January 2024 MBR The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Conquering the Darkness
Cassie Sanchez
www.CassieSanchez.com
Silver Labs Press
9798986822440, $14.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Darkness-Trilogy-3-ebook/dp/B0CLLBG5N1

Conquering the Darkness, the third book in The Darkness Trilogy, continues and concludes the saga of romance and struggle that made the prior series titles so enticing to sword-and-sorcery fantasy audiences. It is highly recommended for prior fans, who will find this tale rounds up and neatly concludes an epic saga.

A captivating prologue outlines the horror of bad decisions, the portent of coming doom, and the power of a Stone that, as one of four, holds promise and pain that no mortal should control. The Stones' charge to regulate magic and maintain control resulted in greed, murder, and ambition that has shaken their ability to be utilized for the sake of good.

Darkness clings to the land as solidly as the ill weather which opens this story, but hope lies in formidable warriors and clashing purposes that portend as much opportunity for salvation as for disaster.

Cassie Sanchez employs the same attention to psychological depth as in her prior books, whether she is describing warrior motivations, struggles for redemption, or flawed heroes that find themselves both aligned with and pitted against internal and external forces of evil. Descriptions replete in such psychological depth are compellingly rendered and inserted into the action. From queens who manipulate those endowed with magic to struggles to keep Drexus from using the power of the Stones to create more misery in the course of his bid for conquest, Sanchez crafts a fast-paced saga that is as astute in its psychological, moral, and ethical clashes as it is in the ringing swords of physical battles.

From issues about whether the Stones are serving their intended purpose and are working correctly to the costs of alliances which prove untenable, Sanchez juxtaposes various special interests and strengths in a moving magical journey. "...if she used its power, she might cause more harm than good." Intention and outcome drive a crescendo of action and revelation that are powerful concluding attractions for those who found the prior series titles engrossing.

Libraries and readers seeking a captivating sword-and-sorcery series which juxtaposes fast-paced action with equally thought-provoking psychological and social reflection will find Conquering the Darkness an intriguing story of love, survival, and redemption.

The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption
Daniel Varona
www.cycleofeden.com
Atmosphere Press
https://atmospherepress.com
9798891320147, $19.99 PB, $8.99 Kindle, 450pp

https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Eden-Two-Sides-Corruption/dp/B0CH2MPDTX

The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption picks up where The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution left off. It will especially attract readers who enjoyed the prior story of Seth, the Young God who inherited the Seed of Light from his mother and became a key figure in the classic battle between Light and Dark that has shaken the world of Eden.

A wide cast of characters and creatures occupy these battling sides, from corrupted angels to talking skeletons, fierce martial artists like Valentina, to talking dogs such as Chase. There is plenty of fantasy to get lost in. Between the search for peace and its incarnation in the worlds of people and animals to Seth's ongoing uncertainty about the mechanics of his role as the prophesied Young God adds depth as he struggles with the darkness in his own soul, which belays his mission and his psyche. This also is a deep secret that he keeps from those around him, further affecting his actions and abilities as he confronts his own nature as well as the world around him.

Two Sides of Corruption expands the characterizations, influences, and story begun in The Young Revolution. This adds to its value as a fuller-faceted story set in a world which already received a firm foundations of introduction and intention, attracting readers into the increasing dilemmas and evolving confrontations.

Daniel Varona embeds his story with a whimsical touch and action-packed scenes which sizzle with drama as the characters struggle to achieve their goals. The dialogues and interactions which power this tale are compelling, offering satisfying twists and turns as new threats evolve.

It's payback time. The capacity at which some of the characters to extract vengeance and torture, even on their companions, is especially well done. The result is a fantasy highly recommended to prior readers of the Cycle of Eden story; notable for its fast pace, complex relationships, and underlying moral and ethical foundations.

Libraries looking for strong fantasy series stories and readers who enjoy epic productions will find Two Sides of Corruption not only thoroughly engrossing, but thought-provokingly rendered.

The Return
Anna M. Elias
Independently Published
9798988158714, $15.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 250pp

https://www.amazon.com/Return-Book-3-Vessels/dp/B0CKV1GJ63

Book 3 of the fantasy series The Vessels continues the saga of diverse, broken humans who continue to host spirits, even though rogue spirits are leading other spirits and humans to become darker.

Eric's return has unleashed more evil into the world, as evidenced by the hateful Governor Ron who joins him in a dangerous bid for power. Familiarity with the previous books in The Vessels series is highly recommended in order to move into a seamless continuation here, which juxtaposes elements of faith with fantasy and Native American mythology for a multifaceted read. Audiences who appreciated the prior stories will find The Return furthers and enhances this account of rising evil and a classic good-versus-evil battle that emerges from individual choice and opportunity.

As Governor Ron slowly loses his soul to Eric, the world's experiences of conflict, hate, greed, and prejudice rise and threaten to take over. How can love win? Anna M. Elias creates another fine exploration of sacred and supernatural thrills and chills, presenting fine contrasts between action and deeper-level thinking that are cemented by atmospheric, thought-provoking descriptions of experience.

Detective investigations accompany insights on forgiveness and higher-level spiritual thinking, moving the fantasy components into realms suitable for spiritual reading groups and book club discussions.

As with the other books in the series, the heady mix of supernatural intrigue, thriller components, and spiritual reflection may prove challenging to some, but the purpose and outcome of this series and the characters who strive to accomplish goals above and beyond their individual missions and interests creates a compelling story that defies pat categorization.

In the end, the Vessels and their missions revolve around bigger events and thinking than struggles for redemption or individual meaning: "He had shared love and asked forgiveness. He'd conquered his darkness." Libraries that have seen patron interest and attraction to the prior books in The Vessel series will find this healing story of second chances and mystical adventures to be as compelling as its predecessors.

The Return is about spirits in transition that find renewed purposes and connections in their choices and impact. Its powerful blend of intrigue, action, and religious flavors make it ever bit as alluring and philosophically and spiritually revealing as the other books in the series.

Baen Books
www.baen.com

Baen Books is a premier publisher of science fiction and fantasy. Five of their new titles are especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections:

https://www.amazon.com/Through-Storm-TransDimensional-Hunter-Book-ebook/dp/B0C32QLYKW

John Ringo and Lydia Sherrer's Through the Storm (9781982192990, $28.00) is a powerful TransDimensional Hunter novel that uses a reality game's intersection with the real world as its foundation of action. Teen Lynn Raven is mandated to conquer the game or be destroyed by it. Not content with her reputation as a gaming prodigy, Lynn's carefully honed anonymity is challenged as she competes in the latest dangerous game, only to find its special form of reality challenging her abilities and life. Fast-paced action and high drama make for an impossible-to-put-down read.

https://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Water-Tom-Kratman/dp/198219300X

Tom Kratman's Dirty Water (9781982193003, $26.00) is a time-travel journey to Boston, where a gate that grants wishes brings fresh Christmas angst to the efforts of aliens, witches, a special toy store, and a grandfather's interest in exploring bygone Boston with his granddaughters. Time travel is vividly rendered and immersive in this gritty adventure, which links disparate figures and interests for a delightfully unpredictable romp. Both books are highly recommended for discriminating sci-fi collections.

https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-File-Gordian-Division/dp/1982193018

Jacob Holo's The Dyson File (9781982193010, $18.00) blends a sci-fi backdrop with a detective story when a corporate venture comes to a halt from the apparent suicide of its lead engineer. A detective and a special agent newly returning to active duty find the diagnosis of suicide masks a deeper war that embroils them in a mystery and cultural exploration. Special interests come to light in a dark tale of mind-hacking adventure and strange encounters that will keep readers thoroughly immersed.

https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Hunter-Memoirs-Fever-4/dp/1982192933

Larry Correia and Jason Cordova's Monster Hunter Memoirs: Fever (9781982192938, $28.00) will attract prior Monster Hunter fans with a foray into early escapades of Monster Hunter International in the 1970s. The culture of the times blends with a growing darkness that requires half-demon Chloe and other Monster Hunter International team members to step up their game of discovery and action. Newcomers to the series as well as prior fans will find the story vivid and exciting.

ReInception
Sarena Straus
Winding Road Stories
https://windingroadstories.com
9798986604336, $14.99, PB, 280pp

https://www.amazon.com/ReInception-Sarena-Straus/dp/B0BF2LSTYV

Synopsis: A corporation's immensely popular technology can rewire your brain to rid you of any bad habits or unwanted impulses in 2126 New York City. The government is using ReInception in a supposed attempt to rid society of criminal behavior one brain at a time. But when a college student and a government-labeled terrorist discover the truth behind what's happening in people's head, they are ready to risk their lives to preserve their free will and the future of society.

Critique: A riveting read that will have a special resonance with readers with an interest in post-apocalyptic and dystopian science fiction, "ReInception" by Sarena Straus is original, compelling, thought-provoking, deftly crafted storytelling and a truly memorable read that will linger in the mind of the reader long after the book itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "ReInception" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).

Editorial Note: Sarena Straus (https://sarenastraus.com) is a lawyer turned author. She writes novels for the curious and adventurous, for people who are intrigued by a "what happens if," scenario, and who like to explore the outcomes. In addition to novels, Sarena has published numerous legal articles and works of poetry. She's also been an editor for a legal magazine and a tv and radio criminal case commentator.

The Last Vampire
Craig Hadley
Dorrance Publishing Company
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9798887291086, $22.00, PB, 304pp

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Vampire-Craig-Hadley/dp/B0BZXZHF3F

Synopsis: What if most of vampire lore and mythology was wrong? What if being a 'vampire' had nothing to do with good or evil, but instead was about a freak manifestation of events that created immortal beings?

Joshua Jacob Jones is 600-years-old -- and the last vampire. Joshua is dragged back to his past when one of his human friends seeks him out after many years apart to share that a small group of very rich and powerful people have acquired vampire blood and are working to unlock the secret to becoming immortal.

Joshua agrees to join forces with his old friend to track down and destroy the source of the blood, as well as all the current research. To accomplish this mission, Joshua teams up with an unlikely group of allies, including a young Japanese woman who is incredibly gifted and a deadly samurai, six former special ops soldiers from across the globe, and a beautiful middle-aged woman with a past that is key to unlocking the secrets of the rich and powerful group striving to become immortal.

But it's not just her secrets that will play a role in this mission. Joshua's secrets are just as important...

Critique: An impressive and inherently fascinating re-working of the vampire action/adventure fantasy genre, "The Last Vampire" is a fun read from start to finish and quite nicely showcases author Craig Hadley's genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that full engages the interest of his readers from beginning to end.

Editorial Note: Craig Hadley earned a history and anthropology degree from the University of South Carolina, as well as a master's in museum science from Johns Hopkins University. He has worked as a professional archaeologist and historian for more than twenty years. Throughout his career he has consulted and managed museums across the United States. He has also been a historical technical advisor on various motion pictures and documentaries.

Legends of Clover Talamh: Unravel
Shannon-Lee Morrissey
Dorrance Publishing Company
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9798887293547, $20.00, PB, 252pp

https://www.amazon.com/Legends-Clover-Talamh-Shannon-Lee-Morrissey/dp/B0CKD5WDWK

Synopsis: Besides the mysterious death of their parents, twins Garrett and Caitlin believe themselves to be ordinary teenagers. That all changes on their eighteenth birthday when inexplicably they and their three younger sisters are ripped from their home and transported into a world very unlike their own, where witches, pirates, and magical creatures reside.

But the biggest surprise of all is that everyone in this realm seems to know their names!

Critique: With the publication of "Legends of Clover Talamh: Unravel" by novelist Shannon-Lee Morrissey, readers with an interest in fantasy novels will enjoy following the exploits of the five siblings as they embark on a magical and remarkable adventure in order to discover the truth of their origins and their parents' deaths. As an author, "Shannon-Lee Morrissey showcases a remarkable and genuine flair for originality and a narrative driven storytelling style that provides a fun and compelling read from start to finish. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Legends of Clover Talamh: Unravel" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.00).

Editorial Note: A Connecticut native, Shannon-Lee Morrissey is a witch, a goth, and a Celtic Pagan. She loves writing, reading, drawing, and spending time with family and friends. You can often find her in a bookstore carrying an armload of her favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels.

Calamity
Constance Fay
Bramble
c/o Tor/Forge Books
www.tor-forge.com
9781250330413, $18.99, PB, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Calamity-Uncharted-Hearts-Constance-Fay/dp/1250330416

Synopsis: Temperance Reed is the captain of a ragtag mercenary spaceship is given an offer she can't refuse by the ruthless head of an intergalactic noble family. The only catch? She'll have to team up with his son (an upsettingly competent hardbody with his own agenda) to get her reward.

She's got a ramshackle spaceship, a misfit crew, and a big problem with its sexy newest member...

Temperance, banished from the wealthy and dangerous Fifteen Families, just wants to keep her crew together after their feckless captain ran off with the intern. But she's drowning in debt and a revolutionary new engine technology is about to make her beloved ship obsolete.

Arcadio Escajeda is the second child of the terrifying Escajeda Family. Plus he is the thorn in Temper's side as they're sent off on a scouting mission on the backwater desert planet of Herschel 2. They throw sparks every time they meet but Temper's suspicions of his ulterior motives only serve to fuel the flames between them.

Despite volcanic eruptions, secret cultists, and deadly galactic fighters, the greatest threat on this mission may be to Temper's heart.

Critique: Especially and unreservedly recommended to the attention of readers who enjoy a space opera novel at its romance & science fiction best, "Calamity" is a deftly crafted, completely riveting, and impressively fun read from start to finish. Showcasing author Constance Fay's genuine flair for original, creativity, and narrative driven storytelling style, "Calamity" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular pick for community library Science Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Calamity" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).

Editorial Note: Constance Fay (https://constancefay.com) writes space romance novels and genre fiction short stories. Her short fiction can be found in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Catscast podcast, and other publications. She has a background in medical device R&D and lives with a cat who edits all her work first.

Words of Kings and Prophets
Shauna Lawless
shaunalawless.com
Head of Zeus
https://headofzeus.com/home
9781803282671, $29.99, HC, 415pp

https://www.amazon.com/Words-Kings-Prophets-Gael-Song/dp/1803282673

Synopsis: Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position. As an immortal Fomorian with the secret gift of magic, Gormflaith has a burning desire: to find and destroy the hidden fortress of her sworn enemies, the Descendants, who seek to kill her kind at all costs. She begins to use her magical powers, and discovers she is more skilled than she ever realized -- but can she control what she will become?

Meanwhile Fodla, the Descendants' healer, mourns her banished sister but clings to life as the guardian of her young nephew. She seeks a place of safety for them both, but he has secrets of his own that could threaten everything -- and Fodla must do all in her power to keep him hidden away from those who would use him for evil.

When a mysterious man comes to King Brian's court, his presence could spell disaster or deliverance for both Gormflaith and Fodla -- and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal with few scruples who will do anything to see his plans become reality.

Soon, mortals and immortals alike are drawn towards a bitter conflict that could decide the future of Ireland and all her people.

Critique: "The Words of Kings and Prophets" is the sequel to author Shauna Lawless' novel "The Children of Gods and Fighting Men" and part of her Gael Song Irish mythology/fantasy series. Of special and particular interest to fans of historical fantasy and Irish folklore, "The Words of Kings and Prophets" is a fun read from start to finish and fully showcase Shauna Lawless' impressive flair for originality and her mastery of the historical action/adventure fantasy genre. While especially recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated heroic fantasy fiction fans that "The Words of Kings and Prophets" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology and folklore. As an Irish woman, she loves that Irish mythology has inspired so many stories over the years, however, she wanted to explore the history and mythology of Ireland in a more authentic way. Her debut novel, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, has been critically acclaimed. The Words of Kings and Prophets is the second volume in the Gael Song trilogy. She can be followed on @shaunaLwrites

Weaver
Kelly Ann Jacobson
Livingston Press
https://livingstonpress.uwa.edu
9781604893632, $19.95, PB, 278pp

https://www.amazon.com/Weaver-Kelly-Jacobson/dp/160489363X

Synopsis: "Weaver" by author Kelly Ann Jacobson is a 'Cloud Atlas' style speculative science fiction novel in which it's the humans who are the alien invaders.

The reader learns through many documents (police reports, legal depositions, speech transcripts, and diary entries) that a human company named HealthCorp has attempted to enslave two alien species: the Laffians stranded on a planet-wide ocean and the feline HoFe living on a bed of hofellium. Now, those same aliens have come to Earth in the hopes of using the planet to safely repopulate.

The overriding question becomes whether these three groups can reconcile on Earth without killing each other first!

Critique: An original, entertaining, and thought-provoking novel by an author with a genuine flair for narrative style storytelling, "Weaver" will be of particular interest to fans of LGBTQ fiction, First Contact and Alien Invasion science fiction. While an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Weaver" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).

Editorial Note: Kelly Ann Jacobson (https://www.kellyannjacobson.com) is the author or editor of many published books, including her contest-winning chapbook An Inventory of Abandoned Things (Split/Lip Press), her award-winning young adult novel Tink and Wendy (Three Rooms Press), and her new young adult novel Robin and Her Misfits (Three Rooms Press). Kelly received her PhD in fiction from Florida State University and teaches creative writing full time as an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Lynchburg and as an instructor for Southern New Hampshire University's online MFA and Johns Hopkins University's MA in Writing. Kelly's short works have been published in such places as Best Small Fictions, Boulevard, Southern Humanities Review, Daily Science Fiction, and Gargoyle.

Do or Die: A Zombicide Novel
Josh Reynolds
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
9781839082610, $16.95, PB, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Do-Die-Zombicide-Josh-Reynolds/dp/1839082615

Synopsis: Being undead isn't anything new for Westlake (who is a former thief and a currently deteriorating Zombivor) until he realizes there's not enough formaldehyde in the world to keep him together. He decides to embark on one last mission into the zombie apocalypse to find a long-lost drug cartel cache which will set his friends up for life. The hitch? It's in Florida. By the time they land in the Everglades, not only is the wildlife a lot wilder and more murderous than usual, but a hurricane looms on the horizon, ready to wipe them from the face of the earth. For Westlake, there is no other choice but to DO OR DIE.

Critique: Impressively original, deftly crafted, and a 'must' read pick for the legions of zombie fans, "Do or Die" by novelist Josh Reynolds is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Do or Die" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).

Editorial Note: Josh Reynolds (https://joshuamreynolds.co.uk) is the author of over thirty novels and numerous short stories, including the wildly popular Warhammer: Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000. He grew up in South Carolina and now lives in the UK.

Empire Falling
Robbie MacNiven
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
9781839082375, $16.95, PB, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Falling-Twilight-Novel-Imperium/dp/1839082372

Synopsis: Millennia ago the great empire of the Lazax brought the galaxy to heel, but now their ancient doctrine of strength and peace is failing. In the shadows, other factions begin to move against each other and their authoritarian masters. To rule themselves they must first tear down the crumbling regime they are forced to serve. When the Barony of Letnev, supplier of the Lazax's grand fleet, blockades a crucial wormhole to force the empire to listen to its demands, the spark of war is ignited and Zara Hail, an official for the Federation of Sol, is caught in the middle. As the threat of conflict continues to escalate, every faction must choose: Bend beneath the yoke of despots, or break the chains that bind them.

Critique: A novel of the Twilight Imperium by Robbie MacNiven, "Empire Falling" is an impressively original 'space opera' and thoroughly fun read from start to finish. Deftly crafted and with many an unexpected plot twise, "Empire Falling" is a welcome and highly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library Science Fiction collections. It should be noted that "Empire Falling" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95) for any and all dedicated Sci-Fi fans.

Editorial Note: Robbie MacNiven is a Highlands-native History graduate from the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of several novels and many short stories for the New York Times-bestselling Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe, and the narrative for HiRez Studio's Smite Blitz RPG.

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