ISBN 0-553-57292-X
Published By: Bantam Spectra
Subject: Cyberpunk

In Heavy Weather Sterling takes his gritty 'cyberpunk' style takes it out of the realm of cyberspace and into the world of ecology and environmental politics. The story focuses on a troupe of wandering storm chasers who are out looking for the big one. A tornado a whole order of magnitude greater then anything ever seen before.

Not being a meteorologists I can't say how accurate his techy weather talk is or isn't. But it does get a little heavy at times, with enough buzz words in some sentences to strain even the most tech minded of us. The characters in the story are more witnesses then active participants. The real star of the novel is the weather itself, a product of mans total disregard of the planet we live on. Sterling makes sure to point this out on more then one occasion, even going as far near the near the end of story to ask the question "When do you think the human race conclusively lost control over its own destiny" just in case you hadn't got the hint yet. The members of his troupe have wide rang of answers for this, mostly dealing with our greed for the present overshadowing our concerns for the future.

or, A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer
ISBN 0-553-57331-4
Published By: Bantam
Subject: (Victorian) Cyberpunk

I found this novel a little hard to get into at first and was prepared not to like it from my initial reactions. This was due mostly to the rather disjointed style in which it is written. But as the story progressed I found myself to be drawn into the tale more and more.

The Diamond Age of the title is the not to far distant future where national boundaries have broken down and people have formed into global 'tribes' and nano technology runs rampant. At first appearances this novel appears to Be about bout societal changes and evolution, brought upon us by the advent of nanotech. examination its really more about how culture changes from one generation to the next and the need to teach our children to be thinkers instead of blindly following the lessons of the past. An idea with which I whole heartedly agree.

SBN 0-441-00439-3
Published By: Bantam Spectra
Subject: Cyberpunk

Sangaman Taylor has one basic rule in life, small molecules are good, big ones are bad. Your typical non-conformist, ecological activist, out to track down the polluters of the world and expose them to the public for humiliations and (hopefully) prosecution. While working on one of his latest projects he becomes the target of Satanic angle-dust heads, the FBI and corporate strong arm types. Stephenson tells his tale of eco-terror with a a good dose of humor and cynicism while keeping the pace of the plot moving along just fast enough to keep you turning the pages well into the night. This is one of Stephenson's earlier works, pre-dating his better known Snow Crash and The Diamond Age and his writing style shows a level of enthusiasm that has waned in his more recent works. Though the characters are more stereotypes then full fledged personalities, they are sufficient to their task of telling the story and making the his point.

A Myth of the Far Future
ISBN 0-812-55112-5
Published by : TOR
Subject :Science Fiction

I just re-read this book after reading the two Widowmaker books previously reviewd. I still find this book to an enjoyable read even on the second reading. Though it has been a few years between readings.
Mike Resnick populates his universe with characters that are bigger than life and legends in their own times.

A lot the basic style and mood of the story reminds me of the epic westerns like the Magnificent Seven and the Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name trilogy. (Fist Full of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good ,the Bad and the Ugly). Santiago is the most notorious outlaw on the frontier. But we don't actually get to meet him till near the end of book. When we do finally meet him we learn things are not all they appear. Normally I would say that this is a story about the what the searches find in themselves along the way, but its not so much growth of personality as it is parts reveled. Its not a really deep book, but it is a very readable book and good way to spend a few hours relaxing in the sun with a tall glass of iced tea on a summers day.

Volume Two of the Windowmaker trilogy
SBN 0-553-57161-3
Published by : Bantam
Subject :Science Fiction

It turns out that this is a trilogy (or at least is going to be as soon as he publishes the third one). After reading the second one, I had to revaluate the first one a little. I still don't think it was all the wonderful a book, this wasn't top of my recommendations list either for that matter, but I understand a little more about what Resnick was trying to do in Volume 1.

In The Widowmaker we see Jefferson Nighthawk thrust in to the world with only the most basic of personality, with only the experiences of a two month old to draw on. In Volume 2 we see with his full personality in tact (such as it is). The second clone has all the experiences of the original, complete with all the memories. We get to see a little more about what it might be like to deal with the issues of Who Am I if he is me and I am him. But do to the characters natural reticence we never really get to see to deep into the mind and thoughts of the lead character. It will be interesting to see what Resnick does in Vol 3.

Published by : Bantam
Subject :Science Fiction

This is the second book by Mike Resnick I have read, the first being Santiago which I greatly enjoyed, (a more in depth review will be done when i get around to it). I can't say as much for this one. Though the story was good, it was not one that I can really recommend as you really need to go out and get.

The Widowmaker is (was) the best bounty hunter in the galaxy, at least until he got a fatal disease and is now laying in cold storage waiting for someone to find a cure. Now in order to meet his rising medical expenses, his lawyers have created a clone of him to go out and find an assassin. The problem is, though the clone has all his innate ability, he lacks the experiences that made Jefferson Nighthawk The Widowmaker.

The examination of the issues of being a clone only 3 months old thrust in to the roll of a mid 20's bounty hunter is the only really interesting part to the story, but its not a very in deapth examination. The story moves along with a slow but steady pace, but you never really get pulled into caring about what happens to any of the characters. In short, he can do better. But if you need something to read, this will do.

ISBN 0-441-00350-8
Published By: Ace Science Fiction

A mysterious silver box appears into lives of three people, a Minister, a Spy and Courier, that shakes the very foundations of their beliefs and offers them the ultimate tool for information. For this box can answers any question, from "Who am I" or "What are tomorrow lottery numbers" to "Does GOD exist". As the various players in this tale via for gaining control of all three parts of this incredible device, the story becomes a tale of greed, fear and survival. As with all of Perry's work, his stories center on the characters instead of the technology. The Trinity Vector spends its time delving into the effects that having access to the 'truth' has on the individuals that the device touched without needing to explain the how, what or why behind it all.

Over all I like Steve Perrys writing, he can usually turn out an interesting tale with human characters and intriguing plots. The Digital Effect is no exception to this. The main character, Gil Sivart, a retired engineer, micro model make and part time private investigator solves the puzzle of the death of the his clients S.O. in a very human fashion. No super powers of observation, no inexplicable leaps of intuition, a slow piecing together of bits of information one step at a time.

The story is basically a mystery that just happens to be set in an orbital city at the end of the 22nd century. As with most stories of this type, the background and setting is secondary to the mystery itself, but in this instance Perry seems to go a little out of his way to toss in bits of history and occasionally tech talk to try and remind you that this is a Science Fiction story as well as a mystery. Though these bits are interesting, they are not really necessary to the story and seem to be a more filler then anything else. Fortunately it doesn't really get in the way of the story and lets you see a little bit more of the world the characters live in

ISBN 0-425-07158-8
Published: Berkly Books

What is there to say about this book. It's a classic, read it. You want more? Ok ok, Personally I think this is probably one of Heinlein's best works. It marked his change from writing for the younger market and put him well into the adult genres. Written at a time (1959) when strong conservative values were starting to be replaced with a new liberal out look on life. Heinlein draws his line in the sand and takes his stand for those old fashioned values of Honor, Duty and Responsibility. Soon after, Vietnam came along put the final nail in their coffin.

ISBN 0-451-45062-0
Published By: Pengiun/Roc

I read this book in one night. Not so much because I couldn't put it down,. but because I couldn't sleep. Shade is a runaway, stranded on a planet where the law is made by those who own the guns. Her one advantage is that she can 'scope' people. Look into the psyche and see what really makes them tick and what they are likely to do. Unfortunately she didn't bother to keep this skill to secret and there are many others out there that to use her talent for their own ends.

Devenport tells this tale at fairly easy pace, using a journal entry style that doesn't rush anything but doesn't leave you waiting for the next plot development either. Its got some of the style of Cyberpunk type story but without the tech to back it up. The society is definitely grungy enough though. I can't say I would recommend you go out and look for this one, but if you happen upon it and got nothing better to do, it can help you pass the time.

ISBN 0-671-00236-8
with Vox Day
Published by : Pocket Books a divsion of Simon & Schuster
Subject :Science Fiction

The second novel by Bethke, this time working with Vox Day, Rebel Moon spends its time in the real world instead of the cyber one. The workers and colonists of the Moon have had enough of living under Earth's control and declares its independence. The powers that be on Earth of course are not pleased.

Rebel Moon has a more serious bent to it then Bethke's previous novel Head Crash . This is probably due to the influence of his co-writer Vox Day. Every so often Bethke's style from his first novel leaks thru in the novels resident hacker Dalton Starkiller, another Jr. MIS tech with some similarities in personality to that of Jack Burroughs. But unlike his previous novel, this one is straight SF. Though I found Head Crash to be a more entertaining read. Rebel Moon is a good story and worth picking up. It has a few surprises lurking behind the scenes and my only complaint with it is the ending kind of leaves you hanging. Be it for dramtic effect or the hopes of doing a sequal I will leave up to you to decide.

ISBN 0-446-60260-4
Published by : Aspect
Subject :Science Fiction

This is a very amusing piece of cyberpunk genre with unique advantage of being written by someone that actually understands computers. The concepts and representations of cyberspace and how you might interact with it are all in the realms of plausibility, Bethke also does a good job of capturing the o culture found in most MIS departments, and poking a bit of fun at it at the same time. He also does a good job of capturing the differences between peoples on-line personalities vs their real life identities.

The main character, Jack Burroughs aka MAX_COOL is a Jr MIS tech during the day but at night is the harely riding hacker of the internet. When he gets fired from his day job a mysterious lady seeks out MAX_COOL and offers him $1 million and the latest in black market VR devices to break into a system and recover some files. When MAX tries out the new hardware, he finds that, besides being slightly uncomfortable (read the book and you will see what I mean). it also gives him Super User status on the net. Of course that is just the start of his problems.

Over all I really enjoyed this story, the writing is decent and the plot isn't all the much but its enough to keep the story moving along and the give a good background for the humor to rest against. The characters are quirky, the technology is interesting and the writing filled with a sense of fun and humor that makes this a fun way to pass the afternoon.

ISBN 0-06-105421-6
Published by : HarperPrism
Subject :Science Fiction

This is supposed to be one the better novels in what has been termed the 'SteamPunk' Genre. In this alternate history of the world, a mysterious substance, Anti-Ice, is discovered in the AntArtic during the late 1800. When brought above the freezing point it rapidly changes state releasing enormous amounts of energy. This discovery and exploitation leads to rapid and dramatic shift in the balance of power.

Though the technological innovations are interesting, and the exploration of the possible historical consequences plausible. The characters and the story itself left to be desired. Instead of capturing your attention an sympathies, the characters seem to go out of their way to try and irrate or alienate the reader from them. I found myself more then once wondering

The story is told from the point of view of Ned Vicars. A rather shallow, vain and not to bright diplomat of the British Foreign Office. Ned along with George Holden, an extremely patriotic member of the press, and Josiah Traveller, the force behind the development of Anti-Ice itself, get caught up in an international plot to try and save France from a Prussian invasion. Do to an act of sabotage the soon find themselves on a trip to the moon in Travellers prototype flying craft. Though their plight appears to be desperate, I found it very difficult to have any sympathy for them.

(series)
Published by ACE Fantasy
Subject Fantasy

Review:
An alternate reality series where Vampires, Werewolves and Witches are not only real, but the Supreme Court ruled that they have equal rights too. Its 20th century St Louis and Anita Blake, Animator of Zombies, Consultant to the Police Supernatural Investigation Squad, and slayer of rouge vampires. Anita, known amongst the vampires as The Executioner, makes her living rasing zombies for clients that aren't quite ready to be separated from their dear departed. She also helps out the police from time to time as their resident expert on things that go bump in the night. Threading her way through a series of cases with a mixture of shear stubbornness, down right toughness and enough attitude to make even Mike Hammer or Sam Spade sit up and take notice.

The stories are well written and the plots are just twisted enough to keep you guessing. The characters are quirky and filled out just enough to give the story some life without getting distracted. The same goes for the background on the society depicted. You get the bits of you need as it goes along without it intruding on the story. All combined it makes for a well paced and enjoyable story

Guilty Pleasures: ISBN 0-441-30483-4

When someone starts killing vampires, the Mater Vampire wants it stopped. And who better to stop a vampire killer then the Execution herself. Only one problem, Anita doesn't work for vampires. But they won't take no for an answer.

The Laughing Corpse: ISBN 0-441-00091-6

Voodoo queens, killer zombies and a mobster that wants her to raise an ancient ancestor conspire to make Anita's life difficult in this second episode in the Not to mention the the new Master Vampire of the city wants to take her out on date.

Circus of the Damned: ISBN 0-441-00197-1

Anita becomes the center piece in the struggle for who will be the Master of the City. With Nicholas dead, Jean-Claude tries to consolidate his power as the new Master, but not everyone thinks he is strong enough to hold it, and his rivals plot to displace him. Meanwhile a rouge vampire pack is busy feasting on the local populace.

The Lunatic Cafe: ISBN 0-441-00293-5

In between winding her way through the complexities of the lycantrhope political power plays and a good ol'boy sheriffs dept that dosn't like anyone playing in their backyard, specialy some female civi. Anita has to try and keep her two jealous suitors, an up and comming Wearwolfe and the the Master Vampire of the city, from killing each other.

Blody Bones:

The Killing Dance: ISBN 0-441-00452-0

Published by Tor Books
Subject Fantasy

Tells the tale of the Last Free Company of Khatovar, a mercenary company, and their struggle to survive in a world of dark magic mighty battles and evil sorceress by use of cunning and wit and as a last resort, force of arms.

Review:
This is a well written tale of people caught up in the struggle to survive in a world where the like between good and evil is as twisted as the authors sense of humor. An epic tale of swords and sorcery without the classic formula and cardboard characters. This is a not of world of black and white, good vs. evil. No fairy princess or elven heroes. The members of company are just as good and just as evil as those they work for and those they fight against. The only thing that separates them from the rest is their honor and brotherhood to themselves. That's one thing I liked most in this series, the characters are people, not the standard arch types we find so commonly used over and over again in fantasy. When the bad guys get killed its with some regret that you see them go. A rather refreshing approach.

The Black Company (First Chronicle of the Black Company)
Shadows Linger (Second Chronicle of the Black Company)
The White Rose (Third Chronicle of the Black Company)

Summery:
The company hired by a powerful magician, Soultaker, one of the Ten Who Were Taken and their master, The Lady. They soon discover that they are to be pawn in a struggle for power between the Taken and The Lady set on the back drop of a rebellion against The Lady's rule. As the politics and machinations of those who have hired the company process they discover their only real mission is to survive.

Silver Spike (A side tale in the saga.)

Summery:
The Black Company has split, while half of them journey south to uncover the mystery of their origins Raven, Darling and Silent set off to seek their own fate each hoping to gain what they most deisre. Only to discover that the enemy they thought they had vanquished is not as dead as they had hoped. Now they have to try and put aside their personal differences and band together for one last great battle.

Shandow Games (First Book of the South) (Fourth Chronicle of the Black Company)
Dreams of Steel (Second Book of the South)(Fifth Chronicle of the Black Company)
Bleak Seasons (First Book of Glittering Stone) (Sixth Chronicle of the Black Company)

Summery:
The remnants of the of Last Free Company of Khatovar set off to seek their origins. For 400 years they have traveled north, selling their services to those who would pay. Now they journey back south, seeking the land of Khatovar. It is a journey not everyone is happy to see them make. The closer they get to their goal, the more questions are raised into the early days of the company and the deeper they find themselves being used as pawns in yet another war of shadows with enemies both old and new.