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New Books October #4
John Birmingham
Robert Bly
Shanna Caughey
Steven Erikson
Alan Dean Foster
Alec Gillis
Martin H. Greenberg
J.V. Hart
Holder & Kilpatrick
Elaine Isaak
William Kotzwinkle
Kurtz & Reginald
Mercedes Lackey
Fiona Patton
Kim Stanley Robinson
R.A. Salvatore
Lucius Shepard
Bruce Sterling
Carrie Vaughn
David Weber
Zoran Zivkovic

New AudioBooks Aug-Oct
Orson Scott Card
Herbert, Herbert, & Anderson
Robert Jordan
Margaret Weis

New Books October #3
Brian Aldiss
Bassham & Walls
Aimee Bender
Brom
Julie E. Czerneda
Jack Dann
Carl Freedman
Gaiman & McKean
John Pelan
Robert Reed
John Scalzi
Peter J. Schakel
Jeff VanderMeer

2005 Archive

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This page lists selected newly published SFFH books seen by Locus Online (independently from the listings compiled by Locus Magazine).

Review copies received will be listed (though reprints and reissues are on other pages), but not galleys or advance reading copies. Selections, some based only on bookstore sightings, are at the discretion of Locus Online.

* = first edition
+ = first US edition
Date with publisher info is official publication month;
Date in parentheses at paragraph end is date seen or received.

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New SF, Fantasy, and Horror books seen : late October - early November 2005
posted 11 November 2005

* Baker, Kage : The Children of the Company
(Tor 0-765-31455-X, $24.95, 300pp, hardcover, November 2005, jacket art Paul Youll)

SF novel incorporating 6 previously published stories in author's series about the Company, a future organization that sends travelers into the past to rescue artifacts and extinct species. The series began with In the Garden of Iden (1997) and most recently included The Life of the World to Come (2004). The 6 stories in this book, originally published in Asimov's and Realms of Fantasy, include Hugo nominee "Son Observe the Time", and focus on the character of Executive Facilitator General Labienus.
• The author's website has this description of the book, and an excerpt.
• The Amazon page has the Publishers Weekly review, which notes that "Though the individual episodes read well, they add up to a somewhat disjointed whole."
• Nick Gevers reviews the book in the November issue of Locus Magazine, noting that two more volumes are expected in the series. "Baker famously has a light touch, and her effervescent characterizations and talent for social comedy make The Children of the Company picturesque and picaresque, sometimes extremely funny."

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Ballard, J. G., edited by V. Vale : Conversations
(Re/Search 1-889307-13-0, $19.99, 345pp, trade paperback, November 2005)

Collection of 8 interviews with J.G. Ballard plus associated material, including an interview with David Pringle, a 'JGB Nomenclature' by Pringle, transcripts of JGB's San Francisco Bay Area Tour q&a sessions from 1988, an index, and JGB's recommended booklist.
• The publisher's site has this page with excerpts and a (partial) table of contents.
• Amazon has a breif description.
• Tribute site Ballardian has this lengthy review with reader responses.

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Barron, T. A. : The Great Tree of Avalon: Shadows on the Stars
(Philomel 0-399-23764-X, $19.99, 430pp, hardcover, October 2005, jacket art David Elliot)

YA fantasy novel, second in the trilogy following Child of the Dark Prophecy (2004), with The Eternal Flame to follow in 2006. This trilogy follows the author's The Lost Years of Merlin series, and concerns the mysterious world of Avalon.
• The author's website has this description with a letter from Barron's editor, Patricia Lee Gauch -- "In his remarkable new trilogy, Barron explores one of tradition's most mysterious worlds-in-between: Avalon. Grown from Merlin's seed, it is a giant and majestic tree that stretches between heaven and earth, its roots whole dominions, its trunk pulsing with inner life, its branches trails to the stars."
• Amazon has the Booklist review by Sally Estes: "Once again, Barron infuses the story with humor as he shares both the wonders of his lovingly created world and his appreciation of nature. Some obvious foreshadowing and coincidences notwithstanding, this dynamic fantasy adventure will leave readers wanting more."

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Benson, Amber, & Christopher Golden : Ghosts of Albion: Accursed
(Del Rey 0-345-47130-X, $13.95, 385pp, trade paperback, November 2005, cover illustration and design David Stevenson)

Supernatural thriller set in Victorian England, about two magicians who defend their country from dark forces. It's based on a popular BBC website flash-animation drama.
• The publisher's site has this description -- "Fighting alongside them are the famous -- even infamous -- Ghosts of Albion: Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea, and Lord Admiral Nelson..." -- and an excerpt.
• Amazon has the Publishers Weekly review, which calls it an "entertaining, fast-paced supernatural thriller": "While the setup is familiar, the writing is good enough to raise hopes for future entries, assuming a better balance is struck between adventure and heroes who engage the reader's emotions."

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Caine, Rachel : Windfall
(Roc 0-451-46057-X, $7.99, 334pp, mass market paperback, November 2005)

Fantasy novel, fourth in the "Weather Wardens" series about people who can control the weather, following Ill Wind (2003), Heat Stroke (2004), and Chill Factor (January 2005). In this volume lead character Joanne Baldwin, no longer a weather warden, is working as a TV 'weather girl'.
• The author's site has these descriptions, and a sample chapter.
• Amazon has numerous enthusiastic reader reviews.
• Carolyn Cushman's review in the upcoming December issue of Locus Magazine concludes "Joanne's sardonic attitude and a liberal lacing of humor keep things entertaining instead of downbeat, and leave me wanting more."

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Carver, Peter, ed. : The Horrors: Terrifying Tales Book One
(Red Deer Press 0-88995-313-9, $7.95, 179pp, trade paperback, October 2005, cover design and illustration Peter, & Marilyn Mets Ledwon)

Anthology of 15 original horror stories "by some of Canada's leading writers for teens". Authors include Don Aker, Brian Doyle, Rob Morphy, and Martine Leavitt.
• The publisher's site has this description with a complete list of contributors.

(Tue 1 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Cross, Janine : Touched by Venom: Book One of the Dragon Temple Saga
(Roc 0-451-46048-0, $14, 353pp, trade paperback, November 2005)

Fantasy novel about a nine-year-old girl in a society that worships dragons.
Monsters and Critics reproduces the dismissive Kirkus review, which along with an excerpt in a free 'Ace and Roc Sampler' paperback triggered a kerfuffle among some attendees of last week's World Fantasy Con.
• Amazon has Roc's description as well as Publishers Weekly's review: "Turning the fantasy clich‚ of the underdog girl who dreams of dragon-mastery into a grim but fascinating coming-of-age tale, Cross scratches only the surface of this richly detailed, well-imagined world. Hints of a plot involving social and religious revolution hold promise for future installments of the Dragon Temple saga."

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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+ Erikson, Steven : Memories of Ice
(Tor 0-765-31003-1, $14.95, 781pp, trade paperback, November 2005, cover art Todd Lockwood) First US edition (UK: Transworld/Bantam UK, December 2001)

Fantasy novel, third book of the "Malazan Book of the Fallen" series following Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse Gates, concerning the Malazan empire and its numerous enemies.
• Tor has this page about the book -- "Set in a brilliantly realized world ravaged by dark, uncontrollable magic, this thrilling novel of war, intrigue and betrayal confirms Steven Erikson as a storyteller of breathtaking skill, imagination and originality -- a new master of epic fantasy." -- a Q&A with the author, an excerpt, a letter from Tor editor Eric Rab, and quotes from reviews. A hardcover edition is also available.
• The whole series is projected to be 10 volumes in length, with the fourth and fifth volumes already published in the UK. The novella Blood Follows, listed last week, is also set in this world.
• The series' website, www.malazanempire.com, has background on the author and the books.
• Amazon has Publishers Weekly's starred review, from its Sept. 26th issue -- "For a giant fantasy series, this is tightly written, with no repetitious dialogue or exposition. Erikson ranks near the top of the epic fantasy pantheon." -- and uniformly positive reader reviews.

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Hetley, James A. : Dragon's Eye
(Ace 0-441-01328-7, $14, 355pp, trade paperback, November 2005, cover illustration Lori Earley)

Fantasy novel about two magical families in a town in Maine facing a new threat.
• The author's web page has a description and an excerpt.
• The Publishers Weekly review (reproduced on the Amazon page) concludes "Solid writing, an evocative sense of place and delightful characters will leave readers breathlessly anticipating the promised sequel."

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* King, Stephen : The Stephen King Library Desk Calendar 2006
(SFBC 1-58288-181-2, $12.99, 128pp, hardcover, November 2005, cover design Shonna Dowers)

Hardcover spiral-bound desk calendar with two facing pages for each week. Each spread has across the bottom a text feature about or by King, such as a quiz, a list of beers mentioned in King's novels, reviews of movies based on his books, books recommended by Stephen King, etc.
• Also included is the text of short story "My Pretty Pony", two pages of weights and measurements, and blank pages for notes.
• Available exclusively from the Science Fiction Book Club, whose page for the book lists several additional text features.

(Tue 1 Nov 2005) • (Directory Entry)

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* Lackey, Mercedes, Tanith Lee & C. E. Murphy : Winter Moon
(Luna 0-373-80239-0, $13.95, 393pp, trade paperback, November 2005)

Anthology of 3 original fantasy romance novellas: "Moontide" by Lackey, "Heart of the Moon" by Lee, and "Banshee's Cry" by Murphy.
• The publisher's site has this page with brief descriptions and a link to an excerpt.
• Amazon has reader reviews.

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Lupini, Valerie Rolfe : The Whistle
(Red Deer Press 0-88995-314-7, $7.95, 197pp, trade paperback, October 2005, cover design Erin Woodward)

YA fantasy novel about a teenaged girl who discovers that her great-grandfather's dog whistle takes her into the past.
• The publisher's site has this description.
• CM Magazine has this excerpt and review: "This novel is a reminder of the importance of family. It shows how good people can make mistakes, and it speaks to the healing power of forgiveness. Rolfe Lupini may have written The Whistle for young readers, but I recommend it for everyone."

(Tue 1 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Marusek, David : Counting Heads
(Tor 0-765-31267-0, $24.95, 336pp, hardcover, November 2005, jacket art Chris Moore)

SF novel about life on Earth in 2134, in which the 'Boutique Economy' provides nanotech fabrication, expanded life-spans, and robots to do all the work, thus rendering 99% of the human population redundant.
• The book incorporates 1995 novella "We Were Out of Our Minds with Joy" as Part One.
• The author's website has this page about the book, and a link to his blog, with reports from his book tour.
• Amazon has the starred Publishers Weekly review, from its Sept. 26th issue: "This extraordinary debut novel puts Marusek in the first rank of SF writers."
• Gary K. Wolfe reviews the book in the November issue of Locus Magazine: "it's a delight to report that the novel is as rich and astonishing and humanly engaged as that initial story ... a moving tale of compassion and survival, and almost certainly the most impressive and significant first novel the SF field will see this year."

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Maslan, Danita : Rogue Harvest
(Canada: Red Deer Press/Robert J. Sawyer Books 0-88995-329-5, C$26.95, 383pp, hardcover, July 2005)

SF novel about radical environmentalists in a future Earth recovering from a plague.
• The publisher's site has this description, with a link to a PDF excerpt. The book had Canadian release in July, with a US release due in February 2006.
• The author's website has this page about the book, with the lengthy blurb by James Alan Gardner from the book's back cover, plus background about the book's concept -- "This novel is an exploration of how humans fit into the natural world. Should we consider ourselves outsiders because we have the power to change the world? or are we meant to find our place in it -- a place where we choose to do no harm." -- and writing.
• Available from Amazon Canada.

(Tue 1 Nov 2005) • (Directory Entry)

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* McDevitt, Jack : Seeker
(Ace 0-441-01329-5, $24.95, 360pp, hardcover, November 2005, jacket illustration John Harris)

SF novel in which an artifact from a starship that vanished 9000 years before falls into the hands of an antiquarian, who sets off to find the mythical ship. It's a follow-up to the author's previous novel Polaris, involving characters Alex Benedict and Chase Kolpath.
• McDevitt's website has a chapter 14 excerpt.
• Amazon has the starred Publishers Weekly review, from its Sept. 5th issue: "The scientific interpolations are as convincing as the far-future planetscapes and human and alien societies, bolstering an irresistible tractor beam of heavy-duty action. This novel delivers everything it promises -- with a galactic wallop."
• Excerpts from McDevitt's interview in the October issue of Locus Magazine are here online.

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* McKillip, Patricia A. : Harrowing the Dragon
(Ace 0-44101-360-0, $23.95, 310pp, hardcover, November 2005, jacket illustration Kinuko Y. Craft)

Collection of 15 stories, previously published from 1982 to 1999.
• Amazon has PW's starred review, from its Sept. 19th issue, which says that McKillip "can take the most common fantasy elements -- dragons and bards, sorcerers and shape-shifters -- and reshape them in surprising and resonant ways."
Green Man Review posted this review by Jack Merry.
• Faren Miller reviews the book in the November issue of Locus Magazine: "From the start, McKillip has belonged in the company of her own artful mages who can turn plain words and images into things of power. What has grown exponentially over the years is her insight into human nature and her ability to express the deepest thoughts in the sparest prose. This book's last two stories (both from 1999) show how far she has come. ..."

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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+ Robson, Justina : Silver Screen
(Prometheus/Pyr 1591023386, $15, 383pp, trade paperback, October 2005, cover art and design John Picacio) First US edition (UK: Macmillan, August 1999)

Cyberpunk SF novel, the author's first novel, from 1999, now in its first US edition. It's about uploading minds into cyberspace and war between multinational corporations.
• The author's website has this page with a description and excerpts from reviews.
• The book was shortlisted for both the 2000 Arthur C. Clarke Award and the 2000 British SF Association Award.
• Pyr's website has this page of description and review quotes.
• Amazon has Publishers Weekly's review: "a fascinating peek into the development of one of SF's brightest new stars."

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Schroeder, Karl : The Engine of Recall
(Canada: Red Deer Press/Robert J. Sawyer Books 0-88995-323-6, C$26.95, 271pp, hardcover, April 2005)

Collection of 10 stories, one original, novelette "Alexander's Road", with an introduction by Stephen Baxter.
• The author provides a short introduction to each story.
• The publisher's site has this description, with a link to a PDF sample chapter. This edition was released in Canada in April, in the US in August.
• Rich Horton wrote this review for SF Site: "It is clear to readers of Karl Schroeder's novels that he is a fascinating writer of Hard SF. The short stories in The Engine of Recall showcase that imagination effectively -- strong stories that aren't afraid to be adventure stories while also portraying cool ideas."

(Tue 1 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon • (Directory Entry)

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* Sinclair, Linnea : Gabriel's Ghost
(Bantam Spectra 0-553-58797-8, $6.99, 447pp, mass market paperback, November 2005, cover illustration Dave Seeley)

Space opera romance novel about a patrol ship captain who finds herself court-martialed for a crime she didn't commit.
• Like Sinclair's earlier Bantam Spectra title Finders Keepers, this is apparently a revision of an earlier book published by a small press several years ago, this one by Ltdbooks in 2002 under the name Megan Sybil Baker (Amazon listing), and according to this page it "won the 2002 FWA Royal Palm Award for Best SciFi Novel". One reader review on Amazon notes that this Bantam edition has a different final chapter. Since Bantam indicates no prior copyright or publication, this volume is being listed as a first edition.
• Bantam's site has this description, and an excerpt.
LinneaSinclair.com has an excerpt, reviews, and a Zafharish Lexicon page.

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Traviss, Karen : The World Before
(HarperCollins/Eos 0-06-054172-5, $7.5, 388pp, mass market paperback, November 2005)

SF novel, book three of the "Wess'har Wars" series following City of Pearl and Crossing the Line (both 2004), about an environmental enforcement officer on a planet occupied by three alien races. In this book the two surviving races are on the verge of war.
• The author's website has a brief description and an excerpt. Traviss notes that three more books in the series are planned.
• The publisher's site has this description and a chapter excerpt.
• Cheryl Morgan reviewed it in Emerald City, though she advises "if you haven't yet read Karen Traviss' superb City of Pearl and Crossing the Line then you should go and do so now. Don't read what follows until you have done so...."

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Turtledove, Harry : End of the Beginning
(Penguin/NAL 0-451-21668-7, $25.95, 440pp, hardcover, November 2005, jacket art Steve Stone)

Alternate history novel, sequel to Days of Infamy (2004), in which Japanese occupied Hawaii awaits US retaliation.
• Amazon has PW and Booklist reviews, the former concluding "A plethora of characters, each with his or her own point of view, provide experiences in miniature that combine to paint a broad canvas of the titanic struggle, if at the cost of a fragmented narrative." There are also reader reviews, including a rave from S.M. Stirling.
• Steven H Silver's review notes that "Although only labeled a duology, the ending of End of the Beginning (and the title, taken as it is from a Winston Churchill speech) cries out for at least one more book to help wrap up the lives of Turtledove's characters in the aftermath of the events he relates."

(Fri 28 Oct 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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* Wells, Martha : The Gate of Gods
(HarperCollins/Eos 0-380-97790-7, $24.95, 409pp, hardcover, November 2005, jacket illustration Donato Giancola)

Fantasy novel, third in the "Fall of Ile-Rien" trilogy following The Wizard Hunters (2003) and The Ships of Air (2004), about a country besieged by an army of sorcerers.
• The author's website has this description and the text of the first five chapters (some 40,000 words).
• The publisher's site has this description and a brief excerpt.
• Amazon has the PW review.
• Carolyn Cushman reviewed it in the September issue of Locus Magazine: "Spies, politics, and backfiring spells add complications and thrills in a fast-paced adventure across worlds that manages to wrap up with surprisingly satisfying speed."

(Wed 2 Nov 2005) • Purchase this book from Amazon | BookSense • (Directory Entry)

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