Friday, January 25, 2008

Review: _Iron Kissed_ by Patricia Briggs

Urban Fantasy is a rapidly growing subgenre in Fantasy. Stories about magic and supernatural creatures living in our world make for exciting reads. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs is the third book in her Mercy Thompson series about shape changer living in Washington state. The author keeps the latest book in the series interesting through the characters and plot.

Characters continue to grow in this book, which keeps readers interested. Mercy Thompson is a mechanic who can change into a coyote. She was raised by werewolves and has two of them or love interests. Mercy discovers new strength in this book as she tries to help save an old friend. Adam, the werewolf pack leader, endures courting Mercy with a strained patience. He must keep his dominant nature in control in order to not drive Mercy away from him. Other characters add intriguing touches to the story. Mrs. Briggs provides more facets to her characters that lets them change and draws readers further into the story.

Next, the plot moves at a brisk pace, attracting readers in by being interesting. The story begins with Mercy being asked by her old boss Zee to look into the murders of some Fae on the reservation. Mercy’s sense of smell as a coyote might lead to some clues about the killer. Before she knows it, Zee is arrested for the murder of a human. The other Fae do not like Mercy knowing their secrets and are willing to sacrifice her friend to keep them. She is unwilling to desert her friend, which leads to attacks on her. Mercy gets help from the werewolves as she strives to solve the crimes. Again, Ms. Briggs deftly weaves an action plot together that keeps readers hooked.

The third Mercy Thompson novel, Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs, is an exciting addition to the series. Characters and plot makes the abiding story of Mercy interesting. There are some resolutions in this book. Overall, the book is an entertaining read that ends in a satisfying conclusion. This book leaves readers wanting more and waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Review: _Fate Fantastic_ edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Daniel M. Hoyt

Many people all over the world believe in fate and how to get around it. Is it ordained? Can fate e cheated? No one knows the answers to those question. Several authors try to answer questions of fate in the anthology Fate Fantastic edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Daniel M. Hoyt. Stories range from serious to humorous while exploring the subject of fate, but readers will find the stories entertaining.

“But World Enough” By Sarah A. Hoyt is the story of Hannibal of Carthage. As a young boy, the goddess Tanit gives him a prophecy that he will found a great empire. He spends his lifetime fighting Rome but discovers his rue fate at the end. The story is an interesting Historical Fantasy. Ms. Hoyt provides a vivid tale of the past for the anthology.

Humor is a strong component of Esther M. Friesner’s “The Bones of Mammoth Malone.” Set in the last Ice Ae of humanity, the story presents a sardonic account of a bone reader. Mammoth Malone must solve a problem of the lemming clan princess Randi Vixen. The story is told like private eye stories with snappy dialogue and humorous situations. Ms. Friesner presents an amusing story with a good character.

In “A Tapestry of Souls” by Paul Crilley, Crispin, a young village boy, follows a messenger of he Goddess out of love. He watches her die and undertakes a journey o return the body to the Goddess. His choice brings changes to his life and he world. The author’s touching descriptions brings the story to life for readers.

Arthurian Fantasy is represented y the humorous story “Camelot’s Greatest Hits” by Laura Resnick. Merlin tells the story of Arthur who is a musician. The legend becomes part of the career of a famous performer with wry remarks by Merlin. Ms. Resnick delivers a sound, amusing story of fate.

Fate is a subject that fascinates most people, brining difficult questions that are unanswerable. Fate Fantastic edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Daniel M. Hoyt is an entertaining anthology that explores the theme of fate. There are several stories which range from humorous to serious. Readers will find something to enjoy in most of the stories.