Written by Sam Wynns
Code Noir by Marianne de Pierres
Parrish Plessis is back and badder than ever in this sequel to the delightful cyberpunk romp Nylon Angel. Marianne begins where she left off and wastes no time getting to the nitty gritty: Parrish is Queen of the Tert… if she’s able to fend off her nasty rivals and the even nastier bounty hunters, that is. But that’s the least of her worries: It’s a race against time as Parrish sets out to discover the virus that’s slowly but inexorably taking over her consciousness. Add a dash of mystery (someone has been kidnapping shamans, but for what purpose?), a smidgeon of mysticism (what does voodoo look like in the future?) and a boat load of violence and what do you get? An even better novel than the first one.
The Book Without Words by Avi
As the old proverb says, “A life unlived is like a book without words”. Avi masterfully draws upon that proverb to create a peculiar little tale of life, death and magic. Part Aesop fable and part Harry Potter, The Book Without Words is the story of the cruel alchemist Thorston and his obsession with eternal life. On a cold and dreary morning, it appears that his quest has ended for Thorston is found dead by his orphaned assistant Sybil and raven-familiar Odo. But, as Sybil and Odo are soon to find out, not everything is as it seems. They must make a difficult decision: to live in poverty and uncertainty, or abandon life altogether for the peaceful promise of the after life. Avi enlists all of the elements of classic fables such as circular dialogue and talking animals while adding a touch of fantasy for a less dry, more interesting read. If you’re looking for something different, The Book Without Words is a must.
The Bone Doll’s Twin by Lynn Flewelling
Patrick once told me that Lynn is the “female George R.R. Martin”. Being my favorite fantasy author, I was dubious Lynn could live up to such high praise: I was wrong. The land of Skala is a peaceful one, but it wasn’t always so. Arkoniel, an old mage, begins the story by reminiscence. How, many years ago, he traveled with his master to an oracle. How his vision would shape the land and bring it much-needed peace… but at a terrible price. Complex, believable and interesting characters, political intrigue, prophecies and portents and a deliciously dark twist (you’ll see what I mean when you read it) have made The Bone Doll’s Twin one of my favorite fantasy novels of all time (and as a fantasy fan, that’s saying something!).
The Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Ok, so I saw this horrible horror movie by the same title that turned me off of this book completely. Well, forget the flick (and that bad taste in your mouth) and pick up the thrilling novel said flick was (loosely) based off of. Don’t worry—it’s way better.
It’s business as usual at the New York Museum of Natural History: guests perusing the various exhibits, scientists working on various thesis and projects behind the scenes. Then, the bodies of two little boys are discovered. As the investigation into their murders continues, more bodies continue to show up and more questions begin to arise, the most prevalent being is this the work of a serial killer or something far more sinister and supernatural? Interesting premise, artfully crafted, I actually felt my hackles rise during several intense scenes. A warning to you, readers: don’t read this book when you’re alone.
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