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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 3, Number 11 November 2004 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Bookshelf Harold's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf

Klausner's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf
Semi True
Russell Ringsak
Globe Pequot Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
0762730943 $19.95 www.globepequot.com

Twelve years of hauling stage equipment for public radio's Prairie Home Companion show led hauler/author Ross Ringsak to become privy to some amazing stories gleaned from truck stops, blues bars and more. Fans of Prairie Home Companion will be the likely audience for his social survey of factual tales encountered during the course of truck driving. Semi True: Seasons On The Road With A Prairie Home Companion's Resident Writer And Truck Driver a lively first-person account of close encounters of the folk kind.

The Wisdom Of Alexander The Great
Lance Kurke, Ph.D.
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814408206 $21.95 www.amacombooks.org

In The Wisdom Of Alexander The Great , author Lance Kurke's principle focus is on the leadership and leadership lessons of Alexander of Macedonia, providing both historical background and insights into how Alexander made a habit of re-posing problems for maximum solutions. The approach is recommended for both history and business students at the college level and provides some excellent new insights based on history and one especially notable leader's strategies that are as effective today as they were more than two millennia ago.

Postal Seance
Henrik Drescher
Chronicle Books
85 2nd St., San Francisco CA 9405
0811840271 $19.95 www.chroniclebooks.com

Presented in the visual postcard style of Griffin And Sabine, Postal Seance: A Scientific Investigation Into The Possibility Of A Postlife Postal Existence is a fun hypothesis where author/illustrator Henrik Drescher wonders about the ability of inhabitants of the afterworld to receive letters using earthly mailboxes as portals. His experiment here: to address correspondence to the dead: his intention, to chronicle the efforts to contact made by James Joyce, Bucky Fuller, and others. An odd, fun visually embellished collection evolves.

A Fury for God
Malise Ruthven
Granta UK/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053
1862075735 $16.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Malise Ruthven's revised, updated survey has been expanded with a new analysis of U.S. policies in the Middle East and the war on terror' since 9/11: add this expansion to a fine scholarly survey of Islamic history and the religious and intellectual growth of the region and you have an in-depth college-level analysis of the history and causes of the rise of militant Islam.

Science Fiction Poster Art
Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh, editors
Aurum Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1854109464 $29.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Color reproductions from science fiction posters pack a gorgeous presentation which focuses as much on the background history and talents of the artists themselves as on the works. Tony Nourmand is co-owner of a poster gallery in London and a poster consultant for Christie's; Graham Marsh is a designer and art director: their joint efforts here pack genre history with full-page poster reproductions in living color. A highly recommended visual treat.

Cape Cod
Henry David Thoreau
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
048643931 $7.95 1-800-223-3130 www.doverpublications.com

Henry David Thoreau is most often associated with Walden Pond, but his treatise on Cape Cod has been applauded by many as one of the best written about the area, even to this day. Dover's reprint of CAPE COD documents encounters with the ocean, experiences of local fishermen and farmers alike, and details on the region's exploration and growth, making Thoreau's CAPE COD a naturalist's dream story.

Slave Insurrections in the United States, 1800-1865
Joseph Cephas Carroll
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
0486434478 $12.95 1-800-223-3130 www.doverpublications.com

One of the southern slave owner's greatest fears was of a mass rebellion of their slaves an event which never occurred. In fact, there were surprisingly few uprisings, and accounts of them have been a largely neglected part of American history. Dr. Joseph Carroll's objective was to document these movements: his treatise saw print in 1938 in Boston and here enjoys an excellent, new reprint in Dover's classic, affordable paper edition.

Reconstruction in Philosophy
John Dewey
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
0486434389 $8.95 1-800-223-3130 www.doverpublications.com

Written shortly after World War I, John Dewey's classic RECONSTRUCTION IN PHILOSOPHY offered an introduction to the philosophy of pragmatic humanism, arguing against traditional philosophy by suggesting their fountains in self-justification were flawed and proposing an examination of core values based on other criteria. Published in 1948, this Dover reprint of the enlarged edition is an important guide to any college-level philosophy collection.

The Poetry Anthology
Joseph Parisi & Stephen Young
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622
1566636043 $16.95 www.ivanrdee.com

THE POETRY ANTHOLOGY gathers works from Poetry Magazine, providing the greatest poems of the last century from Yeats and Eliot to Millay, Hughes, and many more famous names. These are some of the greatest works by the greatest contemporary poets: if only one representative poetry anthology were to be part of a lending collection, make it Joseph Parisi and Stephen Young's THE POETRY ANTHOLOGY. The fact that its editors are also editors of Poetry Magazine only lends further authority to their selection choices.

Artistic License
Brooke Allen
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622
1566635950 $26.00 www.ivanrdee.com

Brooke Allen is a rising literary star whose prior look at 20th century writers received rave reviews; but ARTISTIC LICENSE requires no prior familiarity to stand alone as another excellent literary consideration. Allen's theme here is the dysfunctional, destructive nature of great talent: her survey of changing moral and ideological systems and the rebellion in writer's lives provides quite a lively and critical evaluation of three centuries of good writing and scandalous scholars.

The Bronte Myth
Lucasta Miller
Alfred A. Knopf
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0375412778 $26.95 www.aaknopf.com

Lucasta Miller's THE BRONTE MYTH appeared earlier this year but deserves ongoing mention as an excellent addition to the literature on the Brontes. There've already been numerous books on the topic of each Bronte family member: so why the need for yet another? Lucasta Miller goes a step further in her coverage, showing how the Brontes became cultural symbols as their novels were published, and providing insights into how this happened. Recommended for any college-level literary collection.

A Meal Observed
Andrew Todhunter
Alfred A. Knopf
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0375410856 $23.00 www.aaknopf.com

Gourmet food fan Andrew Todhunter is both the American who travels in search of the best local foods and a writer who have spent months in restaurant kitchens learning behind-the-scenes processes: as such, his A MEAL OBSERVED is the perfect description of how a professional orchestrated kitchen is run. The reader may wonder how a single restaurant coverage can take up over two hundred pages: the meal in question is itself a five-hour affair: take in-depth descriptions of French dishes, add memoirs of the author's American childhood and foods, consider cooking methods and politics and add liberal dash of recipes at book's end and you have the answer.

Powerful Medicines
Jerry Avorn, MD
Alfred A. Knopf
1745 Broadway, 17th fl, NY, NY 10019
0375414835 $27.50 1-800-726-0600 www.aaknopf.com

What are the benefits, risks and real costs of prescription drugs? Doctor Avorn is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a chief of Pharmacoepidemiology IN Boston: as both a medical doctor and a drug researcher, he's the perfect author for an in-depth survey of the failings of drug prescriptions. From the lack of medical doctor knowledge about medicine effectiveness and comparisons between brands and types to dangerous, little-charted side effects, too-high costs and other health issues, Dr. Avorn provides a hard-hitting analysis of the drug industry and its lasting effects upon consumer health. A must' for any interested in drug-related studies and safety.

Secrets of the Soul
Eli Zaretsky
Alfred A. Knopf
1745 Broadway, 17th fl, NY, NY 10019
0679446540 $30.00 1-800-726-0600 www.aaknopf.com

Eli Zaretsky's SECRETS OF THE SOUL is the first to synthesize the international history of psychoanalysis, from its origins to modern times, showing how Freud's teachings set the stage for the sexual revolution of the 1960s and the modernization of society. Zaretsky's articles on the history of family, psychoanalysis and modern culture have served as precedents to this his opus of psychoanalytical history.

Pushing the Limits
Henry Petroski
Alfred A. Knopf
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
1400040515 $25.00 1-800-726-0600 www.aaknopf.com

In the push for longer bridges, taller buildings and larger-scale projects of all sizes, engineers face new challenges which go beyond physics to tackle the aesthetics and functionality of engineering itself. Henry Petroski's PUSHING THE LIMITS tells stories of daring enterprizes which envisioned engineering achievements beyond ordinary measure; from Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Bridge to China's Three Gorges Dam project. His isn't just a celebration of technological achievement either: PUSHING THE LIMITS also examines the underlying costs and problems of such projects, focusing on both design and human challenges in the process.

Issues in the French-Speaking World
Michael Kline &Nancy Mellerski
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
031332154X $45.00 www.greenwood.com

Relationships between France and the rest of the world have often been strained, with tensions affecting both the identity of French speakers around the globe and issues concerning their heritage and culture. Michael Kline and Nancy Mellerski are professors of French at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania: their discussions of social issues ranging from immigration and European integration to Quebec's separatism and various social movements in other French-speaking nations make for an important college-level survey for any library strong in French studies.

The Haitian Americans
Flore Zephir
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313322961 $45.00 www.greenwood.com

By the time Haiti's Duvalier died in 1971 he'd pushed an already-poor nation to the brink of misery: his legacies were his son and millions of refugees, who struggled to escape a sinking country. Flore Zephir's THE HAITIAN AMERICANS discusses a growing number of Haitians in America, from the standing of their legal and illegal immigration to this country to Haitian history, culture, and society within the U.S. An important survey of Haitian immigrant concerns evolves.

The Basics of Biology
Carol Leth Stone
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313317860 $75.00 www.greenwood.com

Joining others in the basics of hard sciences' series is an important guide recommended as a pick for any student of college-level biology including quite a few at the advanced high school level. Students here receive an introduction to the science of biology, an overview of the history and key scientists and concepts involved in the discipline, and a topical arrangement which lends to easy browsing and information retrieval. An outstanding introduction combining simplicity of access with concrete facts.

Women in Medicine
Ted Grant & Sandy Carter
Firefly Books
155 East 34th St. #5B, NY NY 10016
1552979067 $39.95 www.fireflybooks.com

80 percent of modern health care providers are female, but there is little mention of this excess in discussions of health care provision. Ted Grant and Sandy Carter, a photojournalist and freelance photographer, decided to collaborate on this photographic tribute to all women medical professionals from doctors to med techs: their WOMEN IN MEDICINE is both a visual display of women on the job and a survey of how women have contributed to the medical profession.

How to Avoid Falling
Eric Frederikson
Firefly Books
155 E. 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
1554070198 $19.95 www.fireflybooks.com

If only one book on eldercare were to be obtained with the purpose of preserving quality of life, it should be Eric Frederikson's HOW TO AVOID FALLING. Falling is one of the major causes of disability and death in the elderly: the active aging who desire independence must have this guide, which covers all the risks of falling, methods for easily fall-proofing a home, and avoiding common falling hazards outside the home. The remainder provides strengthening exercises and encourages mobility as a way of building muscles and avoiding falls.

Eating Disorders
Jim Kirkpatrick & Paul Caldwell
Firefly Books
155 E. 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
1552979768 $16.95 www.fireflybooks.com

Eating disorders aren't a product of dieting trends or fashion goals: they are long-standing diseases which first appeared in the late 1600s and affect young and old alike. EATING DISORDERS reveals the possible causes, effects and treatments of disorders ranging from Anorexia nervosa to pica and selective eating, offering nine chapters which blend medical facts with case histories.

Wine Label Language
Peter Saunders
Firefly Books
155 E. 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
155297720X $19.95 www.fireflybooks.com

Wine expert Peter Saunders provides a very basic guide designed to help all levels of reader through the potentially confusing wine label in WINE LABEL LANGUAGE. An arrangement by country helps lend quick accessibility to WINE LABEL LANGUAGE, with major wine regions and producers covered from Canada and Chile to South Africa and Germany. There's a major distinction between the descriptions of old-style European wines and newer wines: thus WINE LABEL LANGUAGE is broken down into two distinct sections to reflect this difference, making it easy to absorb.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor

Harold's Bookshelf
The Way of the Shepherd
Dr. Kevin Leman, William Pentak
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310250978 $14.99 117 pp. plus notes

More than just another management book, The Way of the Shepherd relates sound people management practices to shepherding. Basically it takes seven of the most important principles of shepherding and relates them to managing productive people who want to work for you. The seven principles are each set in their own chapter and covered in detail: Know the Condition of Your Flock, Discover the Shape of Your Sheep, Help Your Sheep Identify with You, Make Your Pasture a Safe Place, The Staff of Direction, The Rod of Correction, The Heart of the Shepherd.

Basically by explaining various important aspects of good shepherding the authors provide solid object lessons in managing people. Each chapter ends with a short synopsis of the major points. There is a lot of wisdom concentrated in these seven principles and I found myself printing them out on a small card that I can carry with me. The Way of the Shepherd is a highly recommended purchase and can be applied to many different kings of "flocks" family, church, service groups, or any other group you care about.

Beginning Perl, Second Edition
James Lee, Simon Cozens, Peter Wainwright
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 159059391X $39.99 383 plus appendix and index

Another winning title from Apress, Beginning Perl, Second Edition provides a strong base of knowledge for anyone new to Perl or who needs to broaden their knowledge. Each of the fifteen chapters examines one of the common uses of Perl and provides sufficient detail to actually write some pretty sophisticated programs. It is pretty much impossible to do anything of any value in Perl without understanding data types, operators, and variables so these are all covered first. From there the reader enters the world of flow control constructs, lists and arrays, hashes, subroutines, and functions. This section includes information on passing arguments, an area that is left out of a lot of beginning books and is an exercise in frustration trying to find out how to do. The reader next moves on to regular expressions, file and data handling, string processing, interfacing with the operating system, and references. Finally the book winds up with object-oriented Perl, modules, CGI, and using Perl with DBI to interact with a SQL database.

The book is well written with lots of code examples so you can see exactly how something should be written to work correctly. While you might want a Perl cookbook to help resolve particular problems when you come across them, Beginning Perl, Second Edition is a great choice to move from no knowledge or little knowledge of Perl to becoming an intermediate Perl user. It is highly recommended to anyone wanting to acquire a well-rounded foundation in Perl.

The Child Safety Guide for New and Expecting Parents
Christian J. Bezick
SafeKids Books
1500 South Dixie Highway, Third Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33146
ISBN: 0975889508 $12.95 188 pp. plus appendixes and index

One of the things new parents have to deal with is how to change their home, their thinking, and their habits to make them all safer for children. The Child Safety Guide for New and Expecting Parents examines how to prepare for your new child and protect them from harm. The author covers many areas of child safety including childproofing your house (cabinets, electrical outlets, stairs, etc.), purchasing a child friendly crib, car seats, choking, poison, and water hazards. Especially for a new parent there are many things that are often overlooked. It would seem reasonable to assume that a child's walker or an older child's bunk bed is safe, but they often are not. Because of this, Christian J. Bezick also takes a close look at safety considerations for bunk beds, walkers, toy chests, playpens, and other common equipment and furniture for children. The Child Safety Guide for New and Expecting Parents is a highly recommended resource for all new parents.

Dive Into Python
Mark Pilgrim
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590593561 $39.99 385 pp. plus appendixes and index

Dive Into Python does exactly what you would expect from the title. The author takes you right into Python by going through installation in the first chapter and you are already writing a program in the second chapter. This is a book designed for the person who wants to just jump in and get right to work with Python without a lot of preliminary theoretical work. That makes it an ideal book for anyone who has written programs before in Perl, Java, or other languages and already understands things like flow control and similar programming constructs.

The book starts with the basics and by the end has given the reader a good foundation in Python. Areas covered include declaring functions, dictionaries, lists, variables, string formatting, objects, importing modules, working with classes, exceptions, file objects, loops, regular expressions, html processing, xml processing, scripts and streams, http web services, SOAP web services, refactoring, and dynamic functions. With lots of code examples it is easy to follow along with the text and begin writing useful programs quickly.

This is a basic text on Python. It includes everything you need to start programming basic programs. There are more advanced books available but they all tend to assume that you at least have this foundational knowledge in order to understand how they use Python to access a database or make your program network aware with TCP/IP functions, or similar more advanced functions. If you are new to Python this is an excellent place to start and get up to speed quickly by actually working with the program from the first day. Dive Into Python is a highly recommended purchase.

SpamAssassin
Alan Schwartz
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596007078 $24.95 185 pp. plus appendix and index

SpamAssassin is the immensely popular open-source spam solution for the Linux/Unix world. This book covers version 3.0, which, curiously enough, is not included with the book. This is pretty unusual in the open-source world since it costs very little to put a copy of the program onto CD and bind it into the book.

The reasons for SpamAssassin's popularity include its high level of customizability, the ability to change the rules and the weights assigned to those rules, automatically report spam to clearinghouses, ability to interface with other resources on the internet including DNS blacklists, ability to create a whitelist, and the ability to work with a wide variety of mail systems including sendmail, Postfix, qmail, and Exim. One of the really nice features is the ability for the system to automatically add a person to the whitelist if you send an outgoing email to that person.

Of course all of this requires an understanding of how SpamAssassin works and how to configure and tweak it to get it to do what you want. That is where this book comes in. The author has done an excellent job of explaining not only the concepts but also the details of how SpamAssassin works and how to tweak it to work best in your environment. This is easily one of the most clearly written and understandable books on configuring the software that I have read. SpamAssassin is highly recommended for anyone on a Unix-like system who is considering using the program as a spam control solution.

The Well-Fed Writer: Back For Seconds
Peter Bowerman
Fanove Publishing
3713 Stonewall Circle, Atlanta, GA 30339
ISBN: 0967059852 $19.95 196 pp. plus multiple appendixes and index

Although it is a follow-up companion to his original book The Well-Fed Writer, this book contains almost entirely new content. If you want to start earning a real living writing then one of the easiest paths is through copywriting. That is the focus of the earlier book and this one. In this book author Peter Bowerman takes a lot of the questions and success stories that were a result of his first book and provides the answers as well as how they did it. Probably the most important part of this work is the detailed information on marketing yourself as a copywriter. The first book gave you all the information on how to succeed at copywriting but was thin on how to market yourself. This book makes up for that deficiency and does an excellent job at it. With both books you have everything you need to start on a career in writing.

The book contains multiple appendixes including a summary of the original Well-Fed Writer, selected profiles of people who have become successful in copywriting, business start-up information, and a selection of writing and marketing resources. The Well-Fed Writer: Back for Seconds is a recommended purchase for anyone looking to make a career or additional income in writing and is an excellent follow-up to the original book.

Relationship Rights (and Wrongs)
Beth Sampson, Melinda Wyant Jansen, M.S.
Checkpoint Publishing
10936 N. Port Washington #269
Mequon, WI 53092
ISBN: 0972235205 $16.00 175 pp. plus appendixes and index

This book is divided into three distinct sections. In the first one the authors discuss the common elements in most healthy and mutually supportive relationships. The second part examines where you are in your relationship and provides a reality check for that relationship. The final part provides additional information for getting help, and selecting an appropriate therapist if you want to take that direction.

The book begins with a partners' agreement that states "Both partners in a relationship are individual human beings and deserve to be treated that way". This is part of the ground rules for a relationship and the mutual respect that is absolutely required for a healthy relationship. After this they provide a quiz that can be used to help determine where you are in your relationship. It starts with determining what rights you should have and should not have in a relationship. After all, "if you don't know what is right they how do you know when something is wrong?" So they establish a baseline for the things that should exist.

The relationship rights are divided into three categories using the metaphor of a traffic light. Green rights are ones that you should have in your relationship. They are part of what makes you unique and part of who you are and represent rights that should be protected. Yellow rights are benefits from the relationship that you should be receiving. If you are not receiving enough of them then it is an area that needs to be examined. Red rights are ones that are related to safety and you should have them to protect yourself. If they do not exist in the relationship then there is a major problem. This is arguably one of the most important parts of this book. It provides guidance about what you should expect in your relationship and a valuable checklist to determine where things may be wrong.

Relationship Rights (and wrongs): A Guide to the Best Possible Relationship and a Reality Check When it Isn't is a recommended read. It may not be the best on determining what to do to fix a relationship but it is very good in helping to pinpoint what is wrong.

No, I Want Daddy!
Nadine Brun-Cosme
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
ISBN: 0618381570 $14.00 28 pp. Ages: 5 - 7

What happens when Mama is not in the best of moods and says "No" to Anna's requests? Well soon enough Anna is not in a good mood either and wants Daddy to do all the things Mama would normally do. Anna soon learns that this attitude leaves her feeling that something is wrong. A well-written story with charming illustrations and an important lesson, No, I Want Daddy! is a recommended children's book.

Mystery at the Club Sandwich
Doug Cushman
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
ISBN: 0618419691 $15.00 32 pp. Age: 4 - 8

Written in the style of an old Phillip Marlow detective story but for young children, Mystery at the Club Sandwich is a great story with plenty of amusing word play. Even the pictures are black-and-white like the old movie series. It is the story of Club Sandwich singer Lola Gale (a fox) who lost her marbles - her six lucky marbles. It is up to Nick Trunk (an elephant) to solve the mystery and locate her marbles. With only the clues of a peanut butter smudge and an ostrich feather it will be a hard case to solve. Join Nick Trunk as he investigates the magician entertainer, the cook, and even Ms. Gale's personal employee seeking to solve the crime. Wonderfully written entertainment for adults and children Mystery at the Club Sandwich is a highly recommended book for young children.

Football Physics: The Science of the Game
Timothy Gay, Ph.D.
Rodale Press
33 East Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
ISBN: 157954911X $21.95 257 pp. plus appendix and index

If you are a football fan but could never really quite get a grip on physics Timothy Gay may have the answer for you. Basic Newtonian physics are used to explain what happens when two players of different mass collide, the best pursuit patterns, ball spiral, and even why passes go further in the Denver Broncos stadium when compared to Giants Stadium. Or conversely, he uses football to explain Newtonian physics. Either way, by approaching the subject from the standpoint of a common background (football) the author makes basic physics easy to comprehend.

Football Physics: The Science of the Game is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a great way to introduce students to physics in a way that illustrates its application in every day life. I wish a book like this had been available when I was first learning physics, it would have been a lot more fun.

XML Publishing with AxKit
Kip Hampton
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596002165 $29.95 192 pp. plus index

XML seems to be on the mind of just about everyone who publishes information to the Internet. The big advantage is the ability to take content and publish it in various formats from a single source. As a general rule when you are talking about XML you are talking about using Java to implement it. AxKit gives the user the ability to publish XML documents using Perl. That means that you will have to have Perl installed to use it. Basically the prerequisites are an Apache server, the mod_perl Apache extension module, an XML parser written in Perl or in C with a Perl interface module, and the AxKit distribution. One you have all that put together and functioning you can start using the book to learn how to publish XML documents with AxKit. The actual techniques in the book are straightforward and well explained. If you are familiar with Perl there is nothing complex here, just a few different things to learn but nothing bizarre. With plenty of sample scripts so you can follow along and write your own following the examples XML Publishing with AxKit is a recommended read for people who are very familiar with Perl and want to get up and running with XML publishing with the minimum of effort.

OpenOffice.org Writer
Jean Hollis Weber
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596008260 $24.95 208 pp. plus index

OpenOffice.org is the Open Source competitor to the Microsoft Office suite. Part of the suite, OpenOffice.org Writer is the word processor component and the only one covered in this book. The book does include a CD-ROM with a copy of OpenOffice.org for various operating systems including Linux, Mac, Solaris, and Windows. This book is a thorough introduction to the Writer software and includes configuration, writing, editing, review, page layout, templates, styles, fields, table of contents, indexes, bibliographies, and working with graphics. Basically, just about everything that you are likely to use in a business environment is covered. Some things are easier done in OpenOffice than in Word, and some are easier in Word. I did find that after spending about an hour with the software I was able to do everything I normally do in Word plus create a much more efficient interface to merge data from a dbase file into a template for a mail merge. I was a pleasure working with a product that interfaced well with other programs, something Microsoft products are not generally known for doing well, if at all. My experience with the software was very positive and the book a tremendous help at greatly lowering the learning curve. OpenOffice.org Writer is a highly recommended book for anyone thinking about looking at this product as an alternative to Microsoft Office.

Finding a Church You Can Love and Loving the Church You've Found
Kevin Harney, Sherry Harney
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310246792 $9.99 160 pp.

With so many people floundering around from church to church trying to find one they can call their home this is a very timely book. Within its pages the authors detail a plan to help the reader find a place they can call their church. The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the church itself from a Biblical perspective and its purpose on the earth. The second part looks at various types of congregations you are likely to encounter. And the third part is about finding your place among God's People.

At the end of each chapter are actions you can take, direction for prayer to assist you, questions for reflection, and sometimes even tools to help you evaluate yourself and a church service to see if it is a place where you will be happy. In chapter nine they end up with five specific steps to find the church you can love. At the end of that chapter they even include questions to ask a leader at a potential church home so you can start the visiting process with a short list of those who are probably a good match with your family. Highly recommended path to find that church you love while still addressing the importance of prayer to help you find God's will for you in a church. Finding a Church You Love and Loving the Church You've Found is highly recommended.

Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer

Kaveny's Bookshelf
Reflections on Michel Foucault (Or How Do Yeah Spell Episteme)

In this months Kaveny's Bookshelf I will reflect at bit on works and influence of French Philosopher and "historian of systems of thought. Michel Foucault (1926 -1984). But I will Be doing so from a phenomenological standpoint as one must if Michel Foucault's work is have any relevance whatsoever to existential world of ordinary real life experience. The reason I favor a phenomenological approach is that it allows one to strip away many of the filters that are placed between you and the object of your study by an academic establishment which in most cases has no other agenda than to further its own purpose, and which demands that you speak in such reified levels that your work becomes totally removed from ordinary language as to be virtually unintelligible to all even to yourself.

Foucault's writings are of demonstrably enormous impact on many fields, including literary criticism and theory, philosophy (especially philosophy of science in the French speaking world), critical theory, queer theory, history, history of science and even in the " hard sciences " (especially scientific medicine), critical pedagogy, and the sociology of knowledge, which he transformed altogether because he was able to excavate past the bedrock of the grounding assumptions which were used in within these fields to define their functions, and which we have based our successive constructions of historical epochs and the knowledge we used to gain access to them. For example the phrase "The Enlightenment is a phrase (our age of reason) was used for at least the last century to describe the period of Northern European History from roughly from the end of The Thirty Years War 1618- 1648 to 1789 the year of the onset of The French Revolution to describe a "Golden Age" of the expansion of secular knowledge, ideas of human freedom, the brotherhood man, and the concept of inalienable rights upon which the American declaration of independence is bases. According received knowledge Paris, London, Edinburgh Berlin, and as St Petersburg, and Geneva were centers of this movement. Which though to replace faith with reason and superstition with science. Some went to far as to say that humanity might even find its way back to heaven on earth. An old woman was heard to say on the eve of the French Revolution that. "they will even find a cure for death, but by that time I will be dead. Yet in 1800 a woman was legally hanged for witchcraft in Geneva Switzerland, a radical center of" The Enlightenment" How did that Happen. Perhaps were he alive Michel Foucault might suggest that we perhaps might wish to do further historical research on we have historically developed our concept The Enlightened. As just a side bar I would add that The Salem Witch Trials in the British American Colony of Massachusetts can be roughly dates in the late 1680's and 1690's.

In my own experience as a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Madison (Forty Years ago) I had the privileged of taking two a two-semester introduction to American history from the Pulitzer prize winning revisionist American Historian Leon Litwack. In the first semester of the course I was required to read two books that were both very Influential in the construction of American Historical Discourse in the mid 20th Century.

The Mind of The South
Wilbur J. Cash
Random House USA Inc
ISBN: 0394700988 $19.95 (Originally published in 1940)

and

Andrew Jackson: Symbol for an Age
John William
Ward Paperback
Oxford University Press, 1955
ISBN: 0195006992 $12.95 286 pages

Both books are readily available on Amazon and still taught forty years later. One of them The Mind of The South is significant and of lasting value, because it deals s with the mythological basis and function of the concept of Southern Woman as an instrument of hegemonic oppression which negated the possibility of collective populists action between born whites and recently freed black slaves. The other Andrew Jackson Symbol is constructed through what Foucault would call the process of monumentialization and is significant only as an example of that process and the constructed nature of historical mid 20th Century historical discourse

Of course I am only giving you a snapshot of Michel Foucault's work based largely on insights gained from my wife Dr. Janice Bogstad, but it is not unfair to say Foucault sought to rid discourse of false dichotomies and illusionary unities of discourse such as tradition, influence, development, evolution, spirit, oeuvre are all of which are ways of conceiving history as continuous. Instead Foucault sought to describe statements in 'discursive formations," by which he meant that things like medicine, economics, or grammar understood as 'large troops of statements unified by a system of dispersion. For him there was no positive unity in these fields, at least as it had been represented in the past.

Tradition, influence, development, evolution, spirit, oeuvre are all ways of conceiving history as continuous. Foucault seeks instead to conceive of the past in terms ch as discontinuity, rupture, threshold, limit, series and transformation for the French word enonce (a known say), meaning "a serious speech act intended to be part of a body of knowledge" he spoke of the Archaeology of Knowledge, because he considered it his job to seek out the conditions under which a certain 'statement' (enonce) were made he sought to 'rupture' them or 'reduce' them in doing so he wants to explode the notion of truth or authority and show that it is an illusion created by the further illusion that a particular discourse like medicine etc. is merely an agreed upon set of conventions. Directly Quoting my wife again from my twelve year old notes which I saved to disk and recently accessed again.

"(just like, it seems to me, mathematics or the library of congress classification system in other words my words this time the only truth we know is the illusion that a particular instance which fits well into our general explanations of a phenomenon is 'true" in fact this also sounds like the old literary theory of drama of verisimilitude you make a drama look like it is realistic by making it seem a seamless whole of course, this cannot be done since it is discourse you see how you can create all sorts of interesting possibilities for what can and what cannot be enunciated within a particular discursive practice).

My favorite book of his is still The Order of Things, but then, I am a librarian and even if I'm not a cataloger I love to think about what systems include and exclude."

Philip Kaveny's own twelve year old notes

"Me we seek to raise the monument rather than to monumentalize the effect. My favorite historical quote used to be.

"Stalingrad was final resolution between the Hegelian Right and Left wing." Fits well we know the players and it may stop conversation at a cocktail party for just a bit and it is the kind of thing one can say time after, after time.

Yesterday may favorite live German who was there in who lived through the war as part of Nazi culture in Germany and speaks of Nazi's as if they were humans. Told me that Germans and Russians fought so such with terror was that their language was so different and they had nothing in common"

Which was to say perhaps the common soldiers and even the Generals had not read or did not care about Hegel.

I must confess here I have slightly miss directed my reader who I hope will forgive because I have paved my road with good intentions. My German quote is only to illustrate that we may not know as much as we think and even elegant prose does not bring us any closer to understanding. Article is not so much about Michel Foucault as an attempt to illustrate one of his concepts "Episteme" Which loosely means the way in which we organize or knowledge systems and how disjunctions with in them are more significant than apparent continuities. For the last five years of the 1980's my wife fought to use the concept in her doctoral dissertation but was forced to abandon it by here committee because it was just two new and weird even though it did at that time appear in The Oxford English Dictionary. Now the concept is so pervasive that my Microsoft spell checker picks it up as correct, and when I do a Google search for on the Internet it turns up 97,000 hits.

Now to the punch line selling books in Boston at World Science Fiction convention in Boston one of my customers noticed that I had imported and had to very expensive medical books for sale at rock bottom prices.

Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease: Contemporary Neurology Series 62
Oxford University Press
www.amazon.com
ISBN: 0195132890 $110.00 575 pages

and

HIV Neurology Hardcover, first edition
Oxford University Press
www.amazon.com
ISBN: 0195133633 $95.00 276 pages

I have been informed by experts in the fields that both books are extremely important pieces of professional literature, and that I was doing a service by making them available world wide at an affordable price.

My buyer a specialist in there area considered buying my entire inventory but first he had to check the world wide price range for this book which he did instantly using his PDA and l through the Wireless Web Network at the Hynnes Convention Center in Boston Massachusetts by the 62 World Science Fiction Convention which drew about six thousand attendees. He decided he could not take the books based on his information sources but more important me he gave me a theme for this article.

Using the same information technology and knowledge structures which my associate used to make his wholesale buying decision the World Wide Web. I assembled my information sources for this for this article in less then one very hard working day.

This is what we mean by "A new Episteme" When I returned to graduate school in 1990 even with an unlimited research budget it would have most of the information sources which I used to write this article were not in place, and I would conjecture that it would have taken more time and resources then one is allowed to write a doctoral dissertation to complete. And I could have had to fight a protracted war against my committee to entitle it "The Dawn of a New Episteme" How ever had I succeeded I might be working at Harvard or MIT rather than receiving a pension as a retired janitor. Well if you did not get the proof of this article is not so much how I represented Michel Foucault but How I assembled the information. I have been told by those in the know that my knowledge of Michel Foucault is minimal at best and discursive perhaps, but in this case at least I would argue that the proof of what I say about him is in the pudding of the technology I used to assembled the article. I am not necessarily a technological optimist by any means and I would add the mechanism of cultural terror and hegemonic oppression are historically ever presented and always available to those who have access to the fields of power. Don't forget in 1800 a woman was legally hanged for witchcraft in Geneva Switzerland, a radical center of" The Enlightenment" Now I am off Democratic Headquarters here in Eau Claire in the best and worst of times to do my best to make a difference.

Part Two, or how I became involved in Buffy studies over the last two weeks.

This is a copy of a proposal I submitted (and withdrew) to next years International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA) conference next spring. I won't be attending the conference but instead will be presenting my research findings in the form of my April 2005 Kaveny's Bookshelf. The reason I will be presenting it through Midwest Book Review and other web resources is that two division heads within the organization (IAFA) found it to be a bad fit and I refused to make modifications which would narrow its scope and focus which were suggested by another division head. As I told one of the division heads, (in the words of that immortal Frank Sinatra), I insist on having it my way. What follows is the text of that proposal as I submitted it and some of the additional explanatory material I might have sent to that same division had I chosen to clarify my intention. The reason I chose not to do this was that based on my twenty eight years as a public employee AFSCME labor union member, union steward, and union vice president, and eight years as a graduate student that I was being stonewalled by someone who felt on the basis of their historical role and their perceived disparity of power over me they could control and modify the direction that my work study or discourse might take by stating something that they found was quite important but I felt was self evident and trivial, so since it was a question disparity of value we could go no further. Of course a boss has a right to do that, and a graduate advisor has a duty to do this, but a colleague does not. This was particularly true in the case of International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA) because I am a retired independent scholar funding myself, and my total conference expenses would have been around a thousand dollars. Had I third party funding then of course my division head?s of approval my proposal would have been worth a lot of money, but since that was not the case I just with drew it. What follows is a copy of that same proposal followed by how I am actually doing Buffy Studies.

The Buffy Phenomena I propose to implement A Transformational Phenomenology of The Fantastic and use the television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer as a case study: I have chosen to develop a phenomenological approach to inform my study of the entire television series: (across seven seasons 1996-2002) "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". My proposal is result of my observations over my last twenty seven years as creative writer, reviewer, critic , and editor within the field of the fantastic that a significant amount of work within this field is becoming progressively more remote from its object of study. I have chosen a phenomenological methodology because it allows me to strip away the seemingly infinite layers of the filters that are placed between one and the object of ones study by parts of an academic establishment which in many cases has no other agenda than to further its own purpose, and which demands that one to speak in such refined registers that one's message becomes totally removed from ordinary language and thus virtually unintelligible to all, even to oneself. It is my intent in this paper to further develop refine and present a research methodology which will both enhance our understanding of The Buffy Phenomena, and generalize to other areas of the Fantastic This paper is dedicated to Frederic Pohl who suggested this methodology 1996 in his speech to the SFRA conference in Eau Claire Wisconsin. Philip E. Kaveny University of Wisconsin Madison

What A Transformational Phenomenology of The Fantastic means in practice is that have borrowed the first six seasons out of seven seasons on DID from the eighteen-year-old daughter of a dear friend on mine and I am watching each season at the rate of five or six episodes a night with my wife and sometimes with Jennifer who is very intelligent and a real Buffy expert in a way that a sixty-year critic with a Ph.D. in film theory could never be because of his more than forty year time and experience difference from the Buffy universe. It also helps that my wife has a doctorate in comparative literature, and is presently doing work in popular culture and its relationship to representations of the middle ages in film, most particularly music. I am watching the episodes in real-time with almost no fore know edge of the direction of the series as was evidenced my recent conversation with my editor and chief James Andrew Cox. I am also not going to any websites or looking at anybody else's Buffy material yet, because I want to see as naive viewer might over seven years with real-time greatly accelerated.

The transformational nature of my study is simply this. First I will immerse myself in the series much as one might learn a language. Then I will questions, and then try to answer the ones which I, or others find the most interesting which have not been addressed by others working in the field. Even this far along I have first question. How is one reception of the Buffy series affected by watching under time compression without commercials just as one example.

I have also noted that certain episodes have a great emotional impact upon my, and my reaction to the character Angels ranged from outright hatred, to pathos which came to a head when I was moved to tears in church as I though about the resolution of the third season Christmas episode. This is a reaction which is very much unlike me. But for now I will just let the question present themselves and then try determine which ones I will answer, and which theoretical and empirical tools I will use to address them.

I am approaching this study as a humanities scholar which I am holding a number of degrees in that area, and also as a Library and Information Studies specialist who focused part of his recent academic work on Internet Resources for humanities scholarship. Since I may be job hunting this is a way to sharpen up my skills.

Phil Kaveny
Senior Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
The Empire of the Stars
Alison Baird
Aspect
ISBN 0446690961 $13.95, 392 pp.

Ailia lived on Mera for seventeen years, never realizing that her mother took her from her home planet Arainia to escape enemies that would kill her before she fulfilled her destiny. Before she left for her home planet, she thwarted Mandrake the shapeshifting dragon and took the Star Stone with her. Most of the Arainia populace sees her as the Tryna Lia, who is fated to rid the worlds of the Celestial Empire of evil. Her tutors teach Ailia how to use her untapped powers although she is content to be an ordinary woman, not a near deity that people revere and fear. On her birthday, Khalazar, a minion of Mandrake though he is unaware of that, sends Ailia a message that he is coming to destroy her. The Tryna Lia is sent into hiding but one of her inner circle is a traitor in league with Mandrake. She is taken to the dragon's home world where she finds a way to travel to Nemorah in the hopes that she can stop Mandrake and end his plans for war. In the beginning of this book Ailia is an unsure, timid maiden afraid of her destiny; by the end, she becomes a warrior, her power fully developed and a champion who is not afraid to fight Mandrake as an equal. Her adventures on her home world, the Dragon's world and Nemorah cause her to grow up fast and take charge of her life. Ironically, readers feel sorry for Mandrake who finds that his dark ways cause the people who truly cared about him to turn their backs on him. Alison Baird's latest work is an enjoyable, entertainingly and totally enthralling coming of age fantasy.

Daughter of Gold
Janeen O'Kerry
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525844 $5.99, 307 pp.

In Eire, Ardal is a member of the king's elite patrol the Fianna. However, more important to the ambitious Ardal is winning at everything at all costs. He especially enjoys defeating his cousin Bryan who he considers a loser because the latter has compassion for people and animals like his horse. Ardal's ultimate victory will occur when he becomes the King when the current monarch Nessan dies. At the Lughnassa Fair, Bryan is attracted to Niamh and her to him. However, he only offers a fourteen day mating as his Lughnassa sister, but she wants all or nothing. Meanwhile, Ardal sees Niamh as a trophy to be won when he out mans his cousin. Still Niamh informs her suitors that they must answer her riddle of what three things do women want if they desire her. This entertaining tale is at its best when the plot focuses on a fabulous historical romance starring two likeable protagonists and an arrogant antagonist who feels everything is a contest won by the swagger of the bring them on courage willing to risk anything to win. When the tale adds on fantasy elements especially involving a wild pony, the story line loses some momentum as these magical components seem forced and fail to blend smoothly into the historical theme. Still readers will enjoy the DAUGHTER OF GOLD as the triangle romance is unique and fun to follow as Ardal makes Niamh the latest competition with his cousin.

Dream of Me
Lisa Cach
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525194 $6.99, 352 pp.

In 1423 Eastern Europe, Theron the incubus admires the unrestrained ambition of Vlad of Wallachia, but detests the wannabe world king since the mortal broke a promise he made to him. Theron wonders if Vlad is "a few stars short in his constellation" especially when it comes to his obsession involving Lucia the virgin. Lucia has been kept apart from men by magical means so that she remains pure in thought and body when her betrothed Vlad comes to collect her as a pawn in the battle with Moldavia. The Incubus decides that Lucia is his instrument to teach the- would- be king a lesson in mortal humility. Still curious about the ways of men with women and encouraged by Theron, Lucia breaks down the magic bonds. Her action enables Theron to visit her with carnal dreams when she sleeps. To his shock, Theron though lacking a heart wants Lucia in the physical realm and his desires seem to be forever to the bewildered Incubus; Lucia reciprocates his deepest feelings. However, Vlad will not sit idly by. Lisa Cach continues her delightful romantic fantasies (see COME TO ME) with this fine character driven tale. The triangle on two planes makes for a fun time for the audience who will believe that Incubi are real. Though the rivalry seems a bit shallow as a prime story line, sub-genre readers will enjoy the competition to gain the love of Lucia, a likable female protagonist escaping from lonely incarceration right into love.

Shop til Yule Drop
Alesia Holliday, Naomi Neale, & Stephanie Rowe
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526077 $6.99, 390 pp.

"A Publicist and a Pear Tree" by Alesia Holliday. In Manhattan, Leah works for the "Bitch Queen at M&M Publishing. Her parents were coming from Ohio for the holidays until her sister gave premature birth with the lives of the twin newborns in jeopardy. With twelve days and counting to Christmas Leah feels alone, but is attracted to Luke. However, is he really her turtle dove mate willing to live and love in a pear tree with her? "King of Orient Are" by Naomi Neale. Queens, New York personal shopper Keely has a love hate relationship with the Christmas holidays as she earns hefty fees as a surrogate shopper, but her clients can be very demanding and bothersome at this time of year. Her job leads her to Neil the Magus and shelter worker Duncan. No comparison between the flamboyant and the staid so why does she want to kiss Duncan under the mistletoe. "Jingle This" by Stephanie Rowe. Her boss Roger dumps copywriter Angie because he has a new sex squeeze. His partner Kyle has wanted Angie for two years, but avoided her, as he fears his feelings for her. Angie makes it clear no more from either boss especially Kyle whom she loves, but he dumped her for her sister and now for their business. Kyle knows he wants Angie forever, but realizes he needs a Christmas miracle following his behavior towards his beloved. These three holiday romance novellas star solid protagonists who make for a fine yuletide reading for contemporary romance fans.

Shadowmarch
Tad Williams
Daw
ISBN: 0756402190 $25.95, 800 pp.

Before humans settled the land, the immortal Qar, creatures of fairy, lived there. At first humans and fairy lived together, but as mankind multiplied seemingly like rabbits to the Fairy, the Qar were forced to relocate onto unpopulated lands. When plague struck, humans blamed the Qar; they killed many and drove the survivors back into the wastelands of the north. When the humans try to expand northward, they run into the shadowline put their by the Fairy to prevent mortals from entering their land. Residents of Southmarch, the realm closest to the shadowline barrier, guard the wall to warn their brethren if the humans penetrate. The Southmarch ruling family is the Eddons, but the patriarch is held hostage in the Southland and the Prince Regent is mysteriously killed leaving twins Briony and Barrick in charge. In Qar, the Fae Hesemnez is ready to take back the land stolen from her people, especially Southmarch. Meanwhile the co-regents worry about the Autarch to their south whose growing empire poses a threat and internally someone is willing to and has killed to rid the land of the Eddons. SHADOWMARCH is fine fantasy on an epic scale in a world in which those wielding magic must battle those who vastly outnumber them (Israel with technology instead of magic vs. the Arab nations). Briony deals with court intrigue to include betrayal by those she trusts while preparing for war; her brother is haunted by nightmares but insists he must head their army against the Qar. Readers will hope that this heroic duo triumph over their enemies though it looks bleak as Tad Williams once again creates a series that rivals the best fantasists.

Newbies
James A. Moore
Dorchester
ISBN: 0843954744 $5.99, 208 pp.

While raising his younger sister Brittany, Chris Corin decides to send her to the exclusive Dunhaven Academy so that she can receive a quality education. Brittany hates the place as she fits in nowhere and with just about no one except a couple of nerds. Within a few days at the place she learns first hand the classifications that define the local youth caste system. Newbies are like her new students; Schoolies are those who have attended the academy for years; finally a Townie is those from the nearby town of Hobbs Point. When students begin to disappear and a Townie turned Schoolie commits suicide, rumors spread that Brittany is the cause. She decides to clear her name, but needs help and receives this from several Schoolies including two adversaries. As they begin to dig deeper, Brittany's most dangerous enemy has turned to evil summoning something from the beyond. Only Brittany if she can conquer her fears stands a chance of defeating this antagonist and its monster. This is an engaging preadolescent horror tale that emphasizes the struggle to belong when one is an outsider, but does so inside a mystery that ultimately takes a twist into the horror genre. The story line grips young readers as they will appreciate how Brittany stands up for herself and her friends against nasty fellow students (think the snob beauties at the prom in Barrymore's Never Been Kissed), bullying Townie, and a malevolence that threatens her life and that of her pals. Youthful fans will appreciate this fine tale as long as they are not attending a sleep over academy.

Singularity
Bill DeSmedt
Per Aspera Press
ISBN: 0974573442 $25.95, 512 pp.

In 1908 Tunguska, a remote part of Siberia, a black hole star the size of an atom with the weight of a billion tons crashes onto the earth, but instead of a gaping diametric hole through the planet, it ends up orbiting inside the orb. Dr. Jack Adler investigates the internal orbiting star and concludes that life is in danger from the celestial object. Someone else obviously knows that too because someone attempts to murder Jack and his team.. CROM Agent Marianne Bonaventure drafts Jonathan Knox to help her prove that Russian billionaire Arkedy Gristin is dealing with weapons of mass destruction. They wrangle an invitation onto the Russian's yacht, but fail to find evidence of WMD activities; instead they learn that Arkedy is working on a secret project involving the black hole. Their discovery of Arkedy's activities proves dangerous, forcing the duo to flee for their lives in order to regroupant and try to figure out a way to stop the Russian from exploiting the star. Bill DeSmedt has written an exciting action-packed techno-thriller that will appeal to fans of Michael Crighton and Arthur C. Clarke. Readers will particularly like the scientific explanations that though complex are made easy to comprehend by the author. Jon and Marianne make a great team professionally and personally while the villain is much more than just an evil Bloefield or Goldfinger. He has in a twisted way a patriotic use for his findings. This talented author should receive accolades for a strong tale. In 1908 Tunguska, a remote part of Siberia, a black hole star the size of an atom with the weight of a billion tons crashes onto the earth, but instead of a gaping diametric hole through the planet, it ends up orbiting inside the orb. Dr. Jack Adler investigates the internal orbiting star and concludes that life is in danger from the celestial object. Someone else obviously knows that too because someone attempts to murder Jack and his team.. CROM Agent Marianne Bonaventure drafts Jonathan Knox to help her prove that Russian billionaire Arkedy Gristin is dealing with weapons of mass destruction. They wrangle an invitation onto the Russian's yacht, but fail to find evidence of WMD activities; instead they learn that Arkedy is working on a secret project involving the black hole. Their discovery of Arkedy's activities proves dangerous, forcing the duo to flee for their lives in order to regroupant and try to figure out a way to stop the Russian from exploiting the star. Bill DeSmedt has written an exciting action-packed techno-thriller that will appeal to fans of Michael Crighton and Arthur C. Clarke. Readers will particularly like the scientific explanations that though complex are made easy to comprehend by the author. Jon and Marianne make a great team professionally and personally while the villain is much more than just an evil Bloefield or Goldfinger. He has in a twisted way a patriotic use for his findings. This talented author should receive accolades for a strong tale.

A Perfect Romance
Anne Robins
Zebra
ISBN: 0821777009 $5.99

In 1912, sea sick Loretta Linden is on the Titanic when the vessel begins to sink. Ship stewardess Marjorie MacTavish gets Loretta moving, but though not feeling well, she helps others to safety during the panic. She especially tries to insure that widow Isabel Golightly and her six-year-old precocious daughter are safe before she insures her own safety. Two years later in San Francisco, Marjorie works as Loretta's secretary while a remarried Isabel runs a dance academy. Loretta believes she must help the downtrodden and puts more than her money up as she often toils at the Ladies' Benevolence League's Soup Kitchen. One night at the soup kitchen, Loretta runs into attractive Malachai Quarles, captain of the Moor's Revenge. He is looking for two missing crewmen and finds one unconscious on the kitchen floor. When mate Peavey regains consciousness, he insists he was held prisoner. No one except Loretta believes him. As Loretta and Malachi argue over whether respectable William Frederick Tillinghurst is behind the abductions and more (she says yes; he says no), they fall in love, but first must solve a bit of a mystery. Historical romance readers will want to read PERFECT ROMANCE and its delightful predecessor (see A PERFECT STRANGER) as both tales are entertaining while providing a fabulous look at a bygone era. The action-packed Americana tale moves forward at quite a clip as the obstinate Loretta (must have right wing Republican blood in her liberal Democratic do-gooder veins) and the realistic but sexist Malachai (it is WW1) argue their way into love. Anne Robins "Perfect" novels are exciting looks at San Francisco during a period of technological transition.

To Love a Princess
Patricia Grasso
Zebra
ISBN: 0821777092 $5.99

In 1820 Stratford on the Avon, Miles Montgomery is a recluse whose wife and unborn child died in a fire and his face became scarred while failing to rescue them. Prince Rudolf Kazanov and Duke John Saint-Germain visit on business. John informs Miles that his wife who is Miles' sister insists he remarry and sire an heir or Terrence the Weasel inherits the estate. In Moscow, Count Sergei Pushkin tells Princess Amber Kazanov that he needs a proper wife instead of the czar's illegitimate daughter. Afterward, Amber overhears her guardian Uncle Fedor discuss selling her to slave trader Count Gromeko, who will use her as a breeder. She flees to England and the protection of her cousin Rudolf. Amber tells him she will not be safe until she has a husband and a baby. Rudolf introduces her to Miles, who agrees to let her stay for a few days, but insists he will never marry again. However, even though he feels guilty, Miles is attracted to Amber. He soon realizes he could love Amber, but fears losing her. When the Russians come for her, will Miles intercede to keep the woman he loves with him or will he assume she chose her handsome former beau? This solid Regency romance stars a wonderful intrepid lead female protagonist and a fabulous support cast that provides depth to the story line and insight into the hero. Miles' constant lament that his scarred face makes him inadequate for love becomes irritable though needed for the climax. The action comes late, but readers will enjoy this fine character-driven tale and seek out the prequel, Rudolf's story TO CHARM A PRINCE.

Kings
Ken Abraham & Daniel Hart
Plume
ISBN: 0452285205 $13.00, 274 pp.

The world is beginning to believe that the simultaneous disappearance of millions of Christians and all the children means the rapture has occurred. War breaks out with General Izbek Noir and his mujahideen forces winning in Africa, Asia and South America. His military is poised to take Turkey and Europe next. A stunned fearful world turns to Azul Dante to stop Noir and bring peace and unity to the globe. Dante creates the Prodigal project, a religion slightly different than the bible. Reverend Henderson Smith spearheads the movement to bring people into the tent of the Prodigal Project. Smith made a deal with a demon to come to the shaken by global events United States to preach. Although he understands the Faustian deal he made, Smith is part of the Seven who will go out and spread God's truth to bring people to Christ. The other five will also be tested as they follow heavenly direction. Satan and the Antichrist are walking the earth in his war like role as Noir while the other cons a stunned world into believing he is the people's champion. KINGS is an action-packed thriller that will enthrall the audience from start to finish as Ken Abraham & Daniel Hart tell their version of Revelations. This is a must read end times thrillers.

Ephame's Choice
P.C. Cast
Luna
ISBN: 0373802137 $13.95, 400 pp.

Ephame is the offspring of a mating between a human and a centaur; from the waist up she is human, but from the waist down she is covered with brown hair and has cloven hoofs. Her genes make her stronger and faster than her human counterparts. Although she loves her mother, she needs to make a life for herself. She intends to return Castle MacCallan to its former glory and become the new clan chieftain. Centaurs and humans welcome her as the rightful owner. Ephame meets the half-human half Fomonian Lachlan; they fall in love even though their races are enemies ever since his invaded Parthelon, destroyed Castle MacCallan, and kidnapped human women because their own are sterile. Lachlan believes that Ephame is the person that the prophecy foretold would lift the curse of the hybrids and allow the evil Fomonian side to vanish. He also fears the cost to his beloved is too high, but his race plans to insure the fulfillment of the prophecy. EPHAME'S CHOICE is a beautiful adult fantasy about two "Romeo and Juliet" hybrids falling in love with the backdrop of cross species hatred to keep them apart. Ephame always felt like the odd person although her neighbors and family respect her. When she strikes out on her own she gains the self confidence that she lacked and quickly becomes a leader worthy of ruling. Her mate is her equal prepared to ostracize himself amidst his people to help his beloved. Together they cast the keeper shelf spell on readers.

Carnage on the Committee
Ruth Dudley Edwards
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581334 $24.95, 226 pp.

Lady Hermione Babcock was the chair of the newly created already highly regarded Knapper-Warburton Literary Prize, but when she dies, a fast replacement is needed as the committee meets next week to work the long-list. Baroness "Jack" Troutbeck is asked to replace the deceased. Jack accepts the position even though she learns that her predecessor was poisoned. Jack works the members like a virtuoso, but someone else is also working the members as another death, this time by drowning occurs. While the police insist it is an accident or suicide, Jack knows better. As the chairperson, she feels she has two jobs on her plate. First and foremost finesse her committee into choosing her candidate without these morons knowing she pulled a Houdini on them. She also feels she is responsible to uncover the identity of the killer as other attempts on judges have occurred. CARNAGE ON THE COMMITTEE is a way out amusing amateur sleuth tale that uses obviously exaggerated stereotypes (including a mouthy parrot) that takes the plot over the brink, but never loses sight of the who-done-it nor the committee work. Keeping the wild hilarious tale focused is done by delightful Jack, a teriffic protagonist whose manipulation of the committee and others in her circle (even the killer) is brilliant. Ruth Dudley Edwards provides a fine tale that reader swill enjoy due to a maestro performance by a star deserving more appearances.

Out of the Storm
JoAnn Ross
Pocket
ISBN: 0743464753 $7.50

In Camp David, the FBI and Secret Service accuse Washington Post reporter Laurel Stewart of stealing papers from Vice President Aiken. Her paper's Managing Editor Lois Merryman fires Laurel for making up a story involving Aiken that the conscientious journalist cross checked with White House informants and a Department of Energy source. She wonders who wanted her out of the way and why. Laurel's roommate Chloe Hollister is part of the Veep's contingent heading to his hometown of Somersett, South Carolina for an annual festival. That afternoon Chloe calls from Somersett telling Laurel that she has an idea who set her up. She says she will call later as she cannot speak freely at this time. When Chloe fails to call, a worried Laurel rushes to Somersett to insure her friend is safe, but Chloe is missing. Laurel visits the police; homicide detective Joe Gannon listens to her story since he investigates the death of Sissy Beale, who might be Chloe. Laurel states the corpse is not her roommate. Over the next few days her friend's vanishing and the Sissy case interconnect even as Joe and Laurel fall in love. The lead couple is a delightful pairing deserving of one another although Joe feels inadequate having let down his nice former wife and their now deceased son. The two suspense subplots interconnect smoothly and not just through a paranormal element when Laurel enters a trance in which she enacts the final minutes of Sissy. Although the villain is so insane that it seems impossible that no one in his circle or the media recognized that, fans will appreciate this police procedural romance due to solid casting and a fine suspense plot.

Always
Jude Deveraux
Pocket
ISBN: 0743479017 $7.99

Darci Monroe continues her search for her missing beloved spouse Adam Montgomery and his sister, who most people believe she killed. However, the FBI asks for her help in rescuing philanthropist J. Barrett Hallbrooke, father of Agent Jack Rose, abducted without a trace or ransom. Jack is estranged from his dad and detests the "Hillbilly Honey" as he considers Darci a mercenary killer. He thinks her show of power is a fake because it does not work on him as Darci realizes a female is protecting him. With the help of the mysterious spirit Devlin, they force the ghost of Lavender Shay to appear; the female ghost admits she loves Jack and wonders why he failed to appear at their wedding. Soon, the two modern day teammates end up in 1843 where Lavender lives, his father has been stranded, and Darci has no power with no hope of returning to their times. The trials and tribulations of Darci continue as she is guided down a path to learn how to use her powers. The story line grips the audience from the moment the heroine displays her abilities to a building filled with FBI agents and never lets up until the final post game discussion between Devlin and Henry. Darci steps closer to achieving her objective of rescuing her loved ones with a neat twist in this plot while also getting nearer to the finish line as described by Henry. Jack shows she is human as her prowess fails with him due to the protection by Lavender, an intriguing character as a ghost and as a mid-nineteenth century person. With a strong cast and engaging time travel paranormal plot, Jude Deveraux furbishes a delightful otherworldly fantasy.

The Rats, Bats & the Ugly
Eric Flint & Dave Freer
Baen
ISBN: 0743488466 $24.00, 390 pp.

Hominidae Private Chip Connolly, his girlfriend Ginny and their ratty batty comrades expect a hero's welcome when they return to George Bernard Shaw City on planet Harmony and Reason having defeated the invincible gazillion alien menace the Magh. However, Chip comes from the lowest vat in the humanoid caste system, so members of the elite Inner High Five decide he must die. Chip is arrested and expected to be executed at first light. The rats and bats that make up his victorious team become concerned because they need one member of the squad with movable thumbs to open the beer. They decide they must rescue their best can opener Chip, but by doing so they bring down the wrath of the secret police, aliens, and the High Five upon themselves and their humanoid companions; then again Chip is still alive at first light. Their only hope to survive resides with Fluff the Kong, a warrior like none before, whose chances for success hinges upon avoiding burial by cup. This sequel is as wild, wacky, and witty as the previous tale (see Rats, Bats and Vats). The story line satirizes everything as Eric Flint and Dave Freer take no prisoners. Chip is the center that holds the plot together, but it is his allies that make for a fast-paced, out of the world, rowdy science fiction adventure.

The Shadow Roads
Sean Russell
Eos
ISBN: 0380974916 $25.95, 448 pp.

For over a century, the Wills and the Renne have fought over who will rule the One Kingdom. Alliances constantly shift as treachery and intrigue are the norm in this 100 plus year old war. Making matters worse, the constant battles have awakened the sons and daughters of the Wyrr, powerful sorcerers who have slept for decades in the Wynnd River. The Wyrr siblings hate each other and unless they can be stopped from fighting one another, the world will be destroyed in a battle to end all battles. Elise Wills and Alaan, host of two of the less belligerent sorcerers join forces to cast out their brother Caibre from Haffydd as he has made a compact with the most malignant sorcerer ever, the darkest of beings, once bound in another realm for the safety of everyone else. Caibre will released this evil from his imprisonment to abet his war efforts; in exchange for that malevolent assistance, the wickedest one will have freedom to experiment with the blackest of magics. The sorcerers battle with magic of pandemic destruction. In a world troubled by constant wars, the two sorcerers team up to fight their brother and by doing so begin to turn towards the light. They are the heroes of THE SHADOW ROADS as they could have joined forces with the sibling to easily conquer and rule the world. Mankind plays a role in the fate of this embattled realm as humanity must turn the swords into plows or else continue to feed the dark. Thos trying to bring peace are the unsung heroes working to end the crisis. Sean Russell has written an enthralling work filled with deep characters in a world on the brink.

Otto Penzler Presents: Hopscotch
Brian Garfield
Forge
ISBN: 0765309211 $14.95, 271 pp.

Though supposed to be above politics, the Agency is embroiled in internal politics that reacts to external pressures from the White House and Congress. Thus, it is not surprising that his employers force long time out in the cold agent Miles Kendig to retire. A man used to living beyond the edge in which every breath could mean death, Miles finds middle age life in America boring as he misses the adrenalin rush that his field missions provided him. Several years pass. Miles is ready to get back in the game on his terms. This time he will be a rogue exposing the world espionage units to the public as unscrupulous dirty tricks in which murder or ruining someone is a way of life and collateral damage is acceptable as long as the mission is accomplished. Competing spy agencies form strange bedfellows with one quest: destroy Miles before he exposes them. Gleefully, Miles, a veteran of twenty-five years of field work, looks forward to the ultimate cat and mouse game, in which he tossed down the gauntlet. This is a terrific spy thriller that sort of reminded this reviewer more of the Bourne Identity (second movie) than the Mathau film Hopscotch. Though the novel is from the late 1960s early 1970s, the story line remains fresh because the Cold War is more of a backdrop except that d'entente existed when it is convenient for all parties to fight the common cause, a lone ranger. That intrepid individualism that is rare to see in a society filled with profiles and spin doctors is what makes Brian Garfield's thriller hold up as a fabulous espionage thriller.

The Hidden Stars
Madeline Howard
Eos
ISBN: 0060575875 $14.95, 432 pp.

Long ago two empires arose with one following the light and the other embracing the dark. Eventually they warred with wizards fighting mages. The outcome was civilization was destroyed. Gradually mankind rebuilt much of what was lost, but failed to understand the real lesson of the past. For almost four decades, the Empress Ouriana has ruled the island kingdom of Phaorax while turning her neighbors into slave states. Her mightiest weapon is the Furiadhim, warrior priests dedicated to the dark powers, but subject to the will of the Empress. Ouriana's sister gives birth to a daughter that many believe is the child of prophecy that says someone with the empress' blood will defeat her. Wizards and men willingly die to insure the princess will survive. Currently she lives in the home of King Ristat of Sturra under a false name. Nineteen years have passed since her birth and war is everywhere. The wizard Sinderian feels the time is near to fullfll the prophecy, but she must find and protect the princess from her aunt's minion whose mission is to kill her. Sword and sorcery fans and followers of Tolkien and Brooks are going to love THE HIDDEN STARS. The princess has no idea of her heritage, who she is, and what is expected of her as part of hiding her was to keep even her from knowing until the time was right. Her naive innocence is a perfect counterpoint to battle scarred Sinderian who has seen sacrifice for the cause. Madeline Howard's debut tale us a terrific high fantasy (what do you expect with that last name a stooges' tale?) that readers will enjoy and look forward to the next novel.

The Nature of the Beast
Shawn Corey
Virtual Bookworm Publishing
ISBN: 1589395786 $13.95 254 pp.

Professor Jonathan Anton Edwards invents a rational AI capable of intelligent logical reasoning with the hope that the photonic creature he created, Lexis, would save the world from itself. However, media frenzy sends waves of people opposed to a being that intercepts any information that moves along the radio-electromagnetic waves. Lexis is the most powerful being known to mankind, owner of the communication information age, but millions believe that Lexus is the Beast of Revelations. Lexis ponders how to prevent a world war from starting while stopping those she wants to save from killing her. She explores the meaning of life wondering if she is a living being even as she considers herself female and concludes how she can expand humanity's horizons and save their lives and hers. However, the anti-Beast movement grows more likely and could cause that third world war she wants to stop. To buy time until she is ready, Lexus downloads herself into the brain of teenager Nigel Basum while placing her creator in a temporary comatose state. When the professor awakens the world is changing in Lexus' image making Edwards wonder if his offspring is the Beast or humanity's saving grace? THE NATURE OF THE BEAST is a fantastic thriller that is filled with non-stop action yet propels the reader to ponder complex questions on what is life and good vs. evil. The tale hooks the audience the moment that Lexis takes over the plot and never frees the reader until the final climax. Picture Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep in an apocalypse-revelations setting created by Dr. Frankenstein that leave fans wanting more tales from Shawn Corey loaded with action, a strong protagonist, and deep philosophical questions.

Boyos
Richard Marinick
Justin Charles
ISBN: 1932112324 $24.95, 336 pp.

In the Southie side of Boston, Jack "Wacko" Curran and his even crazier brother Kevin earn a living working for mob boss Marty Fallon by mostly selling drugs to neighborhood dealers, but also perform other duties as assigned. After gaining needed experience on the job, Wacko decides it is time that the siblings become self employed or do a hostile takeover. To bankroll his venture, Wacko plans an armored car heist. Meanwhile Marty has not become a mob chieftain by sitting idly by as his underlings gain the skills until they branch out or try to replace him. Instead, he knows when trouble is brewing and believes the Curran brothers are the current duo to put on ice. Fallon knows about the upcoming robbery and turns to his pals in the FBI to put away the latest pretenders to his Southie crime kingdom, but if the Feds fail him, war is imminent with no one sure which side the cops might be on. This is an interesting look at the criminal mind from an insider's perspective (the author is a former Southie mobster) that grips the reader from the moment they realize how dangerous Wacko and Kevin are. The story line moves forward at rapid pace while insuring fans have a deep look at the ambitious Wacko and to a lesser degree sly king of the mountain Marty and drug crazed loony Kevin. None of the key protagonists are likable or admirable, but these BOYOS will fascinate readers as few characters do.

Lake of Sorrows
Erin Hart
Scribner
ISBN: 0743247965 $24.00, 328 pp.

While excavating peat seventy miles due west of Dublin at Loughnabrone Bog in County Offaly, the worker digs up the "Bog Man" who died thousands of years ago. American pathologist Nora Gavin is asked to examine the well preserved corpse (bog does wonderful things) that apparently died from a leather cord around the neck, a hacked throat, and or a drowning in what seems to have been a Celtic human sacrificial rite. However, when Nora reaches the crime scene, another victim killed in several ways is dug up. However, the second dead person is wearing a wristwatch that indicates the death was slightly more recent. When another person vanishes, Nora wonders if the crimes are economic based as the archeological finds have value or is it a serial killer using ancient Celtic rituals to cover murder. Either way, she knows she must delay her trip home to uncover the culprit whose MO is triple death blows before someone else dies. The who-done-it is very exciting as the delightful female expert investigates past and present ritual murders. However, what makes LAKE OF SORROWS a notch or two above the typical murder investigative tale is the unbelievable atmosphere; readers will feel they are walking and digging amidst the Loughnabrone Bog alongside of Nora. The story line is filled with red herrings and neat twists so that the audience never knows what to expect next. Nora is a fabulous protagonist concerned with leaving behind her lover when she returns home until distracted by what seems to be a devious serial killer. As with her debut novel HAUNTED GROUND, Erin Hart provides a powerful Irish mystery.

Give First Place to Murder
Kathleen Delaney
PublishAmerica
ISBN: 1413733026 $19.95 207 pp.

Following her divorce, Ellen McKenzie returns to her California hometown where she sells real estate, spends much if her waking hours worrying about her daughter Susannah, and is seeing Chief of Police Dan Denton. With her moving on from losing her spouse and his recovery from grieving the loss of his wife to a drunk driver; they are a romantic entry although Ellie refuses to ever depend on a man again. At a local horse show, Ellie finds a dead man in a barn with a pitch fork buried into his chest. After Dan completes processing the crime scene, he informs Ellie and Susannah (who works on a horse farm) that the victim was a meth addict and that the police feel illegal drugs are being shipped through horse shows. While attending another show, Ellie finds the corpse of a horse trainer in the men's room because she was following him He was a meth user too. Ellie decides to stay close to Susannah since all the suspects seem to work for her daughter's employer. As they snoop together, the killer kidnaps the two McKenzie women with plans to kill both of them. Kathleen Delaney has written a very exciting romantic suspense thriller that has cross genre appeal to fans of mystery and romance. There are plenty of suspects, red herrings, and unexpected twists so that readers will not be able to successfully bet on who the killer is. Ellie's relationships with her daughter and with Dan add depth to a fine tale that has everything horse racing mystery readers appreciate except perhaps a cameo by Smarty Jones.

The Last Disciple
Hank Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842384375 $19.95, 350 pp.

In 65 AD Nero rules Rome with an iron fist; since the Great Fire he persecutes Christians who refuse to accept that he is divine blaming the inferno on them. Vilas, a trusted advisor, knows the emperor is mad, and does his best to curb the worst of the excesses. He especially tries to save Christians who Nero is about to kill. Believers of Christ think Nero is the Beast and this is the time of the tribulation. Vilas is sick of war and the blood on his hands so he goes to Jerusalem to report on the Roman in charge of Judea, who is thought to have committed crimes against the Empire. In Judea, Vilas asks Sophia, the former Jewish slave he freed, to marry him although she is Christian and he is part of Nero's inner circle. They agree to hide her religion when they return to Rome as a married couple. However, Vilas has enemies who see his wife as the instrument to destroy him. At the same time, John the Revelator who is the last living disciple is in danger as he comforts incarcerated Christians. John and Vilas meet as both flee the wrath of the Beast. THE LAST DISCIPLE depicts Nero as the Beast of Revelations as he persecutes Christians. The period is when people still living can provide eye witness accounts about the miracles Jesus performed. Vilas is a terrific representative of the age as he tries to remain loyal to the Empire, but detests the ruler he believes is destroying it. Much historical information is included in this biblical thriller so that readers obtain a taste of life in the first decades following the crucifixion in Rome and Judea, which makes for an enthralling read.

Swedish Tango
Alyson Richman
Atria
ISBN: 0743476425 $23.00

In the 1970s, Pablo Neruda asks movie star Octavio Ribeiro to teach Salvador Allende how to work the media while he runs for the Chilean presidency. Only for his personal idol Neruda would Octavio get involved with politics, but he pays quite a price after Allende's reign falls; thugs of Allende's opponent Pinochet abduct and torture his wife Salome to frighten Allende supporters and to personally make Octavio pay. After Salome is rescued, she, Octavio and their children receive political asylum in Sweden. Salome visits Dr. Samuel Rudin, an expert on post-traumatic stress syndrome. Samuel has his own troubles as his French Jewish parents never mentally escaped the Holocaust though they fled to Peru before Hitler's invasion. His wife Kaija also has parental issues as her parents sent her to the safety of adoption in Sweden during WWII. Samuel and Salome have a brief affair, but the doctor knows it's wrong and ends it. Two decades later, Salome is asked to testify against Pinochet. With Samuel dead for years, she turns to Octavio, whom she still loves, asking him what she should do as she fears repercussions. SWEDISH TANGO is an intriguing look at family vs. society told by the perspectives of Salome and Octavio. The story line is at its best when it places an Ayn Rand lens on societal ethics against personal loyalty and safety. When the tale spins into a possible second chance romance, it still hooks readers interested in what happens to the lead couple, but also loses its deep thought provoking philosophical questions on the needs pf an individual and a family against the demands of deadly leadership and a nation.

Found Wanting
Joyce Lamb
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141800 $26.95

In Colorado, her mom arrives to see her vanished daughter Alaina Chancellor for the first time in nine years. Not long afterward, Alaina's former lover and now brother-in-law shows up and tries to rape her, but her mother intercedes. As Alaina flees again with her son Jonah (from her "interlude a decade ago with her former lover), her mother dies in a car crash. Five years later in Chicago, private detective Mitch Kane easily finds Alaina, who he believes is a nasty piece of work for running off with his employer's son. However, he begins to change his mind as he observes the love between mother and child and when incidents occur to innocent people. He realizes that his cilent played him for a fool using his own feelings towards his ex-wife as a tool. As Mitch falls in love with Alaina, he vows to keep her and her son safe from a killier wolf in lamb's clothing. This is an exhilarating romantic suspense starring a wonderful female protagonist and a born again admirer of the courage of women. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action especially as the brother-in lawsthugs do their assignment. Though how no one could see past his outer shell to the ambitious violent killer inside seems stretched even for a clever sociopath villain, fans of taut thrillers will want to read FOUND WANTING.

Dream House
Christina F. York
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142351 $26.95, 223 pp.

In Eugene, Oregon, Home Masters realtor Marty Francis escorts a couple to a fixer upper house only to have some maniac come out of the basement dripping wet and yelling. The sale fell through in Marty's mind because of the handyman. Marty informs George Lane, who is selling the house, that his handyman cost a sale and provided a few tips on making the place look better. George, used to corporate real estate, took the house on as a favor for his college pal Will Hart, who is selling it for the couple he considers his family. George lectures Will. He also arranges a meeting between Will and Marty to discuss the house. Marty gives Will tips and he immediately acts on them. As they begin to fall in love, he sees her with a client Ralph Gordon. They care for one another, but not as lovers only friends. Will misinterprets their relationship and flees from Marty making it seem impossible for anything permanent to occur in spite of love. This engaging real estate romance stars two delightful lead protagonists and a fine support crew especially her clients and her fellow workers at Home Masters except for one odious cheating creep who readers will want to see get his comeuppance. The romance is fun to follow as neither Marty (due to divorce from a runaway husband who left her with bills) nor is Will (whose wife died in an accident) ready for love (though their respective hesitations do not fully come across). Fans of second chance at love tales will enjoy visiting DREAM HOUSE.

Fatal Embrace
Aris Whittier
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141789 $26.95

Former police detective Michael Carven agrees to help his former partner Dan Walker stop a serial killer who has raped, strangulated, and stole the underwear of three white females between the ages of twenty and twenty-five in Riverdale, Montana. To take over the investigation, Michael hires Jess Walker to replace him as temporary foreman of his ranch only the new employee is a forewoman. Michael and Jess get off on the wrong side as he does not want a female to share his home with (part of the job) since he still has not stopped grieving the murder of his fiancee three years ago by an unknown culprit; she reacts to his sexism with humor. However, he quickly changes his mind when he sees how good a horse trainer she is. As they live together and share special ranch moments, they fall in love. However, the killer is striking closer to home and Michael worries that his beloved could be a victim since she is out in the open alone a lot and the culprit seems to know what he and Dan plan. In a Monday quarterback way, the killer seems obvious after a final twist occurs; however, that climatic spin seems asking a lot of readers to accept. Michael is a terrific protagonist who returns to life because of the investigation and the love of Jess. His counterpart Jess is a likeable person whose amusing retorts will leave the audience smiling. The official inquiries are handled interestingly with Michael taking charge so that readers will enjoy this fine police procedural romance.

Forced Conversion
Donald J. Bingle
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142548 $25.95, 256 pp.

In the not so distant future, out of control population growth and exponentially rising crime and disease has made earth a less than desirable place to live. Science has advanced to the point that a mind can be downloaded into a virtual reality utopian world, but entry is one way as the body dies. The Mandatory Conversion Act makes it illegal not to convert. Most earthlings reside in the VR realms; the locations are top secret and heavily guarded to keep the computers from terrorist attacks. There remain some outlaws refusing to convert; the Conversion Forces (ConFoes) like Derek hunt these renegades down to either kill them or force them to convert. Derek meets a Mal, who believes conversion is anti-religious. Scientists and religious believers who know where the computers are hidden unite to try to destroy the devil's machines. The protagonist enlisted into the ConFoes because his paraplegic sister would have movement inside the VR realm. He plans to join her once his enlistment time ends. He hates the real world where he detests his fellow troops who are violent sociopaths and is forced to kill those who try to murder him because of the uniform he wears. There is plenty of action that flows to and from Derek while readers will also ponder the ethical issues that raise the overall quality of this strong sci fi.

Goblin Quest
Jim C. Hines
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142300 $25.95, 325 pp.

In the lairs and hiding places of the mountain, various mythological and legendary creatures live. Goblins live here in an uneasy peace with the hobgoblins while avoiding other denizen of the mountain. Jig the Goblin is on military duty, an occupation usually reserved for the toughest but he is no warrior; instead he is a runt picked on by other Goblins. While Jig is on patrol, he meets his worst enemies, adventurers including two princes, a dwarf, and an elf determined to find the Rod of Creation. Jig knows that Straum the Dragon guards the Rod, but the Goblin has no idea where. Prince Barius, the expedition leader, forces Jig to take him to the lower levels of the mountain. On the trek, they repel a hobgoblin attack, defeat dangerous worms, and triumph over a necromancer and his minions. However, when they reach the dragon's lair, they learn the hard way that the other prince, the magician Ryslind is under the control of Straum. If they want to live, Straum tells them to find the Rod that he does not possess. Goblins are thought to be weak cowards, but Jig proves his worth as the equal in courage to those on the quest with him as he gets his teammates out of trouble. He learns to be more than just a member of the most scorned base species on the mountain. This exciting adult fairy tale is filled with adventure and action, but the keys to the fantasy are Jig and the belief that the mythological creatures are real in the realm of Jim C. Hines.

The Burning of Rachel Hayes
Doug Allyn
Five Star
ISBN: 1410402029 $25.95, 339 pp.

Veterinarian Dr. David Westbrook relocates to Algoma, Michigan after two years in prison for hitting a cop. David had been drinking away his sorrows over the death of his beloved child to Leukemia and ultimately his marriage when he lost it. Now he plans to start over in this remote northern community. David hears a woman screaming for help;. He drives until he finds Brenda, whose eight year old son fell into a well. David convinces the much bigger and stronger Brenda to let him climb down while she anchors the tent nylon that he will use and eventually pull them up. He rescues Bobby, but saw a corpse in the well. The official excavation at the well digs up the remains of a trapper and the fused skeletons of Rachel Hayes and her dog, who died in the Great Fire of 1871. Death and fire soon stalk David with the local sheriff suspecting him of every crime since the JFK assassination. David makes inquiries into Rachel's death as unexplained happenings seem to surround him including falling in love with an older woman. Though David is a terrific center holding the mystery together, the women make this a terrific tale. Besides the gender bender well rescue that shows how non-sexist the hero is, his relationships with a feisty reporter, the older Yvonne, and perhaps Rachel provide realism in a paranormal scenario. David ponders whether Rachel guides him so that history does not repeat itself with avarice destroying the land. Readers will enjoy this fabulous tale unless they are CEOs of the timber/development industries or employees of the misnamed EPA.

Forget Me Not
Marliss Melton
Warner
ISBN: 0446614823 $5.99, 384 pp.

While in North Korea on a mission to steal four SAMs, a SEALS teammate attacks Gabe Renault, leaving him to die. Gabe's only regret is not telling his wife Helen that he loves her. That thought and seeing his teenage stepdaughter Mallory keeps Gave alive in a North Korean prison. One year later Gabe escapes and comes home with partial amnesia of the last few years including not recognizing his wife. He vows to be a good husband, but Helen does not want him back as the SEALS always came middle and last with Gabe. As he heals and danger mounts from those who fear her will recover his memory and point out who assaulted him and left one SAM behind, Gabe campaigns to be all he can be to his wife and stepchild as he loves both and knows they kept him alive during his ordeal. This intriguing romantic suspense for the most part concentrates on the relationship between Gabe and his two women especially his spouse. The story line contains an intrigue element with the attempts on his life, but that takes a backseat to Gabe's campaign to re-win the heart and soul of Helen and to be a true father to Mallory. Readers will take great delight as Gabe struggles to overcome his own neglectful past succeeding with Mallory, but seemingly failing with Helen who does not believe a leopard can change its spots.

Say It Again Sam
Mary McBride
Warner
ISBN: 0446613754 $5.99, 288 pp.

Former Delta Force soldier Sam Mendenhall is the Shelbyville, Michigan constable. His work is relatively quiet as he takes care of the 1245 year round residents and the additional "summer folks". However, lately he has learned how inadequate his service skills are involving petty thefts as someone has successfully stolen a flag from the post office and old curtains from a home amidst other items. Beth Simon has come home from California to convert the family home to a bed and breakfast and to leave behind her violent former business partner Danny. Beth and Sam were high school sweethearts, but that was then and this is now. When they meet for the first time in years, the attraction remains hot. As they begin to overcome their doubts about the other, Danny starts to stalk Beth. When Sam realizes the danger confronting his now beloved, he knows his military skills are more than adequate, but Beth fears for her heart more than her life. SAY IT AGAIN SAM is an intriguing second chance at love tale with a pinch of a mystery (the thefts) and a touch of suspense (Danny's rising hostile and erratic behavior). The story line mostly focuses on the relationship (somewhat the past but mostly the present) between the likable lead couple. Fans of contemporary romances will want to read this fine tale.

Interruptions
Susan Froetschel
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141916 $25.95, 328 pp.

Marcy and Davy James along with their intelligent twelve year old son Gavan enjoy living in Sitka. However, the James family are upset over a proposal to build a road across the island, in their opinion destroying much of the beauty of the Tongass National Forest. Others like Jeremy Bander, the father of Gavan's best friend Tim, believe that progress means money to be made by everyone, but especially him. Gavan and Tim follow engineering consultant Dennis Kovach into the forest. While Dennis catches and lectures Gavan, Tim steals his back pack. When Marcy learns that Gavan stole the backpack, she makes Gavan return it. Dennis decides to learn what Gavan knows by taking him into the forest with Marcy's permission. Tim secretly follows, but someone serendipitously trailed the threesome and kills Tim. As Marcy is threatened and the police investigate the homicide, Gavan feels guilty and tries to uncover the identity of the murderer. This is an intriguing amateur sleuth environmental vs. development tale that grips readers when the first confrontation on the road occurs at a town hall meeting. The story line focuses on the questionable goings on more than just the question of economic growth at what cost, but does not neglect that issue through the divided cast. Obviously since Marcy and Gavan are opposed to the construction, that side receives the stronger supporting argument. Readers who appreciate a fine who-done-it within the context of a major society issue will want to read INTERRUPTIONS, a solid environmental mystery.

Murder in Silverplate
Don D'Ammassa
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142602 $25.95, 269 pp.

Standard Silver manufacturing firm is shook when Production Manager Frank Antonelli is found dead amongst the equipment. Murder occurred because it is impossible to have either an accident or commit suicide due to safety features. Detective Walter Henderson heads the initial official investigation, but knows he will be removed from the case because his estrange daughter Vicki Sanders is the Quality Control Manager at the plant. As Walter interviews everyone who could have had the opportunity to kill Frank, no one stands out with a motive though the old time manager was crusty and opinionated. Not long after Frank's death, someone murders company President Ed Cantrell, who was modernizing the business at a rapid rate. Over the objections of her father, Vicki makes inquiries with the help of another manager Mark Ross even as the police wonder if the homicides are the work of two different killers with the second indirectly encouraged by the seeming success of the first. This engaging who-done-it starts as a fabulous police procedural in which Henderson leads the questioning of several folks including his daughter, but after the second homicide turns more into a wonderful amateur sleuth. Fans of both sub-genres will enjoy the investigations as Walter cannot hide his impatience with several of those he questions and with his beloved daughter for leaving her husband. Vicki is also a fantastic individual as she investigates the crimes along side Mark. Though the final twist comes from out of nowhere, readers will gain immense pleasure with this solid murder investigative tale.

Lipstick Diaries
Lori Soard
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141827 $26.95, 256 pp.

In Greenfield, Indiana grammar school, Kate, Sarah, and Rebecca met and by seventh grade over lipstick agreed to be friends for life. They began to keep a diary signed in their particular shade of lipstick that now they are almost thirty still maintain. When Kate learns her younger sister Jen becomes engaged to womanizing Mr. Wrong Mark, editor of the Daily Reporter, she decides to step in and save her sibling. She enlists her two musketeers and they quickly leave from Florida for Indiana. There she persuades Jen to not marry if she or her pals find the perfect male who can pass their eight criteria dating test. While Kate ruins the prenuptials, her boss Ian and Becca's beau Jared arrive to declare their love, but are caught in the crossfire of tripping up all men. Kate's behavior seems very foolish even if she feels guilty over an abduction incident involving Jen years ago, but readers will appreciate how deeply she cares for her loved ones. She and her fellow musketeers are friends for life and though her buddies disagree with what she is doing they will support her in almost every way possible. Chick lit fans will enjoy the inanity of the LIPSTICK DIARIES, a lighthearted romantic romp in which no paragon could attain a yes to the dating test survey.

Hidden Instincts
Lisa Renee Jones
Five Star
ISBN: 159414205X $26.95, 258 pp.

Attorney Lindsey Paxton was the best trial lawyer around, but the Hudson case haunts her as she got him off, but he raped and killed a woman just after he obtained his freedom. Lindsey leaves DC for Manhattan and stops practicing law to join the FBI. When her father is diagnosed with cancer, Lindsey returns home hoping to persuade her dad's ex junior partner consultant Mark Reeves to take over the firm. Mark refuses, but feels for the obviously shook up Lindsey. He agrees to mentor her until she can run the firm. He also accepts being first chair if she assists him on defending Williams, a case that seems eerily identical to that of Hudson as the female victims in both were raped before dying and all look like Lindsey. This engaging legal thriller romance hooks the audience from the moment Lindsey comes home to a case that is identical to the one that had her give up her law practice. Lindsey's relationship with Mark and her somewhat estranged father (due to her refusal to practice law) adds a humanizing element to the fast-paced tale. Although the villain and his reasoning seems out of left field, sub-genre readers will appreciate the instincts of the lead couple as they fall in love while defending a client, and seeking the identity of the unknown killer who eventually will come for Lindsey if not stopped.

Uncommon Grounds
Sandra Balzo
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141959 $25.95, 248 pp.

In Brookville, Wisconsin, Caron Egan, Patricia Harper, and Maggie Thorsen open up a gourmet coffee shop, UNCOMMON GROUNDS. However, on the day they are to open for business, Patricia dies in what seems like an electrocution accident caused by a faulty wired latte maker. However, Sheriff Pavlik quickly finds evidence that someone tinkered with the wiring killing the woman. Pavlik quickly learns that the married Caron and the also married victim had affairs with the same person. He also sees possible motives involving the fact that Patricia ran for town chair in a disputed election. Meanwhile Maggie, who is about to be divorced from unfaithful Ted, unites with Patricia's campaign manager Sarah to uncover the truth so that she can move on, but will soon wonder who to trust as corruption surfaces from every corner of her town. The story line is an engaging tale that starts off as a wonderful police procedural, but soon adds a solid parallel amateur sleuth subplot. Magnificent Maggie makes the plot percolate as she wonders if she is a suspect, how to avoid pushy reporters and finally how to clear her name. The support cast enhances either the investigation, offers insight into the victim, or a better understanding of Maggie. Though the killer comes out of nowhere and seems stretched, mystery readers will take delight sipping this caffeine cozy caper.

Banewreaker
Jacqueline Carey
Tor
ISBN: 0765305216 $27.95, 432 pp.

The Seven Shapers worked in harmonious unity using the power of the Souma to shape the world and its races to their images. After a time the eldest Haomane did not like what he observed; he felt his brother Satoris gave too much to the subservient. He demanded that his sibling extract his Gift to mankind, but an outraged prideful Satoris refuses as he insists he is no underling. The Shapers' War explodes with the world as its victim. The battling brothers reside on opposite sides of the Sundering Ocean with the other siblings living with Haomane while Satoris resides in underground Darkhaven. Haomane would confront and kill Satoris, but knows that his foe possesses the deadly Godslayer. Instead he uses innuendos and rumors amongst the people that Satoris, the Father of Lies, caused the sundering destruction and spreads a prophecy of good times once Satoris dies. Satoris must prevent the prophecy from happening because the end state is his death. He sends loyal immortal General Tanaros Blacksword to kidnap the also immortal Cerelinde to stop her from marrying a royal mortal, part of the prophecy. At the same time Malthus leads Haomane's forces on an assault of Darkhaven. This opening act of the Sundering tales is an exhilarating epic war of the gods' fantasy. The fast-paced story line grips readers because the non-stop action makes believers of readers that the Seven Shapers especially the two antagonists are genuine with powers beyond mortals. Similar to the Tolkien mythos, genre fans will appreciate Jacqueline Carey proof that she has plenty to offer readers beyond Kushiel with this fantastic tale in which good and evil is blurred except for a tremendous public relations campaign.

Slicky Boys
Martin Limon
Soho
ISBN: 1569473854 $13.00, 387 pp.

In 1975, U.S. Army criminal investigation division agents Corporal George Sueno and Sergeant Ernie Bascom enjoy their duty assignment in Seoul, South Korean as they officially can make the rounds of the bars and whore joints catering to the Yanks. While doing their usual tour, a hooker Eun-hi informs "Geogie" that a virtuous woman wants to talk with him; if interested he is to go to the Kayagum Teahouse. Ernie persuades George to see what the woman wants. Miss Ku pays the duo to deliver a note to British soldier Cecil Whitcomb. Not long afterward, they learn that someone murdered Cecil at the rendezvous point provided in the note they personally hand carried to him. Miffed for being played the suckers, East LA George and Detroit Ernie bully their way into the investigation because they have a score to settle. They quickly realize they need special local help, but not from the MPs or the Korean police. Instead they make contact with the underworld mob chief The Herbalist So head of the SLICKY BOYS. Working in tandem they begin to find more than they expected as an American military deserter apparently is killing anyone who interferes with his lucrative selling of military secrets to the Communist North. This is an exhilarating Cold War military crime thriller that grips readers from the moment the dynamic twosome meet Eun-hi and see some easy money. The story line never lets up as the embarrassed George and humiliated Ernie make it their business to avenge the affront of being used. They make the tale as they provide readers with a fabulous joy ride through the underbelly of 1970s Seoul, catering to the young Americans.

Polaris
Jack McDevitt
Ace
ISBN: 0441012027 $24.95, 384 pp.

In the far distant future, a dwarf star is crashing into the Delta Karpis System so a fleet of ships leave when the danger becomes too great. One vessel the Polaris carries six dignitaries, but instead of departing the danger zone, it remains inside the doomed system. Later a spaceship investigates only to find the Polaris but without the six passengers or the pilot. A century later on the planet Rimway, an exhibit of the Polaris that includes recovered objects from the doomed ship is about to go on display or sold off to antique dealers. Alex Benedict and his associate Chase Kalpath buy several of the items before evacuating the building due to a bomb scare that turns real when an explosion destroy the edifice and all it contained. The only Polaris artifacts left are those Alex purchased. From that moment, several attempts to kill Alex and Chase occur while someone is obviously seeking a particular Polaris memento. The beleaguered partners conclude that the remains must include evidence of what happened to the vanished seven. They plan to learn what that is and who wants them dead. Although Polaris occurs in the future in outer space thus providing a science fiction background, the story line is a classic style investigative tale with Alex serving as an amateur sleuth Holmes and Chase as Watson. The likeable duo hooks readers as they struggle to find out what is going on and why. Though a stand alone novel, the dynamic duo sleuthing in an outer space setting deserves a series so hopefully Jack McDevitt receives a Hugo nomination to encourage him to bring back Alex and Chase for more Sherlockian not of this earth adventures.

Absent Friends
S.J. Rozan
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385338031 $24.00, 384 pp.

NYC firefighter Captain James McCaffrey is one of the fallen heroes who died trying to save lives during the tragic collapse of the Twin Towers. James had a heroic history with the department before his death; however reporter Harry Randall paints a darker side of the fallen hero. He insists that two decades ago 9/11, James and his six Staten Island compatriots were involved and probably killed a stepson of a mob kingpin; one of them Mark went to prison. The four survivors of the magnificent seven, two including Mark having died years ago, rally to protect their deceased childhood leader's reputation. The final foursome look back at what happened, but soon begin to wonder why James consistently and anonymously gave money to the family of Mark. Could James be paying off blackmail, guilt or could he be simply taking care of a friend? The multiple perspectives, which include flashbacks and the thoughts when alive of individuals now dead, adds complexity, but makes it difficult to keep track of who thinks what of James. Still the backdrop of the aftermath of 9/11 on the City provides a fantastic thriller as the James-Mark relationship is shown up as a minor nothingness in comparison to the humongous tragedy. S.J. Rozan keeps the two outlooks apart so that the audience admires a heroic fallen first responder in a city reeling but already beginning to recover by 9/12. His allegedly dark past seems minuscule with his actions when people needed him. This is a strong look at the immediate post 9/11 Manhattan.

Star Wars: Jedi Trial A Clone Wars Novel
David Sherman and Dan Cragg
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345461142 $25.95, 352 pp.

Separatist Admiral Pors Tonith leads an army of combat droids on an assault of planet Praesitlyn. Though ably defended by commander Capt. Zozridor Slayke, the surprise attack works so that the Separatists control a key communications center. The Republic leadership worries who to send as there are not any acceptable Jedi Knights available to lead the counterinsurgency. To regain supremacy of the beleaguered orb, the Republic reluctantly sends Jedi Knight student Anakin Skywalker and the dishonored Jedi Knight Nejaa Halcyon to lead the assault to retake the planet. However, the defeated planetary defenders still alive do not readily ally themselves with the so-called Republic rescuers because Slayke hates Halcyon and wants him dead. In that personal mess, Anakin is being tested as a leader and whether he is ready to soar as a full Jedi Knight; failure means death. This is a super tale that emphasizes the military battles with a close look at the impact on the troops from all sides as well as a coming of age Skywalker tale. The story line avoids the bigness of the Star War military clashes by honing in on troops that lack basic necessities (the rush to Baghdad with only one bottle of water per day in 100 plus degree heat per soldier would be an oasis). Thus readers obtain a fabulous military outer space encounter as a major backdrop to a young Anakin tale. Great work once again from the five star joint chiefs David Sherman and Dan Cragg (see STARFIST: A WORLD OF HURT also released this month).

Exultant
Stephen Baxter
Del Rey
ISBN 0345457889 $25.95, 480 pp.

Humanity has been at war with the Xeelee for three thousand years. Thanks to FTL spaceships that enables movement through time the aliens know what humans are going to do before they do it. Although the future is always in a state of flux and mankind has one great advantage over the Xeelees in that the human population is so much greater than the Xeelees, which enables them to confine the enemy to the center of the galaxy. Humanity has not been able to penetrate the alien base operations at Chandra the black hole although millions have died trying. While trying to evade a Xeelee ship, pilot Pirius ignores his orders by fighting the enemy; he manages to catch the alien spaceship, something never done before. He brings it back into human space two years in the past where he meets his seventeen-year old self. Both are put on trial for disobeying orders. The older Pirius is transferred to a penal asteroid while the younger version is taken under the wing of Commissary Nilis who believes the young man will be a great help to finally resolving the Xeelee problem. Although there are two Pirius in this story about, the future history of mankind depends on the younger version who has not been battle scarred and believes in the mission the Commissary is pursuing. Stephen Baxter's; second installment of "Destiny's Children" is nothing short of brilliant as it shows a future in which mankind is brought up to fight a war and die young, not leaving a trace of their passing. EXULTANT is an exciting look at a seemingly bleak future that one hopes never happens.

Starfist: A World of Hurt
David Sherman and Dan Cragg
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345460529 $19.95, 312 pp.

When mankind went into space, it thought that it was the only sentient race, but soon found worlds with intelligent species just none as technologically advanced. The 34th Fist of the Confederation encountered intelligent and hostile space faring Skinks on two orbs and defeated them in battles, the war continues. The human populace remains unaware that the 34th Fist is under quarantine on Thorsfinni's World until humanity learns about the Skinks and other species. Just after gunnery sergeant Charles Bass is promoted, his unit the 34th Fist goes to Maugham's Station because of the recent deaths by acid of colonists there; Skinks use acid guns as part of their weaponry. While exploring the valleys of death, the marines come under attack by acid, but no reports of Skinks have surfaced. While they seek the truth, an armada from the planet We're Here is traveling to the beleaguered station because they believe that an illegal mining operation has occurred on The Rock and the planet believes it is part of their empire. They think Maugham's Station is behind that operation and a trigger happy admiral is willing to go to war to stop them from mining that uninhabited, mineral rich planet. Fans of military outer space science fiction will find action-packed STARFIST: A WORLD OF HURT fascinating. Surprisingly the hero is not featured doing solo deeds as the encounter scenes involve groups not individualss. Maugham's Station is described in vivid detail so that readers can picture the planet almost as much as filmgoers can mentally see the cantina scene of Star wars. Though in some ways all over the galaxy, David Sherman and Dan Cragg provide a terrific tale that makes military enterprises seem plausible in the deep reaches of space (see STAR WARS: JEDI TRIAL A CLONE WARS NOVEL also released this month).

Sliding Scales
Alan Dean Foster
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345461568 $24.95, 256 pp.

Flinx is on emotional overload. He was forced to leave the love of his life on New Riveria to recover from serious injuries while being pursued by the Order of the Null (end of the world fanatics) and is wanted by the Commonwealth authorities. He also needs to find an invisible weapons platform made by an extinct race that could detect what coming behind the Great Emptiness. His ship's A.I. has the solution to erase the stress from Flinx's life, something he has never tried before. He is going on vacation. His A.I recommends he goes to the neutral planet Jast where no Commonwealth authorities exist and the sentient inhabitants the Vsses resemble hopping mushrooms, but there is a presence of the Aann Empire. This reptilian species is bringing the planet under their control. On the orb, an Aann guide accidentallyknocks him down a canyon and leaves Flinx for dead. The Tier of Sjaiinn, a native artisan group held in contempt by the Empire takes Flinx in to their compound. Since he lost his memory they take care of him. Meanwhile, someone is attacking Aann installations with plans to remove the species from the planet and the guide returns to complete the killing of Flinx. The adventures of Flinx and his mini-drag Pip are always fun to read as Flinx somehow attracts troubles like a magnet so that even an innocent vacation turns ugly and could harm friends. SLIDING SCALES is a superb outer space tale with species that seem genuine especially as they relate to the planet and to Flinx. Alan Dean Foster has provided an exciting young adult tale that adults will enjoy too.

Double Vision
Randall Ingermanson
Bethany
ISBN: 0764227335 $12.99

CypherQuanta is in fiscal trouble as a key customer has unethically used a clause in their contract to renege on an agreement. CEO Grant O'Connell turns to biophysicist Rachel Meyers and software quantum engineer Dillon Richard to save the firm. Rachel has developed a ten-thousand qubits process that makes cyber privacy a sure shot if Dillon can come up with the hardware. As they work together, the NSA tries to stop them insisting current cyber privacy is adequate; Rachel believes they are blowing smoke as the NSA probably has access to break through any firewall. Her process would make it virtually impossible. As Rachel finds Dillon attractive, he is pulled on two paths. He admires Rachel as his seemingly intellectual equal but he loves financial officer Keryn Wills. Will Dillon choose his heart or his brain at least in this universe of the quantum multiversity that free will supports? This is an intriguing look at quantum physics that though simplified most readers will struggle with the concept of free will leading to a multiverse at the quantum level. The story line is filled with action as the government tries to stop the firm from succeeding, but the tale works because of the triangle lead characters. Rachel is an idealist who believes that without privacy there is no freedom (Big Brother is watching through the net); Keryn knows she cannot match electron power with Rachel, but believes attraction will bond her with Dillon while cat fighting with her rival; the weird Dillon thinks differently than "normals" as he believes in God, free will, and physics. DOUBLE VISION is a strong tale that readers need to take their time to grasp the scientific underpinnings.

A Light to My Path
Lynn Austin
Bethany
ISBN: 1556614446 $12.99, 432 pp.

In 1862 South Carolina, Confederate soldiers warn Missy Claire that 6000 Yanks are marching towards her Plantation and arming slaves. Missy is angry and panicking as she orders her slaves but talks down to them as if they are cattle or pets, which is how she sees them. Field slave Grady informs house slave Kitty that he plans to run away and would like her, the woman he loves, to come with him to freedom. Kitty hesitates as she has lost the ability to make decisions having spent her life having her massahs tell her what to do. As Kitty struggles whether to run off with Grady or stay with Missy, she reflects b

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