Science Fiction and Fantasy

*Most of the synopsis come from the back cover of the book or is a shortened version of that. A few are my own summary of the novel.

Authors Reviewed-Click on an author to jump to his/her books

Dixon, Larry
Kay, Guy Gabriel
Lackey, Mercedes
Martin, George R.R.
Rowling, J.K.

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Synopsis: In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win the deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

Review: This book is very dense but it was well worth the effort. I had taken a break from these saga like fantasy books for awhile but I'm glad I read this book. It is filled with intrigue and you never know who can and can't be trusted so you just want to keep reading to find out who is on whose side. The end also leaves you hanging so you can't wait for the next book.
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A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

Synopsis: A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares the poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage to countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles.

Review: This book was just as good as the first. It was amazing how into the characters you get and how you really feel for some of them. The action begins to heat up in this installment and it sounds like the third book is going to be very interesting.
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A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Synopsis: Robb tries desperately to hold the North together, Jon returns from the wildling lands with a torn heart, Bran continues his quest for the three-eyed crow beyond the Wall, Catelyn struggles to save her fragile family, Arya becomes ever more wolflike in her wanderings, Daenerys comes into her own, and Joffrey's cruel rule from King's Landing continues, making even his fellow Lannisters uneasy.

Review: I couldn't believe how quickly I went through this book. I probably would have to say this has been my favorite of the three books. It was full of surprises and if you don't want to know what they are then stop reading here and take my word for it this is a must read. I couldn't believe which characters lived and which ones died in this installment. That Martin could kill Robb amazed me and left me wondering what's going to happen now which I'm sure he meant to do. I was also shocked when Catelyn was also killed but the way she was brought back was even more gruesome. I'm kind of curious to see what Melisandre's agenda is. Her "god" was the one who made it possible to bring Catelyn back to life so I don't know if Melisandre is just evil or Martin is just portraying her as the villain so far. It will be interesting to see. I can't wait for the next book.
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A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gabriel Kay

Synopsis: It began with love, both courtly forbidden, and with kingdoms endlessly opposed, one dominated by male rulers and their male god, the other in which women and their goddess held a share of earthly power. For the Northern mercenary called Blaise, though, it began with the death of a king and a peace treaty that was a betrayal which sent him into a self-imposed exile. His wanderings would bring him to the Kingdom of Arbonne, where the Court of Love made warriors bow to troubadours, and a well-sung ballad was valued as much as skillfully swung sword. But Arbonne was a troubled realm, torn by an ancient feud between its most powerful dukes, and coveted as a prize by the land in which Blaise himself had grown to manhood. And no one-except perhaps Arbonne's goddess-could foresee that one Northern mercenary might become the key to Arbonne's destiny...

Review: I have to say I really didn't enjoy reading this book. The story was so-so and I couldn't get into any of the characters. The overall book moved very slowly and the ending wasn't very original either. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time with this book.
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Owlflight by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon

Synopsis: Darian's parents had been hunters who worked in the Pelagiris forest, trapping the bizarre change-creatures which had been created by the mage-storms, and selling their fantastic hides. But Darian had not accompanied them on their expedition into the Pelagiris-a hunt from which they never returned. Now Darian is apprenticed to Wizard Justyn, a kindly old man who insists that Darian has "talent." But Darian, grieving over his parents, has no interest in magic, and instead of studying, finds solace in the forest, where he can hide among the huge trees and mourn in privacy. And it is from this secret retreat on the edge of the Pelagiris that Darian sees an army of northern barbarians sack and burn his village. Alone and helpless, Darian flees into the deep forest. But unbeknownst to him, the Hawkbrothers, an old and magical race, dwell in the ancient woods, and his flight will lead him on a path of discovery which neither Justyn nor Darian's parents could ever have predicted.

Review: I read this book after taking a long break from Lackey books. I didn't find the characters as compelling as in her other series but it was still an enjoyable book to read. It will be interesting to see where the characters go from here.
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Owlsight by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon

Synopsis: This takes place four years after Owlflight. Darian has been adopted as a Hawkbrother and takes his place as the diplomatic link between the Hawkbrothers and Valdemarans. Back in Errold's Grove, a young woman, Keisha Alder, has taken over as the village healer. With no formal education and working only with the instincts of her inborn Healing gifts, Keisha struggles to care for the villagers. However, her inability to shield herself has made it harder and harder for Keisha to bear the strains of everyday life. Darian warns the villagers that a new band of barbarians are heading their way. Keisha refuses to flee knowing a healer will be needed in case of bloodshed. Yet how can one small band of Hawkbrothers and two Valdemaran teenagers with partially trained Gifts stand against the destructive might of a barbarian horde?

Review: I enjoyed this second book much more than the first. I guess the characters begin to grow on you and you also see some characters from the other series. I also liked the developing relationship between Keisha and Darian. (back to top)

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon

Synopsis: This book takes place two years after Owlsight. Darian is now a Master Mage and the head of the new Vale of k'Valdemar which houses a diplomatic council comprised of Hawkbrothers, Valdemarans, and representatives of the more peaceful barbarian clans of the north. Haunted by the pain of not knowing what happened to his parents he resolves that he must try to resolve this mystery once and for all. A series of clues lead Darian to believe his parents are alive somewhere to the north in the treacherous mountain terrain. He can't be completely certain that they are alive or totally confident that he can find them. Is it worth risking his life and the lives of his companions to chase what could be a dream?

Review: This book wasn't bad but I didn't enjoy it as much as the second book. It's nice to know what happened to Darian's parents but the entire book seems almost like an after thought..."Oh yeah, here's what happened to his mom and dad". The chemistry between the characters were good but the story could have been improved.
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Children of the Night by Mercedes Lackey

Synopsis: The Gypsy boy had asked for Di's help-called on her for magical assistance-and she could not refuse, especially after he was slain practically on her doorstep. But the vampire Di finds cradling the body isn't the killer-he's the Gypsies' protector, Andre LeBrel, who informs Di that there's more than one monster stalking the streets of New York. Now it's up to Diana Tregarde, Guardian and practicing witch, to find the killers and destroy them...with a little supernatural assistance from a very friendly, and very sexy, vampire!

Review: This is one of my favorite non-Valdemaran stories from Lackey. Many of the ideas were ones I haven't encountered very often and she bundles them together very well. The chemistry between characters and the individual character developments was excellent. A definite must read.
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Jinx High by Mercedes Lackey

Synopsis: It should have been a relaxing visit with an old friend, a chance to check out the strange occult vibrations around Tulsa's Jenks High. Di hadn't expected to find a malevolent combination of Sex and Blood Magic roiling beneath apparently normal teenage jealousies and infatuations. The focus seems to be Deke Kestrel, the son of Di's old ghost-hunting buddy. There's nothing unusual about Deke-except that his long-dormant occult power is finally stirring...and Something wants that power. Wants it desperately enough to kill. Diana Tregarde, Guardian and practicing witch, sworn to defend the innocent, cannot let that happen.

Review: Diana Tregarde has become one of my favorite Lackey characters and it was nice to see her again. Jinx High wasn't quite as good as Children of the Night but was still interesting to read. I think it also brings in the interesting theme of never wanting to grow old and looks at how one person manages to solve this problem. (back to top)

Burning Water by Mercedes Lackey

Synopsis: Something is stalking Dallas. First it attacked cattle, leaving bloody, mutilated corpses. Now it's going after people: men, women, even children-dozens at a time. The police have few clues-some scraps of leather, a few feathers, scattered flower petals. Lots of bodies. And an aura of unstoppable evil. Detective Mark Valdez feels that evil. He's dealt with the occult before, and he knows he's in over his head. So he calls in a specialist. Diana Tregarde. Romance novelist. Investigator of unnatural events. Practicing witch. If anyone can determine what malevolent power is loose in Dallas, she can.

Review: This is my least favorite of the Diana Tregarde books. The story was good and the idea was interesting but the end was a total let down. I'd say if you read this book be prepared to be disappointed in the end.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis: Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility. All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley-a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry-and anyone who reads about him-will find unforgettable. For it's here that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

Review: I have to admit at first I was wondering what the big deal about Harry Potter, a children's book. After having numerous people raving to me about it I gave in and started reading. I could not put the book down and immediately had to rush out for the second book. I think this is a story that can capture just about anyone's imagination. Highly recommended.
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis: The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny. But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone-or something- starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself!

Review: When I first read this synopsis I was hoping it wouldn't be Hagrid. I've come to love his character along with Ron and Hermione. I have to admit that I was surprised when I finally found out who it was. This book introduces a new professor Lockheart who was so irritating that I would happily have turned him to stone. This book will keep you reading the Potter series.
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis: During his third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths. For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemart. Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter's defeat of You-Know-Who was Black's downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, "He's at Hogwarts...he's at Hogwart's." Harry Potter isn't safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

Review: Rowling keeps managing to hold my attention as she ends the third book in her seven book series. I couldn't put this book down and would highly recommend it.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis: In this fourth book Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal-even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly.

Review: Well, as you probably heard this is the longest of the Harry Potter books to be released so far. I did enjoy it although I think it might be an easier read if it had been broken down into two books. It was a fun read and appears to be setting up for an exciting fifth book.
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