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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
MartyV has commented on (85) products
Cat Trick A Magical Cats Mystery
by
Sofie Kelly
MartyV
, September 04, 2018
The adventures of Owen, Hercules, and their person Kathleen continue. This time uncovering the truth about a murder opens old wounds and exposes secrets from the far past. Very enjoyable, light reading.
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Copycat Killing A Magical Cats Mystery
by
Sofie Kelly
MartyV
, August 24, 2018
Very entertaining mystery with the magical cats Owen and Hercules. Sofie Kelly makes me laugh out loud when she describes the cattitudes and actions of the town librarian's companions. I already started reading the next book in this series.
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Victory Conditions Vattas War 5
by
Elizabeth Moon
MartyV
, August 20, 2018
I've always loved the details used in building each character that Elizabeth Moon does so well. This was a good ending to the Vatta's War saga.
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Reserved for the Cat Elemental Masters 5
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, July 28, 2018
A perfect fit with the other Elemental Masters books, written by a master storyteller. It was off to a slow start for me, but after several Aha! moments it gathered speed and I couldn't put it down. Smiled at the ending, it was perfect.
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Forest House
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, May 23, 2018
While this story was a bit slow in the beginning, while all of the involved groups were built and explained, as soon as the setting was complete the tale moved quickly. Miscommunication made enemies out of friends and split lovers apart. The surprising yet inevitable end came quickly in just a few pages. After reading the Epilogue, I recommend re-reading the Prologue.
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Letter Of The Law
by
Carole Berry
MartyV
, May 21, 2018
What a fun read! A mystery set in New York, about 20 years ago before digital files took over from hand written memos and paper files. The original crime occurred about 20 years earlier, and never solved ... until now when an office manager decided the newest crime was related and wonders how.
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Hunters Of Dune: Dune Sequels 1
by
Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson
MartyV
, January 20, 2018
This episode of the Dune saga was a bit slow moving. Many questions were answered and, just like an old-fashioned cliffhanger, several scenes were set for the next book in the series. Worth reading, but best read in the order of the series.
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Changes: Dresden Files 12
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, November 04, 2017
Just about every other chapter ended in a cliff hanger, making it hard to put down the book. I love how characters from earlier stories keep turning up, adding more details and depth to Dresden. Still, reading earlier episodes aren't necessary to your enjoyment of any later book. Loved this story, looking forward to the next book.
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Curiosity Thrilled the Cat
by
Sofie Kelly
MartyV
, May 19, 2017
I'm so glad I picked up this book at a library fund-raising sale. Two things made me buy it - it's the first in a new series AND it's about magical cats and mystery. A jilted girl moves from Boston to a very small town in Minnesota. She never knew she'd become a murder suspect as well as a victim of harassment - but her cats take steps to help. A fun book, and there are more in the series now, can't wait to start shopping.
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Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions
by
Vicki Myron and Bret Witter
MartyV
, May 19, 2017
A collection of very well written short stories about cats and the people who are involved with them. I laughed, cried and marveled at how many ways cats can fit into their human's life. If you read the story of Dewey Readmore Books, the Iowa library cat, this sequel is a must.
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Gates Of Creation World Of Tiers 2
by
Philip Jose Farmer
MartyV
, March 10, 2017
The only reason I kept reading this novel was to find out how it ended. I was able to skip several pages at a time, stopping to skim a paragraph here and there, as the repetitive action got more and more outlandish. I bought the next book in the series, but won't start it.
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Witches Brew Landover 05
by
Terry Brooks
MartyV
, February 23, 2017
A good story about outside influences and unexpected helpers. The war between love and hate has an unexpected finale ... must be how the next book will start. Looking forward to it.
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Tangle Box Magic Kingdom of Landover 04
by
Terry Brooks
MartyV
, February 23, 2017
I love the mysteries in this story and multiple story lines that you just know have to all resolve themselves, pretty much at the same time. Of course the ending hints at the contents of the next story - Witches' Brew.
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Sword And Sorceress 6
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, December 29, 2016
I was so happy to find this older book in the series, and I was not disappointed. As usual, it's a page turner and one I'll keep for my collection.
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Black Unicorn Magic Kingdom of Landover 02
by
Terry Brooks
MartyV
, October 24, 2016
This was a nice second book in the series, looking forward to reading Wizard at Large. I like how the book ended with a chapter called Legend and then the Epilogue. All the loose ends weren't quite wrapped up, although the big mystery was solved.
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Betcha Cant Read Just One
by
Alan Dean Foster
MartyV
, July 26, 2016
The most amusing part of this book was the cover. Many writers, many stories, just a couple of smiles from me. The stories were well written but my sense of humor didn't match well. Advertised as funny fantasy ... not so much.
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Fire Rose
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, May 29, 2016
As usual, Mercedes Lackey drew me into a page-turner story. A young female who is a scholar, rare at the end of the Victorian era, finds herself thrust into the world when her father dies, leaving her penniless. A job comes her way, designed just for her; she takes it even though she must move from Chicago to San Francisco where she knows no one. What happens next is magical, of course. It was almost impossible to put the book down.
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Bloodletter Star Trek Deep Space Nine 3
by
K W Jeter
MartyV
, May 03, 2016
This is the first novel from the Star Trek Deep Space Nine series that I ever read and it took me back to the days of watching the show. It was fun to picture the actors as I read and remember their voices. Reading the characters' thought processes was very different than watching them act their parts and very enjoyable.
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Sisters Of The Raven
by
Barbara Hambly
MartyV
, December 27, 2015
Barbara Hambly is a master storyteller, painting a vivid picture of each character, their surroundings (including taste and smell) while moving an intricate tale along quickly. I'd love to read a sequel to this story, don't even know if one has been published ... but I'm going to look.
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Masque World
by
Alexei Panshin
MartyV
, November 17, 2015
I had to read a couple of chapters before the plot revealed itself. Up to then it was more of a philosophy book. Light plot, good book to read if you need a sleep aid.
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Bootcamp 3000
by
Charles G Waugh and Martin H Greenberg
MartyV
, November 06, 2015
I generally enjoy the classics, written in the 50s and 60s, full of innocence and hopeful outlooks. This group of short stories is the exception. No innocence or hope, just blood, carnage and warrior mentality. If you like military mindlessness, this is for you.
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Cat Who Turned On & Off
by
Lilian Jackson Braun
MartyV
, October 12, 2015
Qwill is getting back into his grove, slowly but surely, with the help of Koko and Yum Yum. As a reporter on a different kind of assignment, he finds himself getting more involved in the lives of people he'd previously characterized as residents in a slum. He has a change of heart, possibly helped by a pretty girl or perhaps another mystery to solve. I'm very glad to finally read the beginning stories in the "cat who" series.
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Cat Who Ate Danish Modern
by
Lilian Jackson Braun
MartyV
, October 05, 2015
From time to time I've read a few of "The Cat Who" series, and was lucky enough to find this volume which tells the story of Qwill's acquisition of Yum Yum. It's hard to believe this episode was published in 1966 because it's so up to date with characterizations, mystery and personal interactions. I must read the rest of the series!
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Mercycle
by
Piers Anthony
MartyV
, September 28, 2015
There is a lot of technical information in this clever novel, along with ancient history, geology and oceanography. I didn't see the end coming, it was quite a surprise.
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Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home
by
Laura Ling, Lisa Ling
MartyV
, September 22, 2015
This well written look at extremely high level political machinations was made personal by the authors, sisters who lived through a dangerous time for one and a heartbreaking time for the other. This is a true story - what happened when a journalist was caught crossing into North Korea from China and her imprisonment, trial, conviction and sentencing. It's also a tale of family, friends, strangers who want to help and a story with a happy ending. Not my usual cup of tea, but very well written and informative.
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Flinx In Flux Pip & Flinx 6
by
Alan Dean Foster
MartyV
, September 19, 2015
A great mixture of young adult science fiction and outright fantasy, this is fluff for the brain. Loved it! I actually want to know what Flinx's next adventure will be.
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Sword & Sorceress 15
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, August 28, 2015
A great assortment of tales - dark ones, funny ones, legends retold from a different perspective. Some protagonists are familiar from earlier collections and it was a pleasure to learn more of their lives. A couple of new (to me) authors with unique stories to tell, and Bradley's brief forward on each tale were a pleasure to read.
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Sword And Sorceress 9
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, August 11, 2015
While I love the Sword and Sorceress series, this volume may be my least favorite. I'm not a fan of horror and a couple of the stories fit that category. Most of the others had a dark theme with one or two happy, funny fantasy tales. Still, the writing was excellent by all the authors and this edition will take its place on my shelf with the rest.
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Sword & Sorceress 12
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, July 16, 2015
I love the editor's choice of short stories. They're all the right size so that I can read a whole one after I go to bed; when the story is done I can force myself to close the book and turn out the light. Perfect, because otherwise I'd want to keep reading all night long. The stories are varied, many with surprise endings, some on the dark side, some hilarious. Love the collection!
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Jinx High
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, June 28, 2015
This mystery story about witchcraft and sorcery was slow reading at the start; after a few pages the pace picked up and the nature of the mystery began to be revealed. About half way through the book, I couldn't put it down and managed to take time out of my busy day to sit and finish it. One of my favorite authors has done it again! Now I have to find the other stories in the series.
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Firebrand
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, June 23, 2015
The Trojan War in all of its gritty, bloody and honorable battles is almost a footnote in this tale about a woman who throws off the idea of men controlling women. Kassandra learns to be strong physically and mentally. She's a warrior and a priest; the Trojan War changes her life forever. The author continues to tell Kassandra's story from the place where all the known myths and legends end. She'll surprise you with one simple fact at the end ... but you must read this epic novel to fully understand.
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This Dame for Hire
by
Scoppettone, Sandra
MartyV
, May 02, 2015
I love the language, the fashions, and the mystery. Being a child of the 1940s, the attitudes of that far away time came to life for me, once more. Miss Quick is a combination of Sam Spade and Nancy Drew ... loved it. I'll look for more of Sandra Scoppettone's books.
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The Talismans of Shannara
by
Terry Brooks
MartyV
, April 29, 2015
New characters were added during this final installment, each with a small mystery surrounding them. Love, hate, despair and hope were all part of the engaging stories in this volume. The ending was a total mystery, right up to the next to last chapter; and the last chapter is more like an epilogue. A fitting end to a great saga.
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Isaac Asimovs Utopia Caliban 3
by
Roger M Allen
MartyV
, February 26, 2015
Written by Robert MacBride Allen, this story was very much in the style of the late Isaac Asimov. It explores the possibility of robots who aren't made with the Three Laws of Robotics. The story didn't stay on track as well as Asimov would have done and the book was full of typos, something a book of his would never have. Overall, I'm glad to see something Asimov was considering and am happy to have read it.
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Patrimony pip & Flinx 13
by
Alan Dean Foster
MartyV
, January 28, 2015
Years ago I read one of the earlier novels in this series, so finding this adventure in our library's book sale I had to buy it, and am glad I did. Flinx searches for his father, accompanied by Pip. Naturally they survive the journey to a new, inhospitable planet, but the results of his trip were surprising. This is a fun, lightweight read.
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Turn Coat: Dresden Files 11
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, January 19, 2015
Just when you think Dresden is going down, something or someone comes to his aid. This episode expands on the conspiracy theory introduced a couple of episodes ago. It also introduces new friends, new enemies and a few frenemies. Jim Butcher is a master at expanding the unseen universe existing here with our own.
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Small Favor: Dresden Files 10
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, December 29, 2014
A small favor? I'd hate to see a large one. Harry Dresden keeps learning more about being a wizard, and this time he learns a bit about himself as well. He's tough and stubborn, but has he met his match? I can't wait to start Dresden Files #11 tonight.
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White Night: Dresden Files 9
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, December 12, 2014
This adventure of Harry Dresden is full of really unexpected twists and turns and some very bad ghouls. Jim Butcher is a writer who keeps you guessing and who uses cliffhangers to end most chapters, which of course makes you read just a bit of the next chapter ...
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Proven Guilty: Dresden Files 8
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, November 16, 2014
A friend's family doesn't know it, but they need Harry's help. Harry was surprised, too, at the duties required of a White Council Warden. It all came out OK at the end ... or did it? I love a page turner, and this is most definitely one! Can't wait to start reading the next story in this series.
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Black Cat
by
V C Andrews
MartyV
, October 20, 2014
One of the most depressing, sad and disjointed books I've ever attempted. I finally gave up and picked pages randomly, moving toward the back of the book to get a feel of the ending. Sorry I wasted so much time.
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Dead Beat: Dresden Files 7
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, October 14, 2014
Another page turner ending, just couldn't put it down. I love Jim Butcher's style of writing, it fits his characters so well and the cliff hangers at every other chapter keep me reading well after I should be sleeping. Great story line.
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Blood Rites: Dresden Files 6
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, October 13, 2014
I'm so glad to be back in Dresden's wizardly world. I love the cliffhangers at the end of almost every chapter, keeps me reading "just one more chapter" before going to sleep. Toward the end of the book when all the solutions were coming together, I couldn't put the book down ... Jim Butcher continues to develop his star characters and each book of the series reveals just a little bit more.
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Dragon Harper: Dragonriders of Pern 21
by
Anne McCaffrey
MartyV
, September 17, 2014
This 3rd book by mother and son McCaffrey, continues their tradition of excellence. This fast moving story line continues to develop and define life on the world of Pern. Life, death, love, distrust and honor; all play a part in telling the story about dealing with a deadly plague - I couldn't put it down.
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Dooms Break Arna Book 3
by
Christopher Rowley
MartyV
, September 13, 2014
The ancient enemy is finally revealed in this story about learning with and from other beings. There's plenty of war, hand-to-hand combat, sorcery, love, betrayal, and did I mention war? Fighting on land, on sea, and with magic. This final book in the series is much more entertaining and more of a page-turner than the second book.
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Shast War Second Book Of Arna
by
Christopher Rowley
MartyV
, September 13, 2014
The first book in the series, The Ancient Enemy, was very entertaining. It introduced new beings and followed their trials as men started a war against them. This, the second book of the series, moved slowly; whole pages describing bloody acts of war could be skipped without losing the story thread. A few new facts were introduced, expanding the mystery about these beings and their relationship to man. Looking forward to the next and final book.
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Chrome Borne Omnibus
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, August 02, 2014
I was surprised to find this book contains two novels, The Chrome Born and Chrome Circle. I had just finished The Chrome Born which was a fun read. The Chrome Circle has less action and more romance with a surprise new character introduced at the end. When the new character appeared, it was impossible to put down the book until the last page. Neat ending, especially for us romantics.
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Born To Run
by
Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon
MartyV
, May 19, 2014
Part of a series about elves, mages and things that go bump in the night, this episode adds ghosts who need to learn their way around before taking their next step. I love the ordinary setting with extraordinary events. I'm glad I already have the next episode on my shelf.
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Variable Star
by
Robert A Heinlein and Spider Robinson
MartyV
, April 09, 2014
If you're craving a good old-fashioned science fiction novel, written with more substance than profanity; if you love to see characters slowly develop complexity; if you want to expand your understanding of people and question how we experience life on and off earth; this is the novel for you. Spider Robinson finished Robert Heinlein's outline and developed a superb story, combining the best of both writers.
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Music To My Sorrow
by
Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill
MartyV
, March 26, 2014
Parents aren't always the good guys, as Eric, Magnus and Ace know all too well. When the parents are also led down a dark path by an evil elf, things get uglier. All the characters I've come to know in this series are here and new ones added. The epilogue hints at even more strange things to come, I can't wait to start the next story.
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Sword & Sorceress 13
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, February 17, 2014
Published in 1996, this is the 13th collection of outstanding short stories. Some authors are familiar to me from their own novels, some from previous collections, but all are eminently readable. As soon as I gather the whole series, I'm going to start reading them again, from the beginning.
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Mad Maudlin
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, January 21, 2014
This is the 4th book I've read in this series and it fits seamlessly with previous tales. Bard Eric keeps learning about life even while teaching an apprentice. A runaway elf, homeless kids and their protector - plus the usual good vs evil tales within the story. Can't wait to start the next episode.
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Sword And Sorceress 7
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, September 28, 2013
So far this is my least favorite of the series. The stories were almost all on the 'dark' side, including a horror story which I didn't read. There were a couple of gems that made me smile, but I'm used to a different theme in Marion Zimmer Bradley's collections.
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Cat Who Moved A Mountain
by
Lilian Jackson Braun
MartyV
, September 02, 2013
This story is one of the earlier tales of the series, and is just as fun and mysterious. This time, deception by Qwill is the only way to right a wrong. Lots of puns in here, made by early mountain folks. Fun and fast to read.
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Spirits White As Lightning
by
Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill
MartyV
, August 29, 2013
Can a newly minted bard train another new bard? It's going to be tough, considering both are battling unknown foes, one is fitting into a new job and the other is still in school. And let's not forget how technology is beginning to have power in the Underhill realm.
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Double Identity
by
Margaret Pet Haddix
MartyV
, August 29, 2013
This light-weight mystery asks but doesn't answer a question about ethics. It also illustrates how well-intentioned secrets do more harm than good. Fine story for YA reading.
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Beyond Worlds End
by
Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill
MartyV
, June 02, 2013
This sequel, the second book in the series, wraps up some loose ends and develops some others from Bedlam's Bard. Eric is blessed with his building's gargoyle who can be a friendly visitor or comrade in arms, he meets the guardians of New York City and is a shining star at his new school. His adventures, new friends and enemies, and how he develops his magic make this book a page-turner. The next book is waiting in my night stand right now.
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Cat Crimes I II III
by
Martin Ha Greenberg
MartyV
, May 25, 2013
This is NOT a book for cat lovers, and if you are and are reading this book, don't read the last story in the book; it falls into the category of sick. There are a few good stories in here, some that are strange but still enjoyable, and a whole lot that are neither of, for or about cats. The authors are all supposed to be masters of mystery, but they fall short of mastery of either mysteries or cat tales.
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Changelings Twins Of Petaybee 01
by
Anne McCaffrey, E Ann Scarborough
MartyV
, April 25, 2013
The further adventures of a sentient planet, and how it affects twins born with the ability to change into seals. Ronan and Murel are forced to grow up quickly to save new found friends and family, using their unique talents. Fortunately, they have some pretty awesome adults to lend a hand. Great adventure story.
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Dragon's Fire: Dragonriders of Pern 16
by
Anne McCaffrey and Todd J Mccaffrey
MartyV
, April 21, 2013
A great collaboration between Anne and Todd McCaffrey, this book is two stories in one, a double treat. First we learn about Pellar and his life's story as one of the shunned. The second story continues to develop around mining and miners. A trip back into history helps solve problems for all of Pern, including its people. It's easy to lose track of time when you start reading these exciting tales from one of my favorite worlds.
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Wizard Of London Elemental Masters 4
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, April 18, 2013
Two little girls, one with an owl and the other with a raven. Victorian London and a country manor. Rich gentry and poor peasants. Love and laughter versus cold logic. This is very much a tale of contrasts and mysteries with a disturbing final scene. I loved it.
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Silver May Tarnish
by
Andre Norton, LYN MCCONCHIE
MartyV
, April 15, 2013
Telling about encounters from one point of view, then repeating the tale from a second point of view helped to paint a colorful picture. For the Witch World, a previously undisclosed talent is described, making the community even more detailed. The book is short and entertaining, though not a page-turner.
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Sword And Sorceress 8
by
Marion Zimmer Bradley
MartyV
, April 12, 2013
This volume is from 1991 and I was lucky to find it at our local library. There are new plots, new characters, new sorceries and a lot of fun. This volume perfectly fits the themes of previous and future editions.
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Straken High Druid of Shannara 03
by
Terry Brooks
MartyV
, April 05, 2013
The final episode of the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, this answers a few questions and brings a satisfactory conclusion. Of course there are a couple of loose ends that could be expanded into new adventures, and that's a good thing, because Terry Brooks has created a rich world that I'd love to visit again.
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Deluge: Twins of Petaybee 3
by
Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
MartyV
, March 20, 2013
A planet revisited by Petaybee's alien ocean dwellers, corrupt super-corporations and the further adventures of telepathic shape-shifting twins and their ocean dwelling friends. This is fun, with seemingly impossible traps for the unwary to puzzle through. A good, relaxing read.
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Maelstrom Twins Of Petaybee 02
by
Anne McCaffrey, Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
MartyV
, March 20, 2013
A sentient planet who picks its own immigrants and the results of what appears to be a bad choice. Mix in some telepathic shape-shifting twins and a playful otter - almost anything can happen. This is a fun book, perfect for relaxing.
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Golden Dream: A Fuzzy Odyssey: Fuzzy 5
by
Ardath Mayhar
MartyV
, December 16, 2012
Golden Dream, a Fuzzy Odyssey, was not part of the original Fuzzy trilogy, but encompasses them. The author weaves her story in and out of the original stories, telling and re-telling everything from the Fuzzy point of view, not the human side of things. Like the originals, the style is from the 1960s before obscenities, before wild science, and with character development.
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Fuzzies And Other People: Fuzzy 3
by
H Beam Piper
MartyV
, December 16, 2012
After reading two of "Fuzzy" books it was a pleasure to find the third book in the series, published posthumously, twenty years after the first two books. If you're a fan of old-fashioned 1960's style writing, this is for you. The characters, both human and fuzzy, continue to develop and expand without a lot of science getting in the way of the fiction.
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Grave Peril: Dresden Files 3
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, January 19, 2012
This is book 3 of the Dresden Files and introduces Michael, a perfect partner against evil forces. He's not a wizard; his powers come from faith in God. It takes both of them, plus a couple of surprise helpers, to defeat the ones who have allowed ghosts to not only cross over to our world, but have given them real power over the physical world. Or have they actually won? Really?
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(4 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
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What Makes Us Episcopalians?
by
John E. Booty
MartyV
, January 16, 2012
This little book contains just the right amount of church history. It clearly states the 4 pillars of Episcopal faith, then explores each one, ending with how to put them all together while learning our Christian faith. Excellent for someone new to the church or for anyone curious about the beliefs.
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Fool Moon: Dresden Files 2
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, December 31, 2011
Book One of the Dresden Files was so good, I just had to continue with Book Two. I never knew there were so many different kinds of werewolves! I also never knew that one wizard could take such a beating and keep on spelling. Will he ever be reconciled with the Chicago PD? I'm going to find out as soon as I start Book Three - can't wait.
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(3 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
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Storm Front: Dresden Files 1
by
Jim Butcher
MartyV
, December 26, 2011
The SyFy Channel had one season of the Dresden Files, and I saw just a couple of episodes. That was enough to make me curious about the written series so I started with this one, subtitled Book One of the Dresden Files. A wizard for hire who advertises in the yellow pages and is on call to a tiny department of the Chicago PD, what a fun concept. The characters are wizardly and some are just plain human. It's amazing how Dresden can push his poor suffering body so far and you just know he's not going to make the next challenge. Keep turning the pages to find out what could possibly happen next.
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Merlin's Ring: Merlin's Godson 3
by
H Warner Munn
MartyV
, November 24, 2011
The story of almost immortal Gwalchmai starts in Atlantis and ends with the discovery of America. If you're a world history buff, his adventures through the centuries may be a perfect tale for you. I'm not, and it wasn't. It did make me curious enough to read to the end, just to make sure my guess was correct. For the most part, it was perfect for bedtime reading as it put me to sleep after one or two pages.
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Planet of the Damned
by
Harry Harrison
MartyV
, August 07, 2011
A very small book, perfect for a long flight. This is an early (1962) novel by a well known writer, with a full share of super-human action, love, mystery and an ending that will make you smile.
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Dragonsblood New Dragonriders Pern 2
by
Todd Mccaffrey
MartyV
, June 06, 2011
Todd McCaffrey brings to life new stories about Pern and moves the reader into Anne McCaffrey's world with ease. This story answers questions about the first settlers of the planet and how they knew they needed to talk to their descendents.
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Simply Human
by
L Warren Douglas
MartyV
, May 30, 2011
If this story of the far future had been told as a plain, simple story, it would have been interesting. However, it was written as a historic research novel within an editorial story, and that cover story was boring and senseless. The novel was broken up into myriad chapters which all started with an editorial and research notes. At several points I almost stopped reading and reached for the next book on my stack.
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The Phoenix Tree: An Anthology of Myth Fantasy
by
Robert H Boyer and Kenneth J Zahorski
MartyV
, May 01, 2011
Myths, legends and fairy tales, written in the 19th and 20th centuries. Each story begins with a brief biography of its writer and background on the story. Writing style changes and language evolution through the years are very apparent, and this book would be perfect for a student of fantasy. If you love modern fantasy, this isn't the book for you.
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Phoenix & Ashes
by
Mercedes Lackey
MartyV
, December 13, 2010
I love this retelling of the Cinderella story. The two main characters are each grown and developed throughout the story; the evil stepmother is extremely evil. Along the way we learn about English life around the time of the Great War, and what age old traditions were being overturned. A page turner for sure, as are so many of Mercedes Lackey's books.
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High Druid of Shannara: Tanequil
by
Brooks, Terry
MartyV
, November 18, 2010
I love books that tell separate stories about the main characters and slowly bring them all to the same place. This is book 2 of a trilogy, so the characters aren't quite all together yet, but their journeys are beginning to point to that spot. I wanted to start book 3, ASAP!
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Otherworld
by
Mercedes Lackey, Holly Lisle, Mark Shepherd
MartyV
, October 27, 2010
The only thing better than a story by Mercedes Lackey is having two stories in one book. Both are mysteries dealing with some gritty crimes, low-life characters and an elf or two. Both stories are real page turners, not suitable for reading yourself to sleep, because you will not get sleepy.
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Heretics Of Dune
by
Frank Herbert
MartyV
, October 09, 2010
Each character is developed so well you can almost feel what they feel. This is a tale about saving humanity, that illustrates the limitless possibilities of human development. Sometimes though, it's necessary to revert to basics to find true humanity. If you like any of the Dune books, this continues in the same vein.
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Drastic Dragon Of Drago Texas
by
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
MartyV
, August 30, 2010
An improbable story from the start, it got less believable the more I read. It also had a sloppy ending; I won't be looking for more by this author.
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To Rule In Amber
by
John G Betancourt
MartyV
, August 11, 2010
This final book of the New Amber Trilogy certainly carries on in the same magical tradition with thoroughly developed characters and well described landscapes. A new source of power needs to be understood before it can be used, outsiders who are more than observers make a move and family ties are not always what they seem. At the end of the story there are many questions and possibilities, so I'm sure there will be more stories set in these lands.
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Godmother Godmother 1
by
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
MartyV
, August 11, 2010
I knew this book is the first in a series of "Godmother" stories, and the price was right. I'm so glad I took a chance, the story is perfect light reading for vacations and plane rides. It's a lighthearted fairy tale set in today's world. The evil is truly evil, the good is determined and the magic, which comes with a price, is shaky. I'll look for the sequels for my next trip.
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Atlantis Endgame A New Time Traders Adventure
by
Andre Norton
MartyV
, July 04, 2010
Who are the Baldies? Are they the bad guys? Can a novice time traveler really be of any help? Is this what Atlantis was like? All these questions and more are answered in this episode of the Time Traders. If you love a mystery, this is for you.
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Generation Warriors Planet Pirates 3
by
Anne McCaffrey
MartyV
, July 04, 2010
Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon developed 4 characters who simultaneously have their own adventures which you just know are going to impact each other. Sure enough, they all come together (with a few more surprises) at the end - very interesting page turner.
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