Schrödinger's Bookshelf

Schrödinger's Bookshelf

Archive for category LGBTQ Interest

Black Blade Blues, by J.A. Pitts (Tor, 2010)

Sep 1

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Elves & Fairies, Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology, LGBTQ Interest, Urban Fantasy | No Comments

For Sarah Beauhall, life’s about to get very, very complicated. A blacksmith by trade, she live from paycheck to paycheck, making horseshoes for local farmers and replica weapons for convention-goers and the local Society for Creative Anachronism. By night, she works as props manager for low budget movies, like Elvis Versus the Goblins. Coming from a rather sheltered, fundamentalist Christian background, she’s still trying to piece together her feelings for her first ever girlfriend, terrified of public displays of affection and unable to really admit, even to herself, that she’s gay. Already in a mild state of emotional turmoil, she’s nowhere near ready for the trouble that’s about to unfold. When her favorite sword is broken, she sets out to repair it, only to be given an enigmatic warning from one of the movie’s extras: “If you attempt to reforge that sword, you must not fail.”

Turns out that she’s in possession of the legendary sword Gram, once used by the hero Sigurd to slay the dragon Fafnir. And now that Gram has turned up, some very old, very powerful people want it, and will stop at nothing to obtain or destroy it. Now Sarah has to deal with giants, trolls, dwarves and dragons, even as her life crumbles around her. With her job, her friends, even her relationship slipping through her fingers, with events spiraling out of control, Sarah may very well have to slay a few dragons of her own, or lose everything.

Black Blade Blues is a remarkably complex book, highly reminiscent of early Mercedes Lackey in some regards. Originally published in short form under the same name in the DAW anthology Swordplay (2009), it’s been cleaned up and expanded quite considerably here. Sarah’s intertwined struggles to defy destiny and come to terms with her own sexuality make for interesting, gripping reading. She’s the sort of heroine you alternately want to smack sense into, and hug comfortingly, especially as it becomes clear just how much of this is beyond her control. Elements from Norse/Teutonic mythology are utilized with great success here, weaving through and around the plot in an increasingly creepy, dramatic manner. What starts out relatively subtle becomes downright deadly by the end, where ancient myth and modern technology collide with devastating results.

All in all, Black Blade Blues is an extremely strong start to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what happens to Sarah Beauhall and her friends after this. It’s clear that we’re just scratching the surface of this setting, with Sarah as a relative newcomer to a world inhabited by ancient dragons, desperate dwarves, and hidden deities. Good stuff, without a doubt.

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Red Hood’s Revenge, by Jim C. Hines (DAW, 2010)

Sep 1

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Elves & Fairies, Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology, Fantasy, LGBTQ Interest | No Comments

They are the secret protectors of the kingdom of Lorindar. Snow White, the sultry mistress of mirror magic. Danielle, wielder of a powerful glass sword, once known as Cinderella. Talia, whose fairy gifts make her a powerful warrior, but whose past as the legendary Sleeping Beauty still haunts her. Princesses all, and the best of friends, they’ve been through a lot together. But when Roudette, the assassin also known as the Lady of the Red Hood, targets Talia for death, the three are once again forced into action. Their struggle to defeat Roudette and end the threat to Talia once and for all takes them to Arathea, Talia’s desert homeland, where the queen who usurped her throne still waits, planning revenge. For the Prince who awoke Sleeping Beauty didn’t do so with a kiss, and he was certainly no Charming, and Talia’s bloody revenge has had long-lasting consequences.

In Arathea, the three princesses discover a grave threat to the land, one involving both the infamous Wild Hunt and the capricious fairykind. To survive, they’ll have to trust in the Lady of the Red Hood, even though her loyalties are decidedly in question. Talia’s home, but she may not live long enough to enjoy it. Not everyone gets a happily ever after….

Continuing to reimagine the heroines and storylines of beloved fairy tales, Jim Hines turns his attentions towards Little Red Riding Hood, reinventing her as a dark, tragic, driven anti-heroine out to exact her own revenge upon those who once wronged her. Here, we see one explanation for the wolf in Grandmother’s bed, the significance of the titular red cape, and learn that the huntsman of the story was no hero. We also get a much more in-depth look at the land and circumstances that shaped Talia, who deviates significantly from her fairy tale origins. And the changes couldn’t be more welcome. Some might say it’s pretty bold to turn Sleeping Beauty from the blond waif of Disney fame into a lesbian warrior from a pseudo-Arabic culture, but it just helps to reinforce the idea of these fairy tales as universal stories, where the trappings may change but the core remains the same. What matters is that Talia, like the others, is a strong, capable, princess who isn’t about to sit around waiting for her prince to show up and rescue her.

Combining the best parts of fantasy and folklore, mixed with action and adventure, tinged with horror (just like the original stories!), Red Hood’s Revenge is a thoroughly satisfying continuation of the series, and a worthy updating of these cultural icons. They may not sing and dance, but they can certainly kick some ass. Bring on the Snow Queen.

Master of None, by Sonya Bateman (Pocket, 2010)

Aug 1

Posted by Michael M. Jones in LGBTQ Interest, Urban Fantasy | No Comments

Gavyn Donatti is a thief whose luck has run out, repeatedly. He may have a knack for escaping situations unscathed, but he’s left behind a strong of burned partners and angry ex-employers. His most recent gig – to steal a priceless artifact – goes sour when he actually loses the item in question. Problem: his employer, Trevor, is a stone-cold psychopath who doesn’t take no for an answer or accept failure. For his screw-up, Gavyn’s dead meat. That is, until he’s saved by a genie.

Ian, as he calls himself, is a djinn who needs Gavyn for unspecified reasons. As such, Gavyn’s his master, but don’t mistake this for anything other than a partnership of extreme reluctance on either side. Assuming the two can get through their mutual distrust/dislike of one another, they have to elude Trevor’s forces, and save the world. Huh? That’s right, save the world. A deadly conflict between djinn factions has been brewing for centuries, and only Ian and Gavyn stand to prevent it from erupting into all-out disaster. Luckily, they have allies. Unfortunately, they include two of Gavyn’s former partners, both of whom hate his guts for different, justifiable reasons. One was crippled on the job, the other is his ex-lover. Whoops, way to go Gavyn.

Now, as Gavyn explores the abilities he never knew he possessed, mends fences with the people he screwed over, and discovers why Ian needed him in the first place, he has to man up for once in his life and do whatever it takes to stop Trevor from killing them all and save the world from djinn magic gone wild. He may be a bad thief, but can he be a good man?

Master of None combines some of the best and worst aspects from Grand Theft Auto, Ocean’s Eleven, Martin Lawrence movies, and whatever buddy film springs to mind. It’s the story of a thief, his genie (who hates him), his ex-lover, and a whole lot of violence and action. As such, it’s one heck of a high concept, and for the most part, it actually works pretty well. The plot moves along at a breakneck pace, and Bateman doesn’t spare her characters the consequences of their actions. It actually gets pretty ugly, pretty nasty at times, especially once we see the extents to which Trevor’s willing to go to achieve his goals, so this may not be for the squeamish. However, the strong characterization and attention to details help make this a rather enjoyable urban fantasy, one that claims its own identity amongst the crowd and sticks to it. I’ll be interested to see where the series goes from here.

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Speak of the Devil, by Jenna Black (Dell, 2009)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Divine/Infernal Beings, LGBTQ Interest, Romance, Urban Fantasy | No Comments

Here’s the scoop: exorcist Morgan Kingsley is being sued by a father who blames her for an exorcism that left his son brain-dead. Her license has been suspended, she’s been living out of a suitcase ever since her home was burned down, and the exiled king of the demons is illegally living in her body. Her boyfriend is upset with her for having both trust and secrecy issues, and the only people she can count upon are the people she fears and distrusts the most. It’s clear that someone’s trying to destroy her life, and Morgan’s had enough of that, thank you very much. If she can’t figure out who has it in for her, and why, she’ll be in real trouble … and for once it’s not someone trying to kill her because of Lugh, her unwelcome guest. But with her personal life already in shambles, how much more does Morgan have to lose? Plenty. Here’s hoping she can hold it together long enough to survive.

I’ll be honest. I don’t keep returning to this series – four books and counting – because I like the main character. Morgan’s a self-absorbed, irritating person, the sort who invariably makes life much harder for herself than it needs to be. She constantly alienates and abuses everyone who might be willing and able to help her, drives away her allies, and tosses common sense and self-preservation out the window on a regular basis. It’s hard to imagine how she’s lasted this long. No, I’m here because of the supporting cast, and specifically for Adam and Dominic. It’s pretty damn rare to find such a positive portrayal of a loving, committed homosexual BDSM-practicing couple in any series outside of the erotic section, and their presence more than makes up for Morgan’s shortcomings. While they’re used, at least a little, for titillation (this series does not shy away from erotic moments), they’re also in a functional, sane relationship, one presented as healthy and matter-of-fact, even if some aspects of what they do squicks the main character. I think Adam and Dominic could headline a book of their own, especially since Adam’s a cop hosting a demon and Dominic’s a mortal with a passion for cooking. Another breakout supporting character is Barbara “Barbie” Paget, a private investigator who plays a large part in the events of this book, for good and for bad. Again, she seems like she’d be a great lead at some point.

But what about the plot, you ask. Here I’ve been going on and on about the characters, but the plot? Well, it’s pretty much as described above: someone’s systematically destroying aspects of Morgan’s personal life, including her career and her relationships, and it has almost nothing to do with the overarching plot involving Lugh and his slow struggle to defeat his usurper brother and regain his throne in the Demon Realm. While there’s some small progression in terms of character growth and adding new elements to the mix, there’s not much made towards what I’ve always considered to be the real plot of the series. Maybe I’m missing the larger picture and where this fits in, or maybe it’s more of a plot detour. I guess we’ll see. Meanwhile, throughout the course of this book, Morgan does, what else, everything she can to sabotage her own chances of success, including ditching her allies/bodyguards at every opportunity and shooting herself in the legal foot. It’s frustrating to watch a protagonist go through so much trouble when a touch of patience, understanding, and trust would have saved her the grief.

But you know what? I’ll be here for the next book in the series anyway. Perhaps in morbid fascination, I have to see how this turns out, and of course, I want to see the supporting cast get more time in the sun. They’re what makes this series memorable, as far as I’m concerned. Before I wrap this up, let me reiterate: this is by no means a bad book, or a bad series, for all that I’ve got some major complaints. Black lures me back with each new volume because there’s a lot of potential here, and some solidly enjoyable underpinnings to the series. Speak of the Devil still has plenty going for it, enough to keep fans happy at the very least.

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Soulless, by Gail Carriger (Orbit, 2009)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Historical, LGBTQ Interest, Romance, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Wizards, Mages and Spellcasters | No Comments

Miss Alexia Tarabotti is not your average young lady. At twenty-six and unmarried, her chances of finding a prospective husband are almost nil. Worse still, she’s half-Italian and her coloring quite definitely takes after that side of the family. Olive skin is -so- out, after all. Worst of all, she has no soul. As a so-called, and extraordinarily rare, preternatural, she can negate the supernatural qualities of werewolves and vampires with but a touch, a fact she keeps to herself as much as possible. After all, proper ladies don’t go around touching the undead willy-nilly, no matter how accepted they are in British society.

When a strange vampire attacks Alexia at a party, she quite sensibly defends herself, accidentally staking the vampire in the process. The ensuing mess brings her into contact with Lord Maccon, a Scottish werewolf who works for the Bureau of Unnatural Registry, who’s had a bone to pick with Miss Tarabotti ever since a certain incident involving a hedgehog. This sets off a bizarre and unconventional series of events involving Alexia, Lord Maccon, an American scientist, and the so-very-flamboyant vampire Lord Akeldama. It seems that packless werewolves and solitary vampires have been disappearing, while fledging vampires are turning up with disturbing frequency, their origins a mystery. When people try to kidnap Alexia, Lord Maccon decides to see to her protection personally. But can they stop arguing long enough to figure out what’s going on? And at what point will propriety be thrown out the window in favor of expediency?

Soulless is charming, whimsical, and splendid. Part comedy of manners, part Regency send-up, part urbane fantasy, part alternate history, part steampunk, it’s a beautiful blending of disparate elements that’s bound to appeal to a wide range of readers. With its wry, tongue-in-cheek tone and a thoroughly plausible worldview, it’s easy to fall into the story and get swept up in the action. Alexia Tarabotti is a heroine to admire, a saucily-independent, feisty young woman who addresses every situation with her unique mixture of common sense and proper manners. Her constant foil and occasional romantic interest, Lord Maccon, is a gentleman and a werewolf, and it’s no wonder that opposites attract and sparks fly every time they’re together. (Honestly? Miss Tarabotti and Lord Maccon are one of the cutest, most adorable, most entertaining, most natural couples I’ve seen in a long time, and their interactions fill me with a glee bordering on guilty pleasure.) Lord Akeldama makes for one heck of a memorable supporting character, stealing every scene he’s in with a colorful swish that would be the envy of any drag queen, while still maintaining that immortal presence one expects of a centuries-old vampire.

This book overflows with a sense of wonder and unapologetic playfulness, starting with the first page (…she had retreated to the library, her favorite sanctuary in any house, only to happen upon an unexpected vampire…) and continuing right up to the very end. In lesser hands, the clever banter and self-aware tone could have been cutesy, twee, or just plain groan-inducing; Gail Carriger rises above those pitfalls to give us something rich and delightful and thoroughly appealing. I simply must insist upon more, and the sooner the better.

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A Flash of Hex, by Jes Battis (Ace, 2009)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in LGBTQ Interest, Urban Fantasy, Wizards, Mages and Spellcasters | No Comments

Life is never dull for Tess Corday, part of Vancouver’s Occult Special Investigation team. She and her partner Derrick have just been called in to investigate a ritual slaying, a horrible crime that defies nature through the use of blood magic. Unfortunately, it’s just one in a series of increasingly-nasty killings taking place in several cities, and things are going to get much worse before they’re done. The victims are all children of powerful mage families, and the pressure to solve this case is coming from all angles, both political and societal. Something about this case is striking close to home for Tess, and as she gets to the bottom of a centuries-old mystery, she’ll learn things about herself, her past, and her family she never dreamed possible. She’ll push herself to the breaking point, and sorely test the patience of her superiors, all to get the job done. To save those she cares about, it might even be worth it. Of course, it doesn’t help that she’s been ordered to seek out the help of necromancer Lucien Agrado … the one man Tess has serious feelings for, the one relationship absolutely forbidden her by the nature of her job. Awkward? You bet. Good luck with this one, Tess.

Where do I start with describing the many ways in which A Flash of Hex, like its predecessor, Night Child, is awesome? For one thing, the cast inhabiting this world is both eclectic and believable, fully fleshed-out with complex personalities and rich interplay. Tess herself has formed an odd family unit, consisting of her partner Derrick (who’s as out and proud about his sexuality as he’s closeted about being a telepath) and Mia, the teenager (and potential vampire) they gained custody of following a previous case. As unlikely a group as they are, there’s enough heart and spirit in their dealings with one another to sell it as a perfectly natural thing. Mia, it should be noted, is smart and sassy, stealing the show with every scene and every comment she makes. This helps to provide a great deal of the tension-breaking humor that threads through this book’s otherwise dark storyline. A new and welcome addition to the cast is Miles Sedgwick, an out-of-town consultant with some unusual talents of his own, and a knack for lighting Derrick’s fires. And of course there’s Lucien, who’s a pretty good guy for a necromancer, and so very clearly the man for Tess, job restrictions notwithstanding.

It’s not all about the characterization and emotional interaction here. The plot’s intense, clever, and multi-layered, the sort of storyline that’ll keep readers guessing until the very end. It takes some unexpected turns along the way, never quite letting the reader get too complacent. It’s pretty dark at times – Battis isn’t afraid to get down and dirty and visceral when the occasion calls for it – but we never quite lose sight of the light, or what the characters are fighting for. Add in the clever application of semi-real world science and forensics, and you have the perfect melding of urban fantasy and CSI. The urban fantasy field benefits quite nicely from books with this level of intelligence and soul to them. A Flash of Hex is even better than the first in the series, which set a high bar all on its own. I also have to award bonus points for the positive way Battis works in queer elements, including gay and trans characters. This is one series I can’t get enough of.

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The Mermaid’s Madness, by Jim C. Hines (DAW, 2009)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology, Fantasy, LGBTQ Interest | No Comments

Once upon a time, there were three very special princesses. Each one inspired a fairy tale, and in each case, the facts were either exaggerated or outright fabricated. Even so, there remains an element of truth to Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Cinderella. There was a princess who slept for a hundred years, only to be awoken by a prince. There was a princess who fought for her life against a wicked stepmother driven mad with vanity. There was a commoner who fell in love at a ball, rescued from her dreary existence by a prince. But these are not your everyday average ordinary Disney Princesses. Sleeping Beauty is Talia, whose fairy gifts grant her great skills at combat. Snow White is a powerful sorceress, specializing in mirror magic. And Cinderella is Danielle, whose own skills with a magical sword are nothing to scoff at. And now the true story of another fairy tale heroine can be revealed, as they investigate the mystery of The Mermaid’s Madness.

It all starts during routine tribute and trade negotiations, when a band of merfolk unexpectedly attack Danielle’s mother-in-law, Queen Beatrice, grievously wounding her. With that act, the undersea peoples have declared war on the surface, and only Talia, Snow, and Danielle have what it takes to fight the murderous merfolk and save the queen’s life. But their journey will take them over the seas and into profound dangers of all sorts. Learn the fate of the mermaid and her prince, of the sea witch who played such an important part in the whole matter, and why there’s no happily ever after for this particular tale. It’s not what you think. Meanwhile, Snow is learning new ways to use her magical powers, but will she follow the same road as her evil stepmother did? And what’s bugging Talia? The answers all lie within….

In this sequel to The Stepsister Scheme, Hines once again brilliantly remixes fairy tale elements with a modern action/adventure sensibility, as if the Brothers Grimm had been allowed to watch a Charlie’s Angels marathon. The Mermaid’s Madness is fast-paced, energetic, exciting and amazingly fun. Magic, mayhem and adventure combine for a thoroughly satisfying tale. As before, Hines isn’t afraid to put his own personal spin on the characters and stories contained within, drawing inspiration both from the older, darker versions and the more popular, well-known variations. His merfolk are properly alien, given their status as creatures of two realms, both familiar and unsettlingly different.

Of course, the main characters are all sorts of fun, each in their own way, and they work well as a team. (Though that may change thanks to some uncomfortable revelations brought up along the way, here.) I can’t help but root for Talia, whose crush on Snow is obvious to everyone but Snow herself, and whose sexuality, understated as it is, still makes her something of a rarety in the genre. It doesn’t hurt that she kicks ass and takes names with no shortage of style. I look forward to the next in the series, Red Hood’s Revenge, which will apparently focus more on Talia and her homeland.

I have no complaints about The Mermaid’s Madness. This is a spectacular take on fairy tales that I wish I’d thought of first, the literary equivalent of Kingdom Hearts, a fusion of styles that comes off as refreshing, playful, and thoughtful. Hines has a winner. And once again, kudoes to Scott Fischer for his elegant, evocative cover design.

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The Stepsister Scheme, by Jim C. Hines (DAW, 2009)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology, Fantasy, LGBTQ Interest | No Comments

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Cinderella. Some stuff happened involving an evil stepmother, some nasty stepsisters, a glass slipper, and a prince. Cinderella and her prince fell in love, were married, and lived happily ever af-. . . .

Not so fast.

The story’s not over. Not by a long shot.

Shortly after their marriage, Cinderella, better known as Princess Danielle Whiteshore, is unexpectedly visited by one of her stepsisters, who promptly tries to kill her. After being saved by one of the palace servants, Danielle learns that her beloved Prince Armand has been kidnapped by her stepsisters, Stacia and Charlotte, who’ve gone from bullying losers to magic-wielding menaces. And there’s more: Danielle’s pregnant. Oh, she’s not going to stand for this. Luckily, she has allies. It turns out that her mother-in-law, Queen Beatrice, has a few tricks up her royal sleeve.

Enter Princess Talia Malak-el-Dahshat, who was once upon a time known as Sleeping Beauty, and Princess Ermillina Curtana, better known as Snow White. Talia’s a warrior like no other, courtesy of those fairy blessings she received as a baby, and Snow’s a master of mirror magic, thanks to her own now-deceased mother’s teachings. They serve Queen Beatrice as her agents, handling all sorts of exotic problems. Now Danielle, who has an affinity for animals, must join with Talia and Snow to track down the evil stepsisters and the missing Prince. But when their search takes them into the treacherous, magical depths of Fairytown, they discover who’s really behind their problems of late, and it may be more than even these three talented young women can handle. In this fairy tale, all bets are off.

In The Stepsister Scheme, Jim Hines brilliantly remixes and reimagines three of the most popular fairy tale heroines of all time, recasting them as action heroines and secret agents in a world of magic, treachery, intrigue and adventure. These aren’t damsels in distress by any means, but strong-willed, competent, self-sufficient women capable of overcoming all sorts of problems. Hines doesn’t shy away from the earlier, darker, bloodier versions of the tales, either. These stepsisters suffered mutilation for the opportunity to wear a glass slipper, the seven dwarves aren’t what you’d expect, and Talia has had enough sleep to last a dozen lifetimes.

The plot is fast-paced and exciting, as Hines takes our heroines from the palace to the wilderness, from the capricious Fairy courts to the sunless depths of a magical realm, with ogres, trolls, goblins and much more to act as deterrents. There’s strange magics and sharply-executed combat, and some genuine bonding between the three princesses along the way, and hopeless odds to be overcome. In short, this is one hell of a book. I’m a sucker for retold fairy tales, and Hines has found a new and interesting interpretation that lends itself to some grand stories. (Knowing that a future installment is called Red Hood’s Revenge becomes a whole lot cooler once you know that “the Lady of the Red Hood is one of the most feared assassins this side of Adenkar.” Frankly, this book manages to push a lot of my “Wow, what a great idea” buttons, and it does it with style and enthusiasm. It’s been rightly compared to a fairy tale equivalent of Charlie’s Angels, and I’d have to agree with that wholeheartedly. (Queen Beatrice even mentions taking in “three extraordinary girls” at one point.)

Once again, Jim C. Hines proves that he’s not just another fantasy author, and hopefully The Stepsister Scheme is the first of many stories exploring this new setting. I can’t wait for the next installment. As a final note, this book has an excellent cover by noted artist Scott Fischer, who does a superb job of portraying the three princesses as comic book/action heroines. I don’t gush over covers often, but this one gets high marks from me. Mark my words, this is a fantasy adventure worth checking out.

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Warrior Wisewoman, by Roby James (Norilana Books, 2008)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in LGBTQ Interest, Science Fiction, Short Fiction | No Comments

Meant in part as a science fiction companion to the long-running (and recently-resurrected) fantasy anthology series Sword and Sorceress, Warrior Wisewoman is . . . well, a complex creature, if one reads the note of explanation in the back. There, publisher Vera Nazarian says that not only is Warrior Wisewoman meant to serve as a counterpart for Sword and Sorceress, containing science fiction stories featuring strong female characters, it’s also meant to contain adult themes for a more mature audience, and present “action and adventure hinging on the sense of wonder that comes from both the scientific exploration of the universe all around us and the spiritual exploration of the other equally grand universe that lies inside.” Whew, sounds like a tall order to me. Initially, I figured that the logical science fiction companion to something like Sword and Sorceress would involve rocketships, rayguns, and bug-eyed aliens, only with strong female protagonists . . . space opera meets Ripley from Aliens, basically. Instead, it seems that editor Roby James has gone for something far different. I wanted to make that clear up front. What you’ll find here is not “classic” science fiction, and certainly not the feminine (or feminist) flipside to Heinlein, Asimov, or E.E. “Doc” Smith. It’s introspective, spiritual, experimental, and in some cases downright oblique. But does the collection work? Let’s take a closer look at some of the stories.

Douglas A. Van Belle turns in “Ungraceful Cliff Dwellers,” which is all about how a semi-primitive society deals with their God, a rather active and somewhat fallible being who makes frequent appearances in their lives to guide and teach them. As the protagonist continues her association with God, she learns more than any before her ever have about why her people exist, and their role in the universe. It’s an interesting story that gradually unfolds over time, but it seems to lack a little something by way of description, leaving things in a nebulous state of existence. It’s a rather cerebral story, featuring long conversations and a measure of character growth, but no action or adventure to speak of.

Rose Lemberg’s “To Find Home Again” suffers from some of that same lack of explanation, as it follows Ria, a woman who seems to be part soldier, part slave, able to fight as needed but otherwise subject to the whims and needs of her Master and his fellow crew. An ill-advised mission leads her to an unexpected detour in her career, and she’s subsequently forced to reclaim her sense of self and identity. I can’t help but wish Lemberg had opted for a little more exposition and a little less introspection, as I was never really caught up in the trials and tribulations of the main character.

Bhaskar Dutt gives us a rather strong story in “An Ashwini Apart,” which looks at the intertwined tales of Charunee and Isabella. As Ashwini, genetically-engineered pairs who can manipulate peoples’ life energy (ki) to heal or harm, they’re nothing without their opposite half — usually their own twin. Charunee and Isabella have lost their twins, but can they match up with one another to reach their potential? As the story progresses, it becomes clear that one or both may be hiding secrets. There’s a fascinating concept at play, here, and Dutt does a lovely job of showing things from two different viewpoints as he explores the mystery at the heart of the story.

In Fran LaPlaca’s “Faith,” a career soldier lands in a small community with her squadron, intent on doing some recruiting for the Navy. However, this planet has discovered an unusual sort of religion. What’s going on? The truth may be too painful to accept. An interesting story with a slow start, it builds to an emotional climax. I’d be interested in seeing more of the characters and background introduced here.

“Among The Wastes Of Time,” by Mary Catelli, is another one of the stronger offerings in this collection, though the transitions between past and present are occasionally confusing and awkward. However, we’re treated to a poignant, powerful story as one woman weighs the letter of the law versus the greater good. On the space station she calls home, an alien simply known as The Last, so-called for being the only one remaining of its species, has priority in any and all emergency situations, no matter who might suffer in its place. Does the last of a species deserve special treatment when dozens of regular people are in jeopardy? It’s up to April to make the hard call that no one else can, or will. With an intriguing setting, and a genuine moral dilemma at stake, this story is thought-provoking and complex.

The protagonist of Peg Robinson’s “As Darwin Decreed” faces a similar problem. A geneticist, she possesses the knowledge and desire to help humans adapt to an alien planet, but the rules in place prevent her from doing so, no matter who might suffer and die in the meantime. However, when a native species faces problems due to the presence of humans, it all comes down to a choice: us or them. Can she defy authority to find a third option? It’s not easy to do the right thing when the right thing is illegal. Another thought-provoking story about the hard choices we all face, it’s interesting that both this and Catelli’s story feature mothers who’ve lost their children as a result of the problem they must now solve.

“Christmas Wedding,” by Vylar Kaftan, takes place in the near future, after ecological and economic disasters have helped to plunge the world into chaos. However, life continues for some people. For Mel, Corie, and Rayvenna, nothing will stop the three women from uniting their lives in an unorthodox wedding, as a symbol of life, love, and hope. But they’ve all been hurt, mentally or physically, in the months preceding . . . can they really forge a life together? This is another one of those intellectual, emotional, spiritual stories that relies more on character than on action or adventure, and the post-apocalyptic setting is really just stage dressing for this piece on relationships and overcoming the odds.

In Sally Kuntz’ “Only A Personal Tragedy,” a young woman sacrifices everything for peace, when war comes to her home. Is she strong enough to go against her friends and family and community in order to save their lives, or will she buckle under the weight of betraying them? It may cost her more than she expects. This story’s bound to raise questions of right and wrong, treason and justice, but the science fiction setting is fairly irrelevant to the narrative as a whole.

Other authors in this collection include Catherine Mintz, Nancy Fulda, Anna Sykora, and Colleen Anderson. All in all, this is definitely a mixed bag of stories. Roby James was shooting for a blend, answering the twin questions of “What makes a woman a warrior?” and “What makes a woman wise?” and in that respect, I suppose she might have been successful. However, very few of these stories really grabbed me emotionally. Perhaps it’s just not that they appealed to my sensibilities, perhaps it’s a fundamental difference between male and female mindsets, perhaps it’s something impossible to define. Technically, this collection is competent, with a few stand-outs to really capture the attention, but overall, I fear that the theme may be just a little too esoteric, a little too specialized to find widespread appeal. I’ll be interested to see how future volumes in this series fare.

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The Devil You Know, by Jenna Black (Dell Spectra, 2008)

Jul 26

Posted by Michael M. Jones in Divine/Infernal Beings, LGBTQ Interest, Romance, Urban Fantasy | No Comments

Freelance exorcist Morgan Kingsley has demon problems like she never expected. To her immense annoyance, she’s the unwitting host for Lugh, exiled king of the demons, who’s using her as a refuge while a power struggle in the Demon Realms shakes itself out. Luckily, Lugh hasn’t possessed Morgan, body and soul, like most demons do when they take a mortal host. No, he only shows up in her dreams, where he’s both a distraction and an enticement, neither one of which she needs in an increasingly-complicated life. Her brother, Andrew, was possessed until recently by Raphael, Lugh’s brother, but with Raphael returned from whench he came, Andrew’s in a coma with no signs of improvement. Things get worse when Morgan learns that the demon equivalent of a sociopath, The Hunter, has been released on Earth in order to hunt down Morgan, aiming to kill her and destroy Lugh at the same time. The Hunter will stop at nothing to get its target, and Morgan’s friends and family are right in its path, as victims or hosts. Worse still, Morgan’s just learned things about her family and heritage that she never even dreamed possible, things which cast her entire reason for being into a new light. Now Morgan has to defeat The Hunter, confront her parents, protect everyone she cares for, and still make a living, all while keeping anyone from learning about the demon in her subconscious. And no matter how hard she tries, someone’s getting hurt.

The Devil You Know is the sequel to The Devil Inside, continuing the story of a demon-hunting exorcist forced to coexist with the things she hates, fears, and distrusts the most. It’s a strong, fast-moving story filled with plenty of action and character moments. Morgan’s stubborn refusal to change or adapt when it comes to demons does wear thin after a while; I lost count of the number of times she could have made things easier for herself if she extended even a shred of trust, or a kind word, to people clearly trying to help her. Maybe that’s just how the character is, but after a while, it gets repetitive, especially after the multiple learning experiences she ‘enjoys’ as a result. The relationshsips between Morgan and the other characters are interesting, especially with Adam and Dominic, the sado-masochistic gay couple that act both as allies and occasional foils to Morgan’s plans. The two men attract and repel her in turn, mostly because of their willing demon possession (current for Adam, former for Dominic), partly because of Adam’s love of dealing pain to the willing, and it’s fun to watch Morgan struggle with her conflicting attitudes.

All in all, I’d have to say I enjoyed The Devil You Know. This series is fun, with plenty of action – Morgan Kingsley is an asskicking heroine when she cuts loose – and mystery, with bits of romance seeping through at the edges. One might see Morgan and Lugh getting together in some fashion someday, but she’d have to lose a lot of attitude first. Wherever Jenna Black is going with this series, it’s bound to be enjoyable in the end. I’ll be back for the next installment.

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