Star Trek and Fantasy Anthologies, Douglass, Erikson, and More (Mania.com)

By:Pat Ferrara
Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Hot damn! Last week's lame outputting of new fantasy and sci fi literature is officially eclipsed by the cornucopia of new hardback releases coming out today. From armor-plated unicorns to world-destroying aliens, we've got a flavor to fit everyone's taste in this week's book buzz.

Sara Douglass, hot off of finishing The Crucible trilogy with The Crippled Angel (released on paperback Aug 1st), switches gears and returns to the intense fantasy Wayfarer Redemption saga with the sixth volume Crusader on hardback. Also on hardback, David & Leigh Eddings conclude The Dreamers series with The Younger Gods and Steven Erikson dishes up the fourth volume of The Mazalan Book of the Fallen series with House of Chains.

Extraterrestrial enthusiasts should check out Event: A Novel for some old-fashioned Roswell fun-in-the-sun while those aficionados with a more refined palate should peruse long-time alien watcher and ET guru Whitley Strieber's The Grays.

Anthologies are also abound this week with the release of The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds 9 on paperback. Both anthologies clock in at 608 and 400 pages and are sure to entertain the hell out of genre readers and Trekkies... respectively. The Fantasy and Horror genres are in the capable hands of editor Ellen Datlow, who has won the Hugo Award for Best Editor, the World Fantasy Award seven times, and the International Horror Guild Award for The Dark anthology. Strange New Worlds 9 takes the cool factor to another level by offering Star Trek fiction from the fans themselves (don't worry, the publishers made sure these fans can write).

New in Hardcover:

Event A Novel

Event: A Novel, David Lynn Golemon, Thomas Dunne Books

In the summer of 1947, an unidentified object crashed in Roswell, New Mexico. There were no survivors. Now it's happened again, but this time, two creatures have emerged from the wreckage alive . . . One is a small being that is kind and benevolent, brimming with intense emotion and intelligence. The other, however, has been brought clandestinely to our world with one sole purpose: the total extinction of all life on Earth. It is called the Destroyer of Worlds. Only the Event Group, the most secret agency in the history of the U.S. government, is prepared to wage battle against such a creature. The Event Group is a dedicated collection of the nation's most brilliant men and women of science, philosophy and the military. An act of war that started in New Mexico decades ago, and was covered up by another far darker organization, has been discovered by the Group at the same time as the new (and seemingly identical) incident threatens to wipe out the Earth's population. In the desert wastelands of the American Southwest, a battle is about to commence as the two creatures set out to fulfill their own destinies among the human race. Using the benevolent creature as an ally and resource, the Event Group combines forces with the powerful might of the U.S. military and prepare themselves for an epic battle against the most dangerous threat against human existence that history has ever seen. Government conspiracies, crazy genocidal aliens, secret organizations... this book sounds creepier than that Geico commercial with Little Richard.

To Ride a Rathorn, P.C. Hodgell, Meisha Merlin Publishing

To Ride a Rathorn, P. C. Hodgell,'s latest high fantasy novel, is the sequel to Seeker's Mask (2000) and chronicles Jamethiel Priest's-bane, otherwise known as Jame, as she struggles to find a place in a universe full of danger, intrigue, and more than a bit of downright lunacy. A certain young rathorn (think of an armor-plated, carnivorous unicorn with a nasty temper) is after Jame for killing his mother and about to catch up with her. At Tentir, Jame faces cut-throat competition and finds even more buried, poisonous family secrets. Not only is the Caineron heir sent to humiliate her but a charming Ardeth Highborn arrives hell-bent on seducing her. Then too, what is she to make of the mysterious White Lady who haunts her dreams or of the growling monster that prowls Tentir's hallways and is said to eat young cadets for breakfast? Under political pressure that threatens to compromise its independence, the school of Tentir itself looks to its Commandant, an honorable man, but also a Caineron. As the college tests Jame, so she tests it. Fans of Hodgell's encompassing, yet not-too-heady fantasy thriller should tighten their grip on the reins and get ready for a wild ride.

The Younger Gods of The Dreamers Series

The Younger Gods, David & Leigh Eddings, Aspect Publishing

In this thrilling conclusion to The Dreamers series, the Vlagh prepares for one final, merciless attack; one that will pit her forces against the might of both the Elder Gods and the Younger Gods. But all the painstaking preparations of these noble allies might come to naught if they continue to ignore a growing threat within their ranks. For Aracia, sister of the goddess Zelana (one of the Elder Gods), is nearing the end of her cycle and has begun to lose her mind. Her insanity, if it is not recognized, will place the entire land of Dhrall in turmoil, making the dreaded coming of the Vlagh look like a child's game by comparison. Fresh from their paperback release of Crystal Gorge earlier this month, the Eddings duo tear it up once more with this chaotic series closer.

Rifkind's Challenge, Lynn Abbey, Tor Books

In a desert world ruled by men, Rifkind has always been one apart. A chieftain's daughter, she learned to wield a sword while all other women were bound by tribal custom to children and the cooking fire. But when her clan was massacred, she set forth on a quest for her destiny in savage lands ruled by magic and the sword. For a while, she thought that she had found a home; she practiced the healing arts and raised a son. But now she has once again heard a personal call to arms, a call to leave the safety of her home. She will once again take up the way of the sword and sorcery... and this time she is not alone.

House of Chains of The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series

House of Chains, Steven Erikson, Tor Books

In Northern Genabackis, a raiding party of savage tribal warriors descends from the mountains into the southern flatlands. Their intention is to wreak havoc amongst the despised lowlanders, but for the one named Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove to be an extraordinary destiny. Some years later, it is the aftermath of the Chain of Dogs. Tavore, the Adjunct to the Empress, has arrived in the last remaining Malazan stronghold of Seven Cities. New to command, she must hone twelve thousand soldiers, mostly raw recruits but for a handful of veterans of Coltaine's legendary march, into a force capable of challenging the massed hordes of Sha'ik's Whirlwind who lie in wait in the heart of the Holy Desert. The seer's warlords are locked into a power struggle that threatens the very soul of the rebellion, while Sha'ik herself suffers, haunted by the knowledge of her nemesis: her own sister, Tavore. Interested (and maybe slightly confused)? Newcomers should check out the first three novels before hopping into this fourth installment of The Mazalan Book of the Fallen series.

The Floating Island, Elizabeth Haydon, Starscape Publishing

Long ago, in the Second Age of history, a young Nain explorer by the name of Ven Polypheme traveled much of the known and unknown world, recording his adventures. Recently discovered by archaeologists, a few fragments of his original journals are reproduced in this book. Great care has been taken to reconstruct the parts of the journal that did not survive, so that a whole story can be told....Charles Magnus Ven Polypheme--known as Ven--is the youngest son of a long line of famous shipwrights. He dreams not of building ships, but of sailing them to far-off lands where magic thrives. Ven gets his chance when he is chosen to direct the Inspection of his family's latest ship--and sets sail on the journey of a lifetime. In a narrative that alternates entries from his journals and drawings from his sketchbooks, Ven begins the famous chronicles of his exciting and exotic adventuresadventures that would later earn him renown as the author of The Book of All Human Knowledge and All the World's Magic. First of the The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme series, this intriguing fantasy premise is geared more toward the kiddies.

The Grays

The Grays, Whitley Strieber, Tor Books

We are not alone. Millions of people are confronting aliens that authorities say do not exist. Meet the Three Thieves, a group of Grays assigned to duty in a small Kentucky town. They have been preparing a child for generations. Innocent Conner Callaghan will face the ultimate terror as he struggles to understand who he has been bred to be, and what he must do to save humanity. Colonel Michael Morax strives to keep the secret of the Grays from the public for reasons so sinister, yet believable, that they read like truth. And Lauren Glass, government "empath" to the last surviving captive Gray, known only as B for Bob, has a unique ability to communicate with this captive Gray. But when B for Bob suddenly escapes the highly secure underground Air Force facility that he's been captive in for years, a frantic race begins, as the government must outmaneuver the Grays to keep the secret of their presence intact. The Grays is a mind-bending journey behind the curtain of secrecy that surrounds the subject of aliens, written by the field's great master. What can I say aliens are cool. Period.

Endymion Spring, Matthew Skelton, Delacorte Books for Young Readers Publishing Co.

In the dead of night, a cloaked figure drags a heavy box through snow-covered streets. The chest, covered in images of mythical beasts, can only be opened when the fangs of its serpent's-head clasp taste blood. Centuries later, in an Oxford library, a boy touches a strange book and feels something pierce his finger. The volume is blank, wordless, but its paper has fine veins running through it and seems to quiver, as if it's alive. Words begin to appear on the pagewords no one but the boy can see. And so unfolds a timeless secret... Hrmm, sounds like author Chris Van Allsburg of the JUMANJI and ZATHURA franchises got ousted from this fantasy rendition.

Crusader of the Wayfarer Redemption Series

Crusader, Sara Douglass, Tor Books

For countless millennia the Star Dance and the TimeKeeper Demons have battled their way across the universe, destroying innumerable planets, laying waste to civilizations across the cosmos. Choosing the land of Tencendor as their last battleground, the demons break through the Star Gate and obliterate all magic, sending the three races of Tencendor into a vortex of chaos, madness, and death. Caelum SunSoar, son of the near-immortal Starman Axis and beloved ruler of all the land's peoples, is dead. Leaderless, those not killed outright or driven mad flee to the one place left to them, Sanctuary, a magical place created ages past to shield all who are good from the wrath of the demons. There is for some one hope left: DragonStar, Axis's other son. Many believe he is the true StarSon, the only being that can save their world while others Others are just as convinced that he's in league with the demons. Only DragonStar knows the truth and as he and his companions go forth to do battle he prays that he may convince all that his motives are pure. What he does not know is that there is a traitor who plans to hand Sanctuary over to the Demons. Douglass returns to do what she does best in this tale of godly familial angst and action in the sixth book of the Wayfarer Redemption series.

Virus on Orbis 1, PJ Haarsma, Candlewick Publishing

Thirteen-year-old Johnny Turnbull has always known there was something different about him, even before he and two hundred other kids landed on the first ring of Orbis. But once their spaceship lands, he is identified as the first-ever "softwire," a human with the ability to enter and communicate with computers through his mind, and becomes the focus of intergalactic intrigue. Johnny and the rest of the refugee orphans are put to work in alien factories, and very quickly things go wrong. When the all-knowing, all-controlling, and technologically "perfect" central computer starts malfunctioning, suspicious eyes turn to Johnny. Is he the one responsible? Got a technophile tot bouncing off the walls back at the homestead? This may be the book for you.

New in Paperback:

The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2006

The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2006, Ed. by Ellen Datlow, Gavin Grant, & Kelly Link, St. Martin's Griffin Publishing

The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in the genre and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers / genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. At 608 pages The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the second-best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.

Star Trek Strange New Worlds 9

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds 9, Ed. by Paula M. Bloch & Elisa J. Kassin, Star Trek Books

Strange New Worlds 9 celebrates the 40th anniversary of STAR TREK by featuring stories that span the entire universe! Each of these unique stories is based on original STAR TREK�, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION�, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE �, STAR TREK: VOYAGER �, and STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, and a few fit into more than one category. And all are written by Star Trek fans, for Star Trek fans! The stories in this edition let us participate in covert operations and become a part of history. They paralyze us and help us choose our course in life. And they allow us to get to know our favorite characters in new and adventurous situations. Newcomers and veterans to this anthology include Dean Wesley Smith, John Coffren, David DeLee, Steven Costa, Jeremy Yoder, Paul C. Tseng, Jim Johnson, Scott Pearson, Jeff D. Jacques, Emily P. Bloch, Gerri Leen, Mike McDevitt, Ryan M. Williams, Susan S. McCrackin, Russ Crossley, Catherine E. Pike, Allison Cain, A. Rhea King, Ben Guilfoy, Randy Tatano, Kenneth E. Carper, Kevin Lauderdale, Marc Carson, and R.S. Belcher. As long as this anthology has TNG material in it this guy's happy. Seven seasons was not enough!

That's your weekly book buzz in sci fi, fantasy, and horror fiction. Check back next Tuesday for some brand-spankin' book news. Until then keep it nerdy. Questions or comments? Hit me up at PFerrara.cinescape@gmail.com