January 2023 MBR The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Lost Witch
Paige Crutcher
Griffin
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
9781250797391, $16.99, PB, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Witch-Paige-Crutcher/dp/125079739X

Synopsis: 1922. The town of Evermore off the coast of Ireland is under the protection of a Goddess. She has bestowed power upon village healer Brigid Heron to ensure the heart of magic within the Lough of Briongloid (the lake of dreams) remains untouched. For the witches of Knight want to absorb its powerful energies and release the Damned from the Otherworld. Brigid has devoted her whole life to being Evermore's guardian, immersing herself in witchcraft, and sacrificing her own dreams. Until Luc Knightly, a trickster god with his own claim on the lough, offers Brigid her heart's desire in exchange for betraying her Goddess's trust.

2022. A century later, Evermore is under siege. The witches of Knight wield chaos magic, opening the rift between the island and the Otherworld wider every day. Beings born from folklore nightmares prey on the villagers, consuming their very humanity. Ophelia Gallagher, Brigid's descendent, and her fellow witch Finola McEntire do their best to keep the monsters and mayhem at bay.

Brigid awakens in this world with no memory of how she traveled into the future, and why Evermore has been cursed. To seal the lough and stop the witches of Knight, she must work with Ophelia and Finola to help her remember the events of a hundred years ago. But the knowledge she seeks lies with Luc Knightly himself (mysterious, handsome, and powerful) and the one who once upon a time granted Brigid her dearest wish -- a daughter. But to save Evermore, Brigid may have to lose her daughter -- again and forever!

Critique: An impressively crafted and original novel of fantasy, "The Lost Witch" by Paige Crutcher showcases the author's genuine flair for the kind of narrative driven storytelling that provides the reader with compulsive page turner of a story from beginning to end. While very highly recommended for community library Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Lost Witch" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).

Editorial Note: Paige Crutcher (https://paigecrutcher.com) is a former Southern Correspondent for Publishers Weekly, an artist and yogi, and co-owner of the online marketing company Hatchery.

The Tower of Nerek: A Descent
David Guymer
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
c/o Simon & Schuster (distribution)
https://www.simonandschuster.com
9781839081743, $16.95, PB, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Nerek-Descent-Legends-Novel/dp/1839081740

Synopsis: Nerekhall: a city of paranoia and fear, where the harsh and unbending rule of law is enforced by unfeeling automata called the Ironbound. Drawn to the city by recurring nightmares, Andira Runehand and her companion, Trenloe the Strong, soon find themselves caught up in a sinister plot and unable to escape. Both have different ideas about what it means to be a hero, and both must learn to trust the other. For in secret, an uneasy alliance concocts a dark plan in the city's infamous tower to open a portal and summon a demonic power, the likes of which has never set foot in Terrinoth.

Critique: The newest title in author David Guymer's simply outstanding 'Legends of the Dark' Sword & Sorcery series, "The Tower of Nerek: A Descent" has everything S&S fans have come to expect in a fantasy action/adventure novel -- originality, memorable characters, and a deftly crafted plot replete with many an unexpected twist, turn and trauma. Based on the game world of 'Descent: Legends of the Dark', "The Tower of Nerek: A Sescent" is an especially recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted that "The Tower of Nerek: A Descent" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).

Editorial Note: David Guymer (https://aconytebooks.com/?authors=david-guymer) is a scientist-turned science fiction and fantasy author from the north of England. His work includes many novels in the Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000, and Marvel universes, notably Dark Avengers: The Patriot List, the bestselling audio production Realmslayer, and Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods, which has since been adapted into an animated TV series. He has also contributed to fantastical worlds in video games, tabletop RPGs, and board games.

Lair of the Crystal Fang
S. A. Sidor
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
c/o Simon & Schuster (distribution)
https://www.simonandschuster.com
9781839081880, $16.95, PB, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Lair-Crystal-Fang-Arkham-Horror/dp/1839081880

Synopsis: In the swirling sewers beneath Arkham, excavators uncover a crystalline formation that hints at dark events from the city's past. As the discovery makes headlines, so too does a series of bizarre murders. With no leads, the Arkham police are always one step behind.

Acting on a hunch, down-on-his luck former journalist Andy Van Nortwick reunites with adventurer Jake Williams and struggling filmmaker Maude Brion to unearth the truth. The trio know of the supernatural horrors that lurk beyond this world, and the reality haunts them. But time is running out and between them they must face their nightmares before the city of Arkham is lost to blood and chaos.

Critique: "Lair of the Crystal Fang" is part of fantasy horror novelist S. A. Sidor's 'Arkham Horror' series and one of those read-with-the-lights-on thrillers and an homage to the Golden Age of Pulp Fiction magazines. A fun read for all dedicated horror fantasy fans, "Lair of the Crystal Fang" is highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Horry Fantasy and Historical Mystery collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Lair of the Crystal Fange" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).

Editorial Note: S. A. Sidor (https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/S-A-Sidor/170519260) is the author of four dark crime thrillers and more recently two splendid supernatural-pulp adventures, Fury From the Tomb and The Beast of Nightfall Lodge.

Edge of Catastrophe
Jane Killick
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
c/o Simon & Schuster (distribution)
https://www.simonandschuster.com
9781839081613, $16.95, PB, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Catastrophe-Terraforming-Mars-Novel/dp/1839081619

Synopsis: In the 26th century, Mars is thriving: the huge crater made by the crashed moon of Deimos is now a vast domed city, buzzing with industry and a burgeoning Martian-born and immigrant workforce.

Ecoline scientist Mel Erdan is at the forefront of vital research to feed and maintain Mars' increasing population. But when her viral enhancer transforms lush green plants into a blackened swathe of dead crops, it triggers a wave of violent unrest across Deimos City, and Mel is accused of deliberately sabotaging Mars' fragile viability.

With resources rapidly dwindling, conspiracy theories flying, and criminal gangs rioting, Mel must prove her innocence, uncover the truth, and revitalise Mars' harvest before it's too late -- for everyone!

Critique: Another riveting science fiction thriller from author Jane Killick, "Edge of Catastrophe" is part of her 'Terraforming Mars' series. Original, riveting, and a terrific read from first page to last, "Edge of Catastrophe" is especially recommended to the attention of all dedicated science fiction fans. While a popular addition to community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Edge of Catastrophe" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).

Editorial Note: Jane Killick (https://aconytebooks.com/?authors=jane-killick) is an author and journalist who juggles working for BBC Radio with a lifelong passion for science fiction. Alongside several series of original SF novels, she has also written numerous behind the scenes books, including Stasis Leaked Complete, a guide to TV show Red Dwarf, and a series on Babylon 5.

Baen Books
www.baen.com

Two new arrivals from Baen Books provide sci-fi readers with seasoned writers and compelling new productions.

https://www.amazon.com/Penrics-Labors-Lois-McMaster-Bujold/dp/1982192240

Lois McMaster Bujold's Penric's Labors (9781982192242, $25.00 provides three Penric and Desdemona adventures under one cover: Masquerade in Lodi, The Orphans of Raspay, and The Physicians of Vilnoc. Each revolve around sorcerers, demons, and gods which test Penric and Desdemona in new ways, from caring for orphans seeking a vanished father to dealing with a plague that may only be solved by ancient medicine. Bujold's trademark brand of humor and action permeate these tales, which represent space opera at its best.

https://www.amazon.com/1637-Transylvanian-Decision/dp/1982192232

Eric Flint again expands his 1637 series by working with Robert E. Waters on The Transylvanian Decision (9781982192235, $25.00). Alternate history enthusiasts who have enjoyed the many 1637 sagas of the past will find the same attention to drama and battles in this tale, which centers on the social, religious, and political battles involving the United States of Europe and the future of Eastern Europe as events in Transylvania heat up. The fast-paced action and story line provide complex, inviting scenarios that alternate history readers will appreciate.

Both are recommended for sci-fi readers looking for established authors whose popularity is evident in patron interest.

Welcome to the Free World
Lloyd Raleigh
www.lloydraleigh.colm
PBS Press
9780578371368, $28.00, HC, 324pp

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Free-World-Lloyd-Raleigh/dp/0578371367

Synopsis: Will Robin does what no one should: pluck microchips from people's heads.

In an age where AI has been fully integrated with human life, Will clearly sees what everyone else doesn't; that it's a ploy for control and power. What started out as using his skill to exercise his own free will quickly became a passion and a mission to free the world around him. Even if it's just one pluck at a time.

When the government gets wind of this, they target Will, and it sets off a cascade of events that threatens to take the one thing that he values most: his freedom. But that won't be the only price he pays!

As Will's life spirals out of control and is consumed by mayhem, he must deal with ruthless government agents, cutthroat corporate assassins, and an AI named Aja who's willing to torture him into submission. Amid all this chaos, the Earth is falling apart; and while their world burns, the people revel in the metaverse as a brief escape. Water turns to dust, living becomes a struggle, and people claw at each other just to survive. Will knows that everything is connected but proving that is hard and stopping it is even harder.

Critique: "Welcome to the Free World" by Lloyd Raleigh is a deftly crafted dystopian science fiction novel about a young man's hazarodus journey as he faces climate change, escapism, and oppression. In the same apocalyptic visionary fiction as George Orwell's "1984", Raleigh's novel is a strikingly memorable 'what if' extrapolation of technological and society trends of today. Unreservedly recommended for community and academic library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian fiction fans that "Welcome to the Free World" is also available in a paperback edition (9798218088033, $14.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).

Editorial Note: For novelist Lloyd Raleigh (https://nitter.1d4.us/Lloyd_Raleigh) the aftermath of 9/11, as well as the drastic impact of war, violence, and environmental breakdown he experienced during his travels, are major contributions to the production of his debut novel, "Welcome to the Free World". Through his work, he aims to entertain readers while also inspiring them to take charge of not just their lives but also the future of the planet they call home.

Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection
Jerry Roth
Brigids Gate Press
https://brigidsgatepress.com
9781957537399, $11.99, PB, 156pp

https://www.amazon.com/Throwing-Shadows-Collection-Jerry-Roth/dp/1957537396

Synopsis: "Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection" by Jerry Roth is comprised of original horror fantasy tales that include: A woman develops an unhealthy obsession with a scarecrow; A boy plays with a Ouija board and receives a terrifying warning of murder; A down-on-his-luck father learns what happens when you die in your sleep. These stories and six more frightening tales await the reader. "Throwing Shadows" is an impressive collection of short stories and in the words of the author they 'will feed that hungry dark side that lives in your cellar'.

Critique: Best read with the lights on, "Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection" is a memorable haunting series of horrific short stories that will have a very special appeal for readers with an interest in Dark Fantasy fiction. Original, compelling, "Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection" will linger in the mind and memory long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf. While highly recommended for personal and community library Horror Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted that "Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).

Editorial Note: Jerry Roth (www.jerryrothauthor.com) is the author of "Bottom Feeders". He has written for Ohio newspapers and sports articles for the Disc Golf Pro Tour. His fiction career began as a screenwriter. After reading "The Stand" by Stephen King, he became passionate about creating his own work of fiction.

Flight of Fools
Sean Myers
Myers Freelance LLC
9798986019901, $15.99, PB, 472pp

https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Fools-Sean-Myers/dp/B0B49PRRSF

Synopsis: Brensin is back. His eyes on the throne, he is joined by Masothelio, the wizard, Jin, the thief, Gullin, the bard, and Rainn. Together, they climb the mountain, evade the dragon, find the magical amulet, and come back just in time for Brensin's assassination. The others scramble.

Betrayed, Masothelio submerges himself in a new role, swimming against the current of the political tides. Branded, Gullin struggles to make a life for himself once again. Disadvantaged for so long, Jin helps her family out of poverty, only to learn that she cannot escape her reality. Isolated, Rainn escapes into a make-believe world made just for him, where he can be happy and powerless.

"Flight of Fools" blurs the lines between what is fantasy and what is real. It pokes holes in the page until there is nothing left to keep the real world from seeping in, and nothing left to stop the ending from reaching out through the page to clutch your chest and squeeze.

Critique: A fun political satire about escapism (that is especially timely for today's hyperpolarized America where politics determine facts), "Flight of Fools" by Sean Myers is a fantasy about reality and will have an immense appeal for readers with an interest in magical realism and humorous/satirical fantasy fiction. While unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Flight of Fools" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).

Editorial Note: Sean Myers is a freelance legal writer with a keen sense of the humor in life. (https://medium.com/about-me-stories/about-me-sean-myers-ffdb674a47be)

Percivious: Escape
J. J. Cook, author
A. J. Cook, author
Aj Jj Publishing
9781777377472, $25.95, HC, 276pp

https://www.amazon.com/Percivious-Escape-J-Cook/dp/1777377471

Synopsis: A vicious insomnia pandemic devolves into a devastating apocalypse, and humanity teeters on the brink of extinction in "Percivious: Escape ", the thrilling final installment of the Percivious Trilogy by co-authors J. J. Cook and A. J. Cook.

Emerging from the dark side of the moon, the HELIX and its crew embark on a desperate effort to save the last of their species-and ours.

An unexpected alliance forms between humans and the XYZ-Earth's first intelligent hominid species-to stop the pandemic once and for all. But when unforeseen forces surface, Herriden, captain of the HELIX-which carries the last of the cetacean XYZs-must make an unfathomable choice, if it's not already too late...

"Percivious: Escape" is an astonishing conclusion to the Percivious Trilogy, in which life as we know it will never be the same.

Critique: Along with the first two novels in co-authors J. J. Cooks and A. J. Cook's deftly crafted Percivious Trilogy ("Percivious: Insomnia" and "Percivious: Origins", "Percivious: Escape" is an inherently interesting and original story that will have a special appeal to readers with an interest in Post-Apocalyptic, Evolutionary, and Colonization science fiction novels. While all three titles in this outstanding series are unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists each of these three novels are also available in a paperback edition ($12.95) and in a digital book format ($2.99).

Editorial Note #1: J. J. Cook (https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/j-j-cook) is a pseudonym for a married couple who write mysteries, mostly set in the South, with a touch of paranormal and romance. Together, they are the authors of the Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mysteries and the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mysteries.

Baen Books
www.baen.com

Two new Science Fiction titles from Baen Books are especially and unreservedly recommended for community library collections and the personal reading lists of all dedicates science fiction fans:

https://www.amazon.com/Dabare-Snake-Launcher-Joelle-Presby/dp/1982192259

Joelle Presby's The Dabare Snake Launcher (9781982192259, $17.00) is a hard sci-fi novel about Earth's attempt to build the first space elevator. Set in Africa and spiced with family drama, political conflict, scientific challenge, and a new futuristic vision of "out of Africa" potentials, The Dabare Snake Launcher excels in unpredictable changes and spicy dialogue that is captivatingly different: "Nice rant." Adamou saluted the comm screen. "But I give you about six months confined in a vilal with your relatives before you steal the silver spoons and start hitchhiking to freedom." Readers seeking something quite different in the realm of hard sci-fi (an endangered species in the genre, these days) will find the story delightfully original.

https://www.amazon.com/Trinitys-Children-Dave-Bara/dp/1982192119

Dave Bara's Trinity's Children (9781982192112, $16.00) provides a vivid futuristic tale about a hard-drinking former military man whose career was sunk by the Rim rebellion. A new chance to command the first faster-than-light vessel to Trinity, a newly discovered star system, would seem to hold the opportunity for redemption, but a new war is brewing that can lead the good Captain Clement to either finally realize his career, or his future. Both are involving, unique stories recommended for discriminating sci-fi readers.

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