heroic knight errant became extinct. Yet the younger son of an aristocrat, Sir Michael Sevenson decides that he will revise the noble profession doing daring good deeds. Of course like the knights of yore, Michael needs a loyal squire so he goes to the only place he might find such a person; the jail. Con artist Fisk is given the choice of spending a long time as the guest of the kingdom or becoming Michael's squire. Although having a square meal and a cot sound appetizing, Fisk reluctantly agrees to assist Michael on his adventures to right the wrong and protect the innocent.
The daring duo succeed on their first caper freeing Lady Ceciel from incarceration in a tower. As they celebrate their success, they learn she was allowed to remain in comfort rather than a dungeon while standing trial for murdering her husband; they are informed by authorities to right their wrong by returning the Poisoner to them or replace her.
This tongue in cheek medieval saga rotates perspective between the knight and his squire so that the audience sees the same event from two totally opposite viewpoints (a delight for historiographers as to what a fact is and what is tainted by bias). Whereas Michael believes the glass is half filled; Fisk would slice off the top empty part and claim the glass is filled. Targeting middle school children, adults will appreciate the amusing adventures of THE LAST KNIGHT.
Harriet Klausner
Hilari Bell
Eos, Aug 28 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 9780060825034
Two centuries have past since the vocation of heroic knight errant became extinct. Yet the younger son of an aristocrat, Sir Michael Sevenson decides that he will revise the noble profession doing daring good deeds. Of course like the knights of yore, Michael needs a loyal squire so he goes to the only place he might find such a person; the jail. Con artist Fisk is given the choice of spending a long time as the guest of the kingdom or becoming Michael's squire. Although having a square meal and a cot sound appetizing, Fisk reluctantly agrees to assist Michael on his adventures to right the wrong and protect the innocent.
The daring duo succeed on their first caper freeing Lady Ceciel from incarceration in a tower. As they celebrate their success, they learn she was allowed to remain in comfort rather than a dungeon while standing trial for murdering her husband; they are informed by authorities to right their wrong by returning the Poisoner to them or replace her.
This tongue in cheek medieval saga rotates perspective between the knight and his squire so that the audience sees the same event from two totally opposite viewpoints (a delight for historiographers as to what a fact is and what is tainted by bias). Whereas Michael believes the glass is half filled; Fisk would slice off the top empty part and claim the glass is filled. Targeting middle school children, adults will appreciate the amusing adventures of THE LAST KNIGHT.
Harriet Klausner
Lord of the Fading Lands-C L. Wilson
Lord of the Fading Lands
C. L. Wilson
Leisure, Oct 2007, $7.99
ISBN 9780843959772
When his beloved Sariel died in combat Fey king Rain Tairen Soul went berserk and destroyed much of the realm even as his side defeated the evil wizards of Eld. Now a thousand years later he still grieves, but worries that soon his people the fairy will become extinct. Desperate to save his race, Rain ignores the taboo of touching the sacred Eye of Truth in order to learn if there is some way to save his people.
What the Eye showed him after beating the arrogance out of his soul, is a secret. Rain heads a half of continent away to the mortal city of Celieria where apparently resides his lost soul mate, Ellysetta Baristaini, an unacceptable female for their Tairen by the Fey nobles as she is a woodcarver’s daughter. At the same time that Rain begins courting, the wizards of Eld want to use this expendable woman as a pawn to enable them to destroy the Tairen.
LORD OF THE FADING LANDS is an entertaining opening romantic fantasy that will please fans of both genres. As with many epic fantasies, the story line focuses on introducing the key characters and the setting so that action is somewhat limited to the romance and to a degree the plotting of the malevolent wizards. Still C. L. Wilson provides a fascinating tale with a solid premise of a dying race, which will bring plenty of fans to this debut, who also will eagerly look forward to the sequel.
Harriet Klausner
C. L. Wilson
Leisure, Oct 2007, $7.99
ISBN 9780843959772
When his beloved Sariel died in combat Fey king Rain Tairen Soul went berserk and destroyed much of the realm even as his side defeated the evil wizards of Eld. Now a thousand years later he still grieves, but worries that soon his people the fairy will become extinct. Desperate to save his race, Rain ignores the taboo of touching the sacred Eye of Truth in order to learn if there is some way to save his people.
What the Eye showed him after beating the arrogance out of his soul, is a secret. Rain heads a half of continent away to the mortal city of Celieria where apparently resides his lost soul mate, Ellysetta Baristaini, an unacceptable female for their Tairen by the Fey nobles as she is a woodcarver’s daughter. At the same time that Rain begins courting, the wizards of Eld want to use this expendable woman as a pawn to enable them to destroy the Tairen.
LORD OF THE FADING LANDS is an entertaining opening romantic fantasy that will please fans of both genres. As with many epic fantasies, the story line focuses on introducing the key characters and the setting so that action is somewhat limited to the romance and to a degree the plotting of the malevolent wizards. Still C. L. Wilson provides a fascinating tale with a solid premise of a dying race, which will bring plenty of fans to this debut, who also will eagerly look forward to the sequel.
Harriet Klausner
Halting State -Charles Srross
Halting State
Charles Stross
Ace, Oct 2007, $24.95
ISBN 9780441014989
In 2012 China, India and Europe battle to become the world’s economic superpower due to the continuation of Bush economic policies. The United States faces federal bankruptcy as the debt can no longer be covered by foreign borrowing and no leader has the guts to raise taxes and cut spending.
In England, Edinburgh Police Sergeant Sue Smith and London based forensic accountant Elaine Barnaby are looking at a complex convoluted scheme to abscond funds from the international company Hayek Associates. The unknown crook cleverly moves money through a virtual reality allegedly safe bank Avalon Four. Elaine realizes she needs a special programmer who can hack any system, but is too stupid to be more than a basement mushroom. She picks Jack Reed to catch a thief.
This is a terrific science fiction thriller that paints a potentially realistic nightmare of the near future as the Bush legacy will prove to be an economic and technological wasteland. The fun in this delightful one sitting tale (in spite of it being 352 pages) is with the virtual world filled with fantasy species that irritate users. Effortlessly changing viewpoints between the lead trio so that readers observe the same issue from differing biases, HALTING STATE is a fabulous cautionary tale that warn s if we fail to act now, the American century will become real only in virtual reality fantasy games.
Harriet Klausner
Charles Stross
Ace, Oct 2007, $24.95
ISBN 9780441014989
In 2012 China, India and Europe battle to become the world’s economic superpower due to the continuation of Bush economic policies. The United States faces federal bankruptcy as the debt can no longer be covered by foreign borrowing and no leader has the guts to raise taxes and cut spending.
In England, Edinburgh Police Sergeant Sue Smith and London based forensic accountant Elaine Barnaby are looking at a complex convoluted scheme to abscond funds from the international company Hayek Associates. The unknown crook cleverly moves money through a virtual reality allegedly safe bank Avalon Four. Elaine realizes she needs a special programmer who can hack any system, but is too stupid to be more than a basement mushroom. She picks Jack Reed to catch a thief.
This is a terrific science fiction thriller that paints a potentially realistic nightmare of the near future as the Bush legacy will prove to be an economic and technological wasteland. The fun in this delightful one sitting tale (in spite of it being 352 pages) is with the virtual world filled with fantasy species that irritate users. Effortlessly changing viewpoints between the lead trio so that readers observe the same issue from differing biases, HALTING STATE is a fabulous cautionary tale that warn s if we fail to act now, the American century will become real only in virtual reality fantasy games.
Harriet Klausner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)