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| Fantasy/Science Fiction Author | Written Works and Opinion |
| Steven Brust | The Vlad Taltos Series: Jhreg, Yendi, Teckla, Taltos, Phoenix, Athrya, Orca, Dragon, Issola and Dzur. They are about an assassin and his unusual adventures. Strong first person narrative. Moves fast, reads fast and laced with plenty of wit and humor. I would highly recommend all but Teckla and Orca. However, even those have their moments. To Reign in Hell, is an interesting tale about the creation of heaven and earth and the conflict between Yahweh and Satan. A very interesting read. The Phoenix Guards and Five Hundred Years After are good reads, set in a time frame many years before Vlad Taltos, but gives a lot of background history (and some of the same characters...only Dragareans of course) |
| Harry Turtledove |
Guns of the South was the first book (due to my interest in Civil War Reenactment). Consider the implications of someone showing up in the midst offered Robert E. Lee AK-47s and a limited number of similar 20th century weapons. How would it change the war? What would be the resulting aftermath? Thought provoking novel but slow in a few stretches. The World War Saga containing: World War: In the Balance, Tilting the Balance, Upsetting the Balance, and Striking the Balance. In this alternative setting, aliens (in the form of 4 foot bipedal lizards) arrive and begin conquest efforts just at the height of the Battle of Britain during WW II. From freedom fighting communist insurgents in China, and Patton battling the aliens in a ground offensive across the Midwest, to the previous combatants in Europe trying to battle this new and seemingly unbeatable foe while looking over their shoulder, it is a very good read, especially for history buffs. His second series which follows on the World War Saga: Colonization: I have read Second Contact and Down to Earth. Picks up on the lives of some of the main characters in the early 1960s when the colonization fleet arrives. Interesting with twists and creative ideas but not as good as the original saga. I
have begun Turtledove’s Darkness Series, which is a fantasy
series which parallels in many respects the conflicts and nations of
WW II. However, I believe that there are at least 15 viewpoint
characters, from Generals and Kings, to Foot Soldiers and Partisan
fighters. I have stopped and will probably not read the series
until it is completed, as I find it difficult to keep track of so
many characters from book to book when there is a large gap of time
in between readings. To be noted, the multiple viewpoints do slow
the progress down but does add to the depth and expanse. Also,
Turtledove does kill off some of the viewpoint characters (it is war
after all). Thus far I have read Into the Darkness
and Darkness Descending. He has published
Through the Darkness and in April, Rulers of the
Darkness. There are likely to be three more books in the
series. |
| Stephen R. Donaldson | The Thomas Covenant Series: Lord Foul's Bane, The Ill Earth War, The Power that Preserves, and the Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant: The Wounded Land, The One Tree, White Gold Wielder. Top notch set of books. Very original, as in depth as the Lord of the Rings, but bears very little resemblance. It is about an unwilling leper (Thomas Covenant) and his white gold wedding band (white gold is rare and very powerful in the Land), and how he saves the Land from Lord Foul the Despiser. If you can get through he first book (which gets slow in spots), you will truly enjoy the entire series. Many unique creatures (from Ur-viles to Sand Gorgons) and unique peoples (from Stone Downers to the Hurachai) are intertwined in this expansive story. After almost two decades, Donaldson finally returned to the land with Runes of the Earth, the first in four novels that will complete the Thomas Covenant Series ("The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant"). The next installment, Fatal Revenant, is due out in October of 2007. This series is starting out slow, like the first. But I suspect the read will be worth it. The Mordant's Need books, Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through, also were good reads, although not the quality or as interesting as the Thomas Covenant Books. I would not recommend Donaldson's Into the Gap series. ***Donaldson
has begun to publish the third installment of the Thomas Covenant
Series in October of 2004. Two of the anticipated four
novels have reached publication thus far. |
| Roger Zelazny | Most famous for his Amber Series, The first Chronicles of Amber: Nine Princes in Amber, The Guns of Avalon, Sign of the Unicorn, the Hand of Oberon and the Courts of Chaos which I have read and also listened to as audio books (Roger Zelazny reads the work himself and it is an additional treat). They are interesting, a magical world of Amber of which our earth is only a shadow, action combined with political intrigue. Moves fast. I heard that the second Chronicles of Amber were not as good and have not read them, yet. Other works (I listened to this on cassette as well), Midnight in the Lonesome October, is probably Zelazny's best work. Difficult to explain, but good to read around Halloween. Two forces vie for information and an edge as each side tests the waters, tries to determine who are the "openers" and the "closers" to ring in a new age of gods, or keep the gate closed and things as they are. Told from the perspective of a canine familiar which surprisingly adds much to the story. The reader finds himself trying to piece the puzzle together as the plot unfolds. Three additional works I would recommend are Lord of Light,
(a Science Fiction/Fantasy mix) about a colony of humans who have
over the ages learned to control reincarnation (transferring the
mind and soul to another body when near death) and the oldest and
most powerful have set themselves up as the Hindu Mythos, taking on
the attributes and aspects of the gods. However, one of their
previous number (Mahasamatman - Lord of Light/Binder of Demons) is
moving against them. |
| John Ringo | I am just beginning his Posleen War series. Thus far I've completed A Hynm Before Battle, Gust Front, When the Devil Dances, and Hells Faire. All are Both are well written and move at a decent pace. There are occasional slow spots, but they're is generally a reason for their inclusion. Number 3 and 4 in the series are actually one long novel. (Actually I've read each of the first four in the series twice ). If you're a military SF fan, Ringo's Posleen War series is something you should definitely take a look at. There are other
novels in the series, many of them co-written with John Ringo. I may
move onto them in the future. |
| Laurell K.Hamilton | The Antia Blake: Vampire Hunter series is very good. Thus far I have read the first 9 in her series of 11. Anita Blake is an Animator (someone who raises the dead as zombies...in her case for good purposes like settling disputed wills). Obviously the setting is a little alternative, where creatures such as Vampires, Ghouls, and Lycanthropes do exist. Anita is known for slaying vampires, among other things, and her attitude and sense of right and wrong get her into trouble not only with the "monsters" but with the police and others as well. The books are written from a woman's perspective and focuses more on relationships than most male authors do. The author also focuses on sex more than I care for (some books in the series far more than others), and that is the only drawback to her writing in my opinion. Her first book, Guilty Pleasures, is probably the weakest of the 9 I have read (content wise), but still good. Although the others are written to stand alone, you would probably want to read them in order. The titles (thus far) have all been named after clubs or
entertainment establishments. The order of publication is: I've discontinued reading the series after Obsidian Butterfly,
which was pretty good, but reviews and others who have read indicate
that there is far less action in her books and the plot development
focuses mainly on Anita's love triangle and sexual encounters. Not
my kind of stuff. |
| Fred Saberhagen | His Book of Swords trilogy the 1st Book of Swords, 2nd Book of Swords and 3rd Book of Swords, and the follow up, the 1st Book of Lost Swords, through The Last Book of Lost Swords (8th), are excellent reads. It is a series that does not get tired and worn out after the first three. The first three books tell the story of the god forged swords (each with unique powers) until a climactic battle. The following Lost Sword Books tell the stories of the swords of power after the first trilogy. The Song of the Swords would give greater insight. Point of Interest: After Vulcan was forced to forge the swords, he neglected to tell the other gods that the swords and their powers would work on them as well. The Empire of the East (originally three books:
Black Mountains, Broken Lands and Changing Earth) are in
the same universe as the Swords books, but long before the swords
are forged. Gives an explanation to some of the gods, and the
development of the Greek gods. |
| Terry Brooks | His early works, The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, and The Wishsong of Shannara are well written heroic quest fantasies. Although the books are thick, the pages turn amazingly fast. I fell away from Brooks' writing after being disappointed with his Kingdom For Sale--Sold series of books, although they were popular. I have never followed up on his new works, but the fact that he went back to the Shannara setting says something. |
| Asa Drake/C. Dean Andersson | Wrote the Bloodsong Saga: Witch Warrior of Hel, Death Riders of Hel, and Werebeasts of Hel. Wrote them in the mid 1980s under the pen name Asa Drake. Rereleased them in the late 1990s under his name. Interweaves Norse Mythology and tales into his books in surprising ways. Creative works. |
| Michael Moorcock | A very prolific writer. I have read a number of his individual books but I tend to like his series which centers around the Eternal Champion. His Elric Saga: Elric of Melnibone, The Sailor on the Seas of Fate, the Weird of the White Wolf, The Vanishing Tower, The Bane of the Black Sword, and Stormbringer. A fast moving series about a tragic hero (if you could call Elric that). Want to read about fantasy evil as Law battles Chaos? These are your books. The Hawkmoon Series: The Jewel in the Skull, The Mad God’s Amulet, The Sword of the Dawn and The Runestaff, are excellent reads. A fantasy setting where Europe is the setting and the British (Granbretan, the Dark Empire) are conquerors with their eyes on all of Europe and Asia. In their was stands Count Brass. There is also his Corum Series which is excellent. All have strong characterization with unique heroes, villains (sometimes hard to tell the difference) and varied goals in life (and death). |
| Single Fantasy/Science Fiction Book Recommendation | Description |
| Poul Anderson | The Broken Sword. One of his early works. Good sword and sorcery. Creative, and not a standard plotline. Unique in many ways and moves quickly. Norse and Celtic Mythology are moderately intertwined. |
| Barbara Hambly | Those Who Hunt the Night. An interesting cross between Sherlock Holms and a Vampire story. An interesting story that keeps you turning the pages, but you will never solve or guess the end...guaranteed. A second story based on Dr. James Asher and Simon Ysidro (Traveling with the Dead) was a disappointment. |
| John Maddox Roberts | King of the Wood. About a Viking banished from his homelands and through his travels ends up in Central America. I have also read some of his Conan books. His along with Steve Perry's in the Conan Series, Roberts' are well written if you like fast Sword and Sorcery Action. |
| Tim Powers | Drawing of the Dark. A good story, interesting with unique twists. Does not focus heavily on magic, etc. but just enough to keep the readier on edge. |
| John Steakley | Armor. My first science fiction novel I really liked. Ever want to see a main character in an almost hopeless situation? This is for you. |
| James Lowder | Knight of the Black Rose. A Ravenloft book. Very interesting perspective, especially for those interested in RPGs. Basically a confrontation between a Death Knight and a powerful Vampire. His second novel with the Death Knight Soth (Spectre of the Black Rose) was a disappointment. |
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| Military Fiction Author and Title(s) |
Description |
| Larry Bond
Red Phoenix Vortex |
Similar to Tom Clancy's work. Plausible scenarios for his novels. Very fast moving with interesting developments in the plots. |
| Tom Clancy
The Hunt for Red October Red Storm Rising |
A very popular author. I've read some of his later works (Cardinal of the Kremlin), but prefer his earlier works. Very good stories, military tactics, hardware, doctrine is accurate. These two selections are based on (the now ended) cold war scenarios. Still excellent reads. |
| Harold Coyle
Team Yankee Sword Point The Ten Thousand |
Writes interesting novels on modern combat from the perspective of smaller tactical groups (at the company level). Often focuses on the company level, and seems to like armored units. The Ten Thousand is more of a strategic level military fiction novel. |
| Ian Slater
WW III Series |
A series of books loosely tied together. Poses military conflicts across the globe...with China, with Russia in Alaska, against North Korea, and even confrontations with separatist militia groups in the United States. Has an outspoken "Patton-Like" general as the main character in most of his works. |
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| Military Non-Fiction Author and Title(s) in alphabetical order |
Description |
| Stephen E. Ambrose
Citizen Soldier |
An exhaustive book on the battle from Normandy to the fall of Berlin. Includes information and stories from the soldiers (Privates and NCO's to Colonels and Generals). Extremely riveting. Probably better to listen to it on tape...14 tapes...but each hour is well worth it! |
| Rick Atkinson
Crusade |
An account of the Gulf War. Includes information on the different phases, objectives, tactics, misconceptions, and results. |
| James Bradley Flyboys: A True Story of Courage |
An interesting book that explores the roots of the WW II conflict between Japan and the United States. It then goes on to tell the stories of dive bomber and torpedo bomber pilots shot down off the Japanese-held island of Chichi Jima in February 1945, the horrid conditions and torture they endured at the hands of their captors, and their deaths. |
| William Breuer
Devil Boats: The PT War Against Japan |
An account of the PT boat's contribution to the campaign against Japan during WW II, including the escaped of General MaCarthur. |
| Harold. L Buell
Dauntless Helldivers: A Dive-Bomber's Epic Story of the Carrier Battles. |
Discusses battles and tactics of U.S. dive bomber squadrons battling the Japanese in the Pacific. Good overview of combat tactics and training. Different from the usual fighter pilot heroics. |
| Martin Cadin
Flying Forts: The B-17 in World War II |
An indepth history on the development and use of the B-17 during the second world war. Includes stories of individual bombers and their crews on combat missions. |
| Donald L. Caldwell
JG 26: Top Guns of the Luftwaffe |
Takes the perspective of WW II air combat over Europe during WW II from various top German fighter pilots. Incorporates changing tactics, attitudes, and equipment, as the war progressed. A good mixture of historical fact with personal narrative and opinions. |
| James F. Dunnigan
How to Make War A Quick & Dirty Guide to War |
The first book details modern weaponry and
inventories (dated to the early 1990s), and the tactics employed for
each weapon. Compares quality and comosition of the individual
hardware and evaluation of tatics.
The second book reviews various conflicts and hotspots across the globe, and how war has been implemented (tactics, objectives, etc.) and how it will likely continue to be employed. |
| Wolfgang Frank
Sea Wolves |
Account of the battle of the Atlantic in WW II from the German perspective. Stories, tactics, objectives and failures, both individual and strategic. |
| Roger A. Freeman
Zemke's Wolfpack |
An account of a P-47 fighter squadron's efforts in battling the Luftwaffe over Europe during WW II. |
| Nicholas Harman
Dunkirk |
An excellent review of the actual Dunkirk fiasco. What really happened and why...from both sides. It cuts through some of the myth and propaganda of the event. |
| Edwin P. Hoyt The Battle of Leyte Gulf To the Marianas: War in the Central Pacific |
Very good historical non fiction. Utilizes historical documentation, including interviews from principal military figures on both sides (Admirals, Captains, Generals, etc) and combines it into an evaluation of the tactics, and the reason for the results of the conflicts. The personal narratives and reasonings add much to the text. |
| John Keegan
The Faces of Battle |
Details the weapons, tactics and gruesome results of their use from spearmen and mounted archers, to modern times. Detailed explanations of what we would now call ancient combat. |
| Donald MacIntyre
U-Boat Killer |
Accounts of the ASW efforts against German U-Boat attacks during the battle of the Atlantic and in the Med during WW II. An average book, but a fast read. |
| Col. R. Bruce Porter
Ace! A Marine Night-Fighter Pilot in WW II |
As one might expect, a biography of combat in the Pacific from an exceptional pilot's point of view. Compared to others, this one reads with greater depth and is well written. |
| Erich Maria Remarque
All Quiet on the Western Front |
An account of brutal trench warfare from a German soldier's perspective. A classic novel. Of the two moves based on the novel, the older black and white version is better. |
| William Stevenson
90 Minutes at Entebbe |
A detailed account of the negotiations, planning, logistics, combat, and rescue hijacked airline passengers by Israeli forces in Uganda. An apparently forgotten heroic effort. |
| John Trotti, USMC
Phantom Over Vietnam |
An account of combat missions by F-4 Phantom pilots during the Vietnam War. An above average read for books of this topic. |
| William Weir 50 Weapons that Changed Warfare |
An interesting look at fifty weapons that altered
military strategy, from the spear to ICBMs armed with thermonuclear
warheads. The bits of history and strategy each weapon during its development and use is explored often with interesting anecdotes. A great read for history, especially military history buffs. |
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| General Fiction | Description |
|
Mitch
Albom The Five People You Meet in Heaven |
An exceptional novel that explores a number of themes: that we are all connected, the value of self-sacrifice, forgiveness, lost-love, and that every life has value. It’s about Eddie, an 83 year old maintenance worker at a seaside amusement park who feels he’s wasted his life. After dying attempting to rescue a little girl from a plummeting cart from one of the park’s rides (happens in the first chapter), Eddie journeys to Heaven and encounters five people who influenced or played a part in his life. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a read you won’t soon forget. |
| Robert T. Bakker Raptor Red |
Famed paleontologist, Robert Bakker's novel follows
a female Utah Raptor through a year of her life. The novel
ties scientific theory, ecology, evolution, natural selection and a
host of other factors. It's an a fast moving and interesting read tale, that in addition to entertaining, it teaches scientific theory as well as brining some understanding to how and why animals respond (both through instinct and learned behavior) to their environment. |
| C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce |
A fantasy tale/religious allegory of a man who takes a bus ride from Hell to Heaven. There he observes other ‘ghosts’ who have journeyed with him and witnesses how the ghosts delude themselves, even to their ultimate detriment: barring their way to Heaven. A very insightful and instructive tale, leaving one to reflect on his own life and choices made along the way…and hopefully into the future. |
|
Larry McMurtry Lonesome Dove |
Is the story of two aging Texas Rangers who decide to go on one more adventure, a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The novel is filled with adventure, wonderful and characters and a riveting read from beginning to end. Truly, some of the best characterization I've read. Amazingly, the television miniseries adaptation of the novel did a pretty good job, but it couldn’t help but miss some of the depth, just as an abridgment of a novel, even a good abridgment, does. |
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